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Oregon Tour 2012 Days 4-5. Cannon Beach – North Coast

Yaquina Head Lighthouse

Day 3 was a travel day from Elma to Cannon Beach where I settled into the Cannon Beach RV Resort.  This has to be the most luxurious resort I have ever stayed at.  Set up for the big motorhomes, my tent trailer was a bit out of place, however all the campers were friendly and the park like setting was relaxing.

My first full day on the north coast would have me driving to Newport to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium after a side trip to the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.  Both are must sees!  Check out the pictures from my SmugMug set.

Day 5 had me in the Tillamook area where I visited the Tillamook Cheese Factory and the Tillamook Air Museum.

F-14 Tomcat

The cheese factory had an observation deck built above the production floor where you could see the entire process of turning milk into cheese.  After watching the magic, it was off to the factory store to grab a couple loaves of cheese.

The air museum is located in an airship hanger built during World War 2.  If you’re a fan of Mythbusters, you’ve seen a simular hanger from the San Francisco area.  All the aircraft on display are in flying condition.  My favorite, the F-14 Tomcat.

Once back at the camp, it time for a fire and a book.

Home on the Range…… Er…. RV Park.

Next….. Of to the south coast.

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Oregon Tour 2102 Days 1-2. Washington Coast

The lens from Destruction Island

Day 1 would be a long travel day. My plan was to get as far south as possible so I would have a short trip to the coast. Plan accomplished! I made it to Elma Washington and found a spot at the Elma RV Park where I was welcomed with a great spot, a hot shower and some chocolate chip cookies! And to top it off, there was an espresso stand next door!
For day 2, I decided to tour some of the Washington coast area. Good choice. My first stop was the Westport Maritime Museum. A former Coast Guard Station, the museum had many great displays and a knowledgeable staff.  However, the best part of the facility was the “Lens Room” where they had the lens from the formar Destruction Island lighthouse.  An amazing piece of engineering, this lens is a must see.

Next stop was the Grays Harbor Lighthouse which is still active after being commissioned in 1898.  Unfortunately,  the lighthouse was closed when I arrived, so no tour was available.  Next time.

Playing in the Pacific.

After lunch, it was off to Long Beach where you may drive you vehicle onto the beach.  This made it great for the dogs.  All I had to do was let them out, and off they went!

After the swim, it was a leisurely drive back to the camp.

Photos from the day are posted to my SmugMug site in the Oregon 2012 set.

We’re off to a good start.  What’s next…….