For a week or so the Willamette Valley has been socked in with fog. Fog that doesn't lift all day. We'd finally had enough. Yesterday after coffee we did what we do every time the grey skies and highs of 39˚F (3.8˚C) temperatures get to us - we headed to the coast for some sunshine therapy.
 |
| (Heading West on Highway 20 just went of Philomath, OR) |
 |
| (37˚F in the early afternoon - why we didn't ride to the coast) |
We drove approximately 25-30 miles west before the skies cleared, the temperatures warmed up to 46˚F and there were sunny skies the rest of the way to
Newport.
We parked along Yaquina Bay and wandered a bit. The breeze was a little cool, but it was sunny so we didn't care.
 |
| (There were a lot of boats docked in the bay) |
 |
| (Looking west out to sea) |
 |
| (Part of the dock that washed ashore from the Tsunami - our original posts can be found here: LINK and LINK) |
 |
(The NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration - research ships were in Port.
All Pacific Ocean NOAA vessels are now based out of Newport, OR) |
 |
| (Another NOAA vessel) |
 |
| (Looking east around the bay) |
 |
| (Looking east into the Yaquina River) |
 |
| (California Sea Lions enjoy Newport too) |
 |
| (The seagulls are always plentiful and friendly - I was about 2 feet away from it) |
We looped the historic bayfront wandering into this shop and that, and made our way back to the car. From the bayfront we drove across the bridge to the Port of Newport where
Hatfield Marine Science Center and the
Newport Aquarium are located. There is also a little eclectic shopping area called
Aquarium Village. Most of the shops were closed, but we did find some photo opps.
 |
| (Sadly it was closed) |
 |
| (Pirate's plunder?) |
 |
| (Sharkcow anyone?) |
From there we drove to Starbucks for something cold to drink then pointed the car east and headed home. It was sunnier further east than it was coming in, and just as we were wondering if the fog broke in the valley we saw it rolling over the hills.
 |
| (There it is) |
 |
| (Cows in the mist) |
 |
| (And then we hit the wall - can't even read the sign) |
We arrived home about 5 pm and decided to make soup for dinner; something hot on a chilly evening. When we watched the local news they forecast another few days of the grey stuff and said if anyone in the valley wanted to escape the fog they needed to head to the coast or the cascades, so I guess we did the right thing.
As you can tell from the pics we haven't been out on the bikes recently. The temperatures and air quality just do not appeal to us. Sure we could still ride, but it wouldn't be enjoyable.
This morning we woke to 32˚F (0˚C) and of course we are socked in still. Hmmm to stay home or head for the hills and find more sunshine, that is the question.
How does Basil react to the fog you might wonder? He deals with it the only way he knows how..... napping on the ottoman that sits in front of the living room window.
 |
| (How Basil ducks the fog) |
- Au Revoir
" I would wear a full-length cape if I could get away with it - I do love a good swirl in the fog."- Martin Freeman
.
Nice sunny photos, even the shark/cow (only in Oregon). And you found a collection of shops and other touristy places. The fog looks pretty dismal and it gets depressing after a couple of days. Just blame the university since school is probably starting and that's always brings gloom and doom.
ReplyDeleteThe sign under the Sharkcow said it was created for an auction. Yep, it's Oregon.
DeleteI dunno if we can blame the fog on the students or not since they've been back for a week or two. Fog is supposed to lift by Wednesday, fingers crossed.
Nice how you dodged the fog. Isn't it liberating to find blue skies after all? We have had fog all weekend, too, and it was very disturbing, so we pretty much did what Basil did.
ReplyDeleteHaving said that, I find the shark cow also quite irritating. ;-)
It was very nice to see some blue sky if only for a few hours.
DeleteI don't know how someone came up with the idea of a sharkcow, but at least they were imaginative.
I bet you didn't get a headache from the sun! Does that one seal have numbers on it? It looks like a brand!
ReplyDeleteHow is Ashland these days? I remember it as being the best of sun and rain right there between CA and OR. Love the NOAA boats and other seaside photos.
