Ah, will these wonders never cease! What an incredible three days along the coast we have had. The Oregon Coast has lived up to it's reputation! More sunshine today too! Up and out early after a chilly breakfast. First stop was Devil's Punchbowl. It was just after low tide so not as impressive as it could have been, but pretty amazing. It's this huge bowl area where the waves come crashing in.
Devils PunchbowlNext stop was Boiler Bay State Scenic Viewoint. The waves were crashing in here and these seaweed were hanging on for their lives. Every way would bring them back waving high. Fun to watch.
Foot high seaweed kept coming right back up!
Foot high seaweed kept coming right back up!Then on to Depoe Bay. Right in the middle of town they have the Whale Watching Center where we saw a Gray Whale spouting several times as he went by. They don't breach like many other types. There is a pod that are year round residents here, so they are frequently seen. Right down the street, however, were the fascinating spouting horns. They are rock formations that turn crashing waves into a plume of water.
Spouting Horn
Not much other action in Depoe Bay so headed on up the road to Lincoln City and beyond. We had thought about stopping here, but too early so headed on up to the Three Capes Drive. As we were coming around yet another corner we spotted this lovely sight!
To the left is the Pacific and up ahead to the right is Netarts Bay. Please note the blue skies :-) And if you look closely you can see the Cape Meares Lighthouse way up the way. That's the destination!
Along the way we pass the Three Arches Wildlife Refuge area where in season there are hundreds of Puffins and Cormerants. However, this is not the season so only the seagulls were there today. There are arches in all three rocks depending on where you are viewing them from.
Ah, success! The Cape Meares Lighthouse. There were great viewpoints all around here for watching for whales. Had lunch up the hill from the lighthouse (which is closed on Mondays) and then headed to Tillamook for some cheese tasting and a laundromat. We found both as well as a nice room with wifi to do some catching up! It was another great day!
To the left is the Pacific and up ahead to the right is Netarts Bay. Please note the blue skies :-) And if you look closely you can see the Cape Meares Lighthouse way up the way. That's the destination!
Along the way we pass the Three Arches Wildlife Refuge area where in season there are hundreds of Puffins and Cormerants. However, this is not the season so only the seagulls were there today. There are arches in all three rocks depending on where you are viewing them from.
Ah, success! The Cape Meares Lighthouse. There were great viewpoints all around here for watching for whales. Had lunch up the hill from the lighthouse (which is closed on Mondays) and then headed to Tillamook for some cheese tasting and a laundromat. We found both as well as a nice room with wifi to do some catching up! It was another great day!
