Trip Report

We left Valley River Center and overcast skies but it was a warm day. We drove up Hwy 99 to Corvallis and stopped for our morning break at Avery Park. We then continued on Hwy 20 to Newport's Old Town where the bus was unloaded at the headquarters of the Marine Discovery. We were early so most everyone did a little exploring and then at 11:30 we were ushered into the cabin of he boat where seating was provided. The Naturalist Guide gave a short talk on safety and we were shown a Video on Oysters. After a short time on the water, crab pots were thrown out to be picked up on our return. Our box lunches were handed out and people could go to the upper or lower decks or stay in the cabin. Our Naturalist Guide continued giving out information on oyster farming and stories about this historic coastal community. On the way back, he donned a red hat shaped like a crab and the crab pots were pulled in with the help of our people especially Andrew, grandson of Mary Lemon. Alas, the crabs did not meet the size limit and had to be thrown back. We stayed in the bay and went up the Yaquina river to the oyster beds and then back to the bay and under the bridge. Along the sand dunes there were many birds and bird nests. At 1:30 we boarded the bus and drove to the Aquarium where we enjoyed the Passages of the Deep and Enchanted Seas with the lacy seahorses. We left for home at 4:00 and drove along Bay Blvd and Yaquina River Road and through Toledo back to Hwy 20 arriving home at 6:20.

Those enjoying a day on the Bay at Newport were: Jackie Bishop, Mary Bridgeman, Ingrid Carmichael, Mary Lee Cheadle, Margaret Fea, Dora Harris, Ben and Pat Jeffries, Marjorie Jackson, Jean Jensen, Andrew and Mary Lemans, John and Lenore McManigal, Barbara and Don Payne, Liz Reanier, Edna Robertson, Myrtle Sagen, Nancy Schreiner, June Smith, Janet Speelman, Connie and Floyd Wilson, Sheila Ward, and Bette Hack, leader.