I don't know what was up with that seal whether the researchers have done that or he's banged against something or maybe they are scars. I didn't find them to be distinguishable but one of the kids asked if he was branded. Sadly we've seen seals there with big wounds and nets around their necks, etc. People call animal control and they in turn contact the Marine Science center to come help them. I was surprised there were only 4 seals, usually they are loud and fighting for space on the docks.
DeleteI think I've driven though Ashland once a long time ago, but we never get to Southern Oregon. They still have the annual Shakespeare festival and I hear it is a cool little town to spend a weekend and wander. Maybe we'll do that on the bikes this summer and I'll take some pics for you.
Every cloud has a silver lining!
ReplyDeleteIf we were lucky it would be rain so it would warm up, lol.
DeleteIt looks like the sea lions have the right idea, curl up and absorb some sun! I'm sure the dock section has some interesting reading on it. That's an amazing story for sure.
ReplyDeleteThey really looked like they were enjoying their afternoon naps.
DeleteThe dock section could sure tell a tale couldn't it - floating all the way across the ocean. The signs mostly told of the recovery, had a few pictures of when they dismantled it and also what to do in case of tsunami. When we were over at the Marine Science Center they had another corner of it over there too. We'll have to see if the signs are the same.
That sun and open water look so appealing! Just goes to show you what I know; I'd have expected the fog on the coast and clear skies by you.
ReplyDeleteSorry Coop, I don't have any snow pictures to share. The Oregon coast is odd in that when it is foggy inland with an inversion you can bet money the coast is sunny. And in the summer when we are over 90˚ in the valley you can bet money the valley heat has pulled the fog in off the ocean and it is only 60 and foggy over there.
DeleteTrobairitz:
ReplyDeletewished we could drive a couple of hours for sun and warmer temperatures. We can only go North and East and both directions are colder. Can't go south unless we cross the US border. That leaves West over to Victoria but then there's the $150. ferry ride. I recognize the docks where you were
I'll bet it was nice to get away from the fog. It's been foggy here too but at least no rain
We played "Basil" this afternoon
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
Those ferries can be expensive. You think they'd reduce the prices so that tourist would go up on the island. Either that or they figure people will pay them no matter how high.
DeleteHope your fog lifts soon. We woke to 33 and fog this morning, sigh.
Lucky you to be able to escape the fog and soak up some sun.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you cold and damp is doable on a motorcycle but doesn's seem to be much fun.
Yep, not that we can't ride, just that we don't want to in this. And I don't think it is as safe in the fog. Daytime running lights are not mandatory and there are a lot of people that refuse to turn their headlights on in the fog.
DeleteI liked the first shot of the boats best. As to Brad copping a feel with the female pirate.....
ReplyDeleteThe picture of Brad is my fault, I may have given him encouragement or even suggested it. I should encourage him so. I was trying to think of a funny comment to go with it but 'he found the pirates booty' just wasn't quite appropriate, lol.
DeleteGreat pics again! Sunny winters' days always seem to make for beautiful clear photos.
ReplyDeleteI'll let you off for not taking the bikes - I hate riding in Fog!
Thanks Andrew, we were so glad to see some sun.
DeleteAnd I too hate riding in fog. I took the fog pictures to show why we don't ride to the coast in this. The coast part would be great and nice and warm on our backs through the gear, but the fog part is just miserable and the cold humidity just seems to permeate.
Nice pics! The sharcow had me laughing as did Brad with the pirate lass. I also go a chuckle of the title 'cows in the mist' it could be a movie name - I am feeling a little goofy this morning not enough coffee apparently, or possibly too much. We have had some sunshine over the last few days off and on. The temperature is fairly balmy and I found some snow drops the other day. Glad you chased the sun. Basil does exactly what my poocha does snoozes on something comfortable.
ReplyDeleteWe don't have gorillas in the mist but we do have an abundance of cows and sheep in the mist.
