Yaquina Head Lighthouse is 93-feet high and has been buffeted by wind and rain since 1872. Back then, the light keeper would walk up the 114 steps to light the wicks. Today, the fully automated fresnel lens runs on commercial power and flashes a unique pattern called a "signature".

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It took 14 million years to build this cobble beach - from boiling hot lava to eroded fragments. It was here that we were lucky enough to watch a gray whale fairly close to shore spout and dive.

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Newport is graced with two totally different lighthouses. Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is the second oldest standing lighthouse on the Oregon coast. It was only in original service from 1871-1874 when it became apparent that the light was not as visible as needed.

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This wonderful bridge crosses the mouth of the Yaquina River.

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The fishing industry is alive and well in Newport. It was great fun watching the fish being sold off the boats. We were amazed at how quickly they could filet the huge tuna.

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We followed the historic Yaquina Bay Road for 13 miles from Newport Bayfront to the historic town of Toledo. We got to see several pioneer homesteads, experience the ebb and flow of the Yaquina River and observe the bird life along the river. These white egrets were happily feeding along the edge of the river.

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Even though it was drizzly, even though it was foggy, off we went to discover the area south of Newport. Our first stop was the Seal Rock lookout. We figured we'd see seals but found out that it was the overlook in the hamlet of Seal Rock. The sea was angry which gave us an incredible wave show. This was well worth the stop.

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As much as I love photographing the sea with a backdrop of blue sky, there is something to be said about catching bridges in the fog. Waldport sits at the mouth of the Alsea River and is a popular place to crab and clam.

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Cape Perpetua overlook is the highest point on the Oregon coast accessible by vehicle. Here, from about 1000 feet above the sea, we had a great view of the breaking waves.

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We found forest service route 51 on the map that seemed to do a loop into the Siuslaw National Forest so off we went. The signage was not good and we never were sure if we were on the right trail but it was pretty and we did get from point A to Point B which is all we cared about!

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Only in Oregon would one find moss growing down the middle of the road (OK so it is in the backcountry). One must be careful in this part of the country not to stay in one place too long or your north side might turn green!

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