I'm almost done.
Almost.
Days 5 and 6-Newport Oregon to Cannon Beach ( 121 miles)
Let's first discuss the weather. It was abysmal. But we didn't complain because we had fabulous weather most of the trip and we'd come prepared with the proper outerwear. When we got to Washington State it was gorgeous again and no we haven't gotten to Washington in the recap yet, but it's coming. In fact that's next and then it's back to everyday ordinary life here on this side of the pond.
Before leaving Newport hubs and I had a hearty breakfast (we could easily have split an omelette they were that big!) at a spot recommended by Josh over at California Through My Lens. It was called The Coffee Shop and is right on the harbor in Newport. I'm so glad we didn't miss this wonderful little cafe with friendly service and delicious food.
Our server very helpfully pointed us to the best lookout for sea lion watching which we so appreciated because y'all...
These sea lions!
So adorable and so adorably noisy.
About eight miles up the road from Newport you come to an area known as The Devils Punch Bowl. As we pulled up we debated about getting out for a look because the weather was that bad, but oh wow!
So worth getting drenched and blown by the wind. The waves churn and swirl in this natural rock 'bowl' which scientists believe was formed when two caves collapsed. As we were sitting in our car a couple pulled up beside us wondering what to do and we said definitely go for it.
Also, they were British so we had a lovely little chin wag there in the parking lot at Devil's Punch Bowl, which is what we do whenever we run into travelers from across the pond. We let ourselves feel all the feels.
We braved the weather a little further up the road for a stop at the Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint. Hubs kept telling me not to back up for fear I'd be blown into the wild sea.
It was a distinct possibility.
If you drive the Oregon coast road do not miss this lookout. Here you stand in quiet awe at the mighty power of the Pacific. It's absolutely incredible! If you're here at the right time of year you might even be lucky enough to see gray whales as they travel south to warmer waters.
We left Rocky Creek and carried on up the road to the village of Depoe Bay. What a cute little town with equally cute shops that were fun for browsing. We did a little of that here too. While it's reported to be the world's smallest navigable harbor the manner in which the surf crashes is anything but tiny-
Standing on the bridge is a little like the feeling you have on the log flume at Disney, and almost as much fun.
We loved this hotel- The Ocean Lodge... I mean they have homemade cookies and a complimentary glass of wine upon check in so really what's not to love? The Ocean Lodge is charming yet modern, with so many darling nooks and crannies and comfy spots for sitting, reading, and breakfasting.
The beach outside your door is none too shabby either.
If you're familiar with the movie Goonies (also Point Break and Twilight) you might recognize this locale. These Haystack rocks are magnificent and pictures do not do the crashing surf justice. It pounds over these rocks as if they were tiny pebbles.
We spent two nights here, relaxing, running out to the beach between rain bursts to gawk at the beauty, shopping in the charming village, and eating some wonderful meals. People we met while traveling had recommended The Bistro so we ate dinner there the first night.
We loved the cozy, intimate French atmosphere and the food was delicious. On Friday we had a nice pub lunch (and break from the rain) in town at Bill's and that evening had reservations at a popular venue called The Irish Table, which definitely lived up to it's reputation.
Before dinner we popped into the little place next door to The Irish Table, also well known and well loved by the locals in Cannon Beach. It's called The Hardware Store and is part hardware store/part pub hence it's affectionate nickname The Screw and Brew. It was a fun place and we were almost wishing we could stay for dinner, but in the end were glad we didn't miss The Irish Table.
From Cannon Beach we drove another 80 miles into Portland which I wrote a little bit about here, and from Portland drove another 126 miles to my grandson. I mean Washington. I'll wrap up with that tomorrow.
You're relieved I know.
Wonderful travelogue and those Cannon beach photos with reflections are something! So glad you made the last 126 miles to grandson, Washington. We leave on Thursday for granddaughter, Washington.
ReplyDeleteNot relieved at all. This has been such a grand journey that I have been so happy to follow through your posts! I'll most likely never see it all in person, so this has been just wonderful. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love the sea lion pictures, so fun! Also, that looks like an awesome place to stay so close to Canon Beach!
ReplyDeleteI'm finally getting back to your trip posts. Things are crazy around here but I hope we'll settle down a bit soon. Those pictures of the crashing waves remind me of a few classic novels and now I want to read, read, read. If only there was time, time, time. Ha! A fireplace in your hotel room? Perfect!
ReplyDeleteI love seeing the sea lions! Rocky Creek State Scenic Viewpoint is beautiful. The Ocean Lodge looks amazing. So glad you had such a wonderful trip.
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