It was a change of scenery today as we continued our journey south some 100 miles to Depoe Bay on the Pacific Ocean. Busy towns gave way to wine growing regions, logging, hills, coastal views and, bizarrely, a full-size car hanging in a tree.
En route we passed through McMinnville which proudly stated on a road sign that its population was 33,810. It struck me that it must be somebody’s job to raise or lower that figure on quite a regular basis. The town is the home of fine wines, the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, and an annual UFO festival. It would have been interesting to stop, but alas Depoe Bay was awaiting us.
First thing to hit us upon arrival at Depoe Bay was the sea mist, looking like a cotton wool blanket over our hotel, which is situated a short distance from, what is claimed to be, the smallest harbour in the world.
Depoe Bay, the mist and its small harbour
The next thing we noticed was that this is a tsunami zone. Just 30-70 miles off this shoreline lies the Cascadia Subduction Zone, one of the largest active faults in North America. As our room overlooks the sea we would not have a chance if an earthquake happened and the resulting tsunami did arrive, so I think we would just have to enjoy (to our surprise) the secluded hot tub and champagne that awaited our arrival at our hotel, The Channel Inn.
A stroll along the coast soon revealed this is a whale watching region, the Gray whale breaching and blowing as it feeds on Mysid shrimp found at the edge of kelp beds along the shoreline. We took advantage of one of the many hour-long whale watching sailings. Well it was more of a very enjoyable boat ride for although the crew worked hard to get near to the whale these mammals teased us with just puffs of water. That is until we were about to dock and a huge Gray whale welcomed us back ashore. It was a lovely boat ride on calm seas, beautiful sunshine and a mild breeze. It could not have been much better.
So now for the hot tub and that Champagne, while we watch the whales and boats come and go. But we must keep a clear head. Tomorrow we travel 300 miles south along the coast and inland to Medford.
Copyright: words and photos Sue Barnard 2019