Trip Report
We left V.R.C. under somewhat cloudy skies and followed Hwy. 99 through Monroe to Corvallis Avery Park where we stopped for our morning break with coffee and goodies. We continued on Hwy. 20 to Newport where skies were clearing and it was a warm summer day with some wind of course. We headed straight for the Aquarium and were ushered right in through the membership entrance. Everyone scattered to view the new exhibits. Signs were up to guide people to the "Passages of the Deep" and the Visitor’s Guide map helped in locating the undersea tunnel as it is at the last corner of the Aquarium where Keiko lived. It is a clear acrylic 200-ft.-long tunnel with fascinating fish swimming around, even visible through the floor. As the description says, "There is nothing like it anywhere in the world." The Jellies Jewels of the Sea exhibit will run for about two years and is in the expanded section of the Aquarium’s jellyfish exhibit. It highlights a dozen species of jellyfish in a spectacular setting with graceful jellyfish brought in from around the world. Handblown glasswork is also featured in the exhibit. We enjoyed all the other attractions including the aviary and sea otters, sea lions and seals. Most everyone had lunch in the Ferry Slip Cafe and some watched films in the theater.
After lunch we drove over to the Hatfield Marine Science Center for a short visit and then drove to Yaquina State Park where the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located, just across the bridge. There is a stairway and path leading to the lighthouse with a resting bench about half way up. The lighthouse is one of the few along the coast which was used as a home with living quarters occupied by the lighthouse keeper. It is now maintained by the Lincoln County Historical Society whose members volunteer to keep it open for the public. The rumor is that it is also haunted by some of its long-ago occupants. It had become a very clear day and the view from the lighthouse porch of Yaquina Bay and the beach was spectacular. We drove home via the Coast Hwy. 101 to Florence, stopped for ice cream and arrived home at 6:10 p.m. Thanks to all who furnished cookies and to Marian Borchardt who took care of reservations.
Enjoying the day were: Ethel Allen, Helen Barnard, Marian Borchardt, Carol Bush, Mary Lee Cheadle, Margaret Fea, Dora Harris, Evelyn Hile, Jean Jensen, Marjorie Jackson, Rosella Jones, Helen Knowlton, Marie Loome, Rosemary Mason, Barbara & Walt Miller, Mary Millman, Lois Nelson, Frances Newsom, Liz Reanier, Kathleen Schlenker, Nancy Schreiner, Janet & Richard Speelman, June Smith, Marjorie Townes, Hazel Peck and Bette Hack (leader).