DeleteGlad it is balmy enough the bulbs are coming up. We did some deadheading in the front yard yesterday and the crocosmia and sedums are just showing some green.
Loved the pictures, especially the Bay. Something about being around the water and could almost smell being there.
ReplyDeleteThank you. The docks were slightly smelly that day. Smelled like the fish district, of course there are a few fish packing warehouses along there, they add to the odor d'jour.
DeleteBelated new year greetings guys! Lovely photos as usual. Our cats are emulating Squire Basil at present as the remains of a tropical storm passes over.
ReplyDeletePlanning to see the Wet Coast for ourselves this year, albeit a fair way north,
Take care.....
Belated greeting to you and Jennie as well.
DeleteIf it works into your schedule we'd love to meet up. We've been known to travel a fair distance to meet a Kiwi resident - just ask Roger, lol. A good excuse to go to V. Island perhaps. We've been meaning to get there to see Dar.
Happy New Year my lovelies. Basil has the right idea. Love to you both and may the sun shine for you soon. xx
ReplyDeleteRogey!!! Happy New Year to you and your kiddos as well. Big hugs to you across the pond.
DeleteI particularly love the vertical photo of the boats! I love all the photos and I'm dying to ride up that way. But that one really caught my eye. Basil is pretty cute too! I miss having a kitty, buy my hubs is allergic.
ReplyDeleteI would love to ride up and see you two this summer. I'm thinking before it gets too hot; perhaps June. I'll see what I can plan.
Smooches,
Sash
www.Sashmouth.com
Thanks tina. The vertical pic was a fluke. I was trying to cut out the ugly boathouse so I had to turn the camera.
DeleteWould be so cool to meet you two. I think my boss maybe taking vacation in June in which case my schedule might be flexible. Not that it isn't usually.
You're back! :-)
ReplyDeleteI was going to say the bridge pic was my favorite. And then I saw the Sharkow! LOL. I love the little toad, too. Thanks for thinking of me.
I imagine it felt pretty spectacular to get out of the fog and into the sunshine. I really enjoyed your pics.
And we had sunshine today in Corvallis - of course, while we were both working. We are lucky to live to close to the coast where we can go to see some sun when we are socked in.
DeleteYou never know what kind of eclectic goodies you'll find hiding in tourist traps. Sharkcows I guess are just one of them.
Nice pics....:-). Love the gull and the cat! hahaha
ReplyDeleteThanks Pat. Basil loves to hide his eyes when he is napping - blocks out the world.
DeleteVery nice, I love the photos!
ReplyDeleteI rode in yesterday and there was just enough of a San Diego marine layer (our fog) to cause traffic issues. Once at work, the harbor looked grand covered in a mist.
Maybe not as pretty as the Northwest, but we'll take it!
Cool post.
You think with as much fog as we get in Oregon it wouldn't cause traffic issues anymore, but it does. Now if we could just get everyone to turn their lights on.
DeleteHow you tied that lot together with just fog and sunshine I'm not sure...cowshark/seagull/sealion/cat. The sunshine looked good to me, typically crisp and of the West Coast. You keep the fog.
ReplyDeleteWell, technically it is Portland that has a motto "Keep Portland weird", but me thinks it could be for all of Oregon too.
DeleteAt this point we'll keep the fog, it is better than the Polar Vortex back east.
That fog looks really cold, but somehow looks inviting knowing the sunshine is up ahead. Makes me want to ride my motorcycle just feel the pain and comfort in a single afternoon.
ReplyDeleteWe have friends that love to ride to the coast in the fog just to emerge into the warmth, but riding back into the dense fog in the late afternoon is never any fun especially when it hovers close to freezing.
DeleteFog is the one thing I do not like driving/riding through. Really scares the patooty out of me unless I am sitting on a house deck or in San Francisco LOL. Looks like it all turned into a beautiful day though. Such a nice day on the water!
ReplyDeleteI don't mind fog during the day, but my night vision is so poor anyway that fog just make sit worse. Sure was nice to see the sun.
Delete