Back from Oregon Coast

Just got back from a 3-day trip along the soutern Oregon Coast. Wow! There are many times I simply have to pinch myself to see if this is real or just a dream. I love the scenery between Newport and Florence, especially. So breathtaking.

After looking at a fishing boat in Toledo, OR I made my way down 101 to Coos Bay. The views along the rocky cliffs around Heceta Head are amazing. Wish I had more time to stop and explore.

The next day I had to venture down to Port Orford, OR to do a quick inspection on a small fishing boat. On the way back I stopped at the lighthouse at the Coquille River near Bandon, OR. This completes my quest to visit all lighthouses along the Oregon Coast.

On the way back to Coos Bay, I got a phone call that a fisherman needed an inspection in Winchester Bay so I decided to press on and get him done that evening. I have known this vessel owner for over 10 years and his boat is one of the best in the fleet and certainly one of my all time favorites to examine. There are just a handful of vessels and owners that I would consider working for if I were a commercial fisherman. This outfit is near the top of that list.

Then this morning, I was treated to a beautiful sunrise as I made my way out to Charleston, OR for a quick follow-up on a boat I had done in Newport a few months back. Ironically, this was the first time I had to go through the fish plant in Charleston and peeked in to see the workers cracking dungeness crab and filling tins with the succulent meat. It doesn't matter what they are producing, but most fish plants smell the same. The only exception is a plant that makes fish meal. Oh brother, that smell activates my gag reflex pretty readily.

After the follow-up it was time to head back up the coast to Newport. Again, I was treated to some superb views of the coast. There was an extra-low tide this morning and I saw lots of people out clamming and inspecting the various tidepools. I stopped at Cape Perpetua Visitor's Center to grab a hiking trail map for an upcoming visit and the ranger wanted to ask me all sorts of questions like if I wanted to go tide pooling, or hiking, or where did I want to go, or where I was from.... I appreciate his eagerness to chat, but I really wasn't in the mood.

I also made a stop in Florence to get some quick pics of the historic bridge. I find it very interesting and someday want to take a spectacular pic of it.

Newport usually never disappoints and it was gorgeous there, again. Looked at my 5th and final boat on this trip and then pointed the GV home.

Ahhh, home at last. Loved coming home and seeing Erik and Wendy. I have missed them so much.

Til next time...