Since the sun was out today we decided to go down to Newport Harbor for a possible sunset. We got there a little early so had time to watch this seal playing in the water

back to index

We were not disappointed! The sun setting behind the Newport McCullough Bridge that spans the Yaquina Bay bar was incredible.

back to index

Returning to the coach, Al got in some practice time.

back to index

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is one of eleven lighthouses that guard the Oregon shoreline. This lighthouse was built in 1873 and still welcomes sailors approaching from the north.

back to index

Boats passing under the historic Depoe Bay Bridge that was completed in 1927 are entering the smallest harbor on the Oregon Coast. There was lots to watch here. We marveled over the spouts of the gray whales just off the coast. These giants were part of the resident pod while later in the year you can see 45-foot gray whales during their annual migration between the Bering Sea and Baja, a trip of some 6,000 miles one way.

back to index

We then watched the charter boats returning with their catch of the day. It was fun to watch these pros quickly filet the fish.

back to index

Our drive along the coast brought us to Otter Creek Cove where we saw another historic McCollough bridge. Because of the cloudy, rainy weather we've been having, the seas were particularly rough which brought waves crashing into the cliffs.

back to index

Captain James Cook named this headland in 1778 on a day when the weather was very inclement. On a clear day it is a great place to get a distance view of Yaquina Head Light and to watch the whales spout and the pelicans soar.

back to index

How exciting to have sunsets two days in a row - somewhat unique for this summer!!

back to index

We spent some time today at historic Newport Bay. There is a resident raft (that's what you call a groupof sea lions) of sea lions that one can hear from miles away.

back to index

It is also home to many commercial fishing operations. Walking along the dock we saw this red rockfish being filleted. We assumed that the eyes of the fish were budging because it was a bottom fish that was brought up quickly.

back to index

A trip to Newport is not complete without a visit to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse. This is one of my favorite lighthouses.

back to index

Yaquina Head Lighthouse was built in 1872-73. At 93-feet, this is the tallest Oregon lighthouse and can be seen from 19 miles out to sea. It was automated in 1966.

back to index

Soothing sunsets and the ocean's steady roar are what make this area an incredible place to visit and revisit.

back to index

There was a casino theme this weekend. On Friday we did a poker walk around the campground and Saturday night was Black Jack night. What a fun time we had being dealers for the evening and we even won some prizes!

back to index

The first burial at historic Eureka Cemetery occurred in 1879, three years before Newport became a city. The cemetery is the final resting place for many of the pioneers and founders of the city. We found many stones from the 1800's - even some for residents who were in the Civil War!

back to index

Since today dawned sunny with blue skies, we revisited Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

back to index

Looking down to Quarry Cove on the walk to the lighthouse we spotted these resident seals sunning themselves on a rock.

back to index

There was an exceptionally high tide today so most of the smooth stones on Cobble Beach were covered but the sound of the cobbles moving with the water was mesmerizing. The pull of the moon and sun causes the ocean to bulge. As the earth rotates under them, the bulges come and go as high tides.

back to index