Trip Report
Thirty riders left VRC parking at 8:00 a.m. in the comfort of an Oregon Coachways bus. The sky was overcast. Our first stop was Avery Park in Corvallis. The 85-ft. picnic table cut from one Douglas fir tree creating a continuous slab was of special interest. It is beautifully finished and under cover. Some people walked across the park to enjoy the antique S.P. steam locomotive. We then followed the by-way to Hwy. 20, then through Philomath. Our next stop was Ellmaker Wayside for coffee and baked items. Next to Old Town Newport, driving by the docks, Embarcadero, under the Yaquina Bay bridge, by Yaquina lighthouse and Fishermen's Memorial (a lovely shelter for memorial events, including a plaque with the names of all local fishermen who have died at sea).
Next on to Hwy. 101 where, unknown to us before, the City of Newport was preparing for a parade to start at any moment. A sigh of relief from all when our driver diligently drove by the activities in progress. Soon we turned west into Yaquina Head State Park. A wonderful interpretive center was a great attraction. Then on to Yaquina Head lighthouse, the tallest on the Oregon Coast. Many riders climbed the 104 steps to the top, where a Park Ranger narrated its history.
During this activity a majestic bald eagle was discovered on a bough of a tree near the lighthouse. Picturesque indeed! Soon two sea gulls began diving at him attempting to drive him away. He maintained his place in a kingly manner. As long as we were there he watched us as we watched him. A great bird experience!
Next, a brief drive down by the tide pools. Presently they are mostly depleted so we drove on to Beverly Beach picnic area for lunch. We had just finished eating when rain started. Several riders walked the beach in the rain; they did not stay out long.
Continuing north to Lincoln City for the Kite Festival. As we came in view of "D" River State Park kites were flying. As rain increased most kites were taken down. After some brief shopping we drove north through Lincoln City then turned east on Hwy. 18.
Next to Bear Creek Road at Rose Lodge. Just one mile to the Drift Creek covered bridge. A heritage bridge saved from demolition by Kerri & Laura Sweitz and moved to their property on Bear Creek. They and volunteers reconstructed the bridge in its original form. It is a wonderful story about their accomplishment. Very special!
Our last stop was the Van Duzer Wayside, a beautiful park next to old growth trees. Then east on Hwy. 18 to Hwy. 22, Hwy. 99, Rickreall, Monmouth, Corvallis, and Eugene at 6:30 p.m.
We enjoyed an easy ride with driver Harold Carlson, who drove with care and excellence.
Riders were: Teri Anderson, Maryann & Paul Andonian, Louise Behnke, Marian Borchardt, Nicole Chase, Mary Lee Cheadle, Wendy Clarke, Margaret Fea, Evelyn Hile, Margit Hollerud, Mary Ann Holser, Ben Kirk, Gloria Layden, Andy & Mary Lemans, Jane Mitchell, Barbara & Don Payne, Edna Robertson, John & Nancy Schreiner, Nola Shurtleff, Nan Smith, Janet Speelman, Millard Thomas, Connie & Floyd Wilson and leaders Ethel Allen & Ray Jensen.
