Oregon Trip Part One

We returned Sunday from a 9 day trip to Oregon.  Besides visiting Nick in Napa, and Lorie, Brian, and Aaron in Newport, our goal was to get a feel for several Oregon areas as possible future areas to move to.  It was a fun, productive trip, and we think we found the area that's right for us.

First stop was in Napa where we stayed for the night.  We "helped" Nick make pizza with vegetables all from his garden - Padrone peppers, onions, garlic, roasted potatoes, and heirloom tomatoes plus his homemade walnut basil pesto.  Wow! Did I mention several varieties of his own home brew, too?

Then it was off to Newport, Oregon.  Aaron and Lorie are demonstrating how this Swifter box is such a favorite hangout for Tabatha and Samantha.  They intend to patent its perfect dimensions.

Okay, I have to admit it right here, I fell down on the task of taking enough pictures.  There were so many good laughs with Brian, Lorie, and Aaron, plus a lot of beautiful scenes that were not documented. Big woops!

On Monday, we met with a realtor, Audra, to discuss our goals, and she showed us a wonderful area along the Yachats River.  We love Yachats for its spectacular coastal scenery (sort of like Big Sur), its artsy little town, and the wonderful hiking trails into the mountains.

There were other potential areas for us along Beaver Creek, and the Yaquina Bay, pictured above.  Yaquina Bay Road had little traffic, and a flat, safe road for biking a few miles into Newport.

We fantasized about living in that little house way in the back, just right of center.

In that little estuary above was a Great Blue Heron...

Bullfrogs...

and Cedar Waxwings waiting to catch flying insects.

On Tuesday, after exploring backroads near the coast, we headed through Oregon's wine country and arrived in Hood River along the Columbia River Gorge.  The Gorge is maybe a 20 mile stretch of towering water falls free falling to the base of the bluffs next to the river.  Quite awesome except for its high popularity! Our stay in Hood River was highlighted by dinner out, a night walk through the streets, and one of the best boutique Goodwill stores Gail has ever laid eyes on.

 Wednesday morning, we drove down the Columbia on the Washington side.  That's Mt. Hood.

 We pulled into the area below the Bonneville Dam...

 and after too many dam jokes for Gail's patience, we found the visitor center.  Gail looking pleased to get her official stamp for her registry.

 The elaborate fish ladder had viewing windows.  Those are not eels, they're lampreys!  They have the creepiest mouths we'd ever seen!

Several different species of salmon cruised by on their way back home from the sea.  The lampreys migrate just like salmon, too.

 You could see the fish ladders from up above.

We then took the old historic Highway down to Troutdale where we would stay for the afternoon, night, and morning.  You won't want to miss this upcoming episode!  Stay tuned!