Monday, July 25, 2011

Newport Scrapbook

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The perfect trip for me is one that combines an interesting destination, with a large dose of history.  My recent trip to the Oregon coast was just the ticket!

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We were headed, last Monday, to the town of Newport, where we were meeting up with Stuart’s family to celebrate his mom’s birthday.

While it’s a long drive-around 7 to 8 hours if we take our time and make stops along the way- it’s also an incredibly beautiful drive, and one of our favorites.

After crossing the Columbia River into Oregon,  the road winds through the Columbia River Gorge.  Along the route, there is the option of driving on a stretch of the Old Columbia River Highway (Historic US 30), which was constructed between 1913 and 1922.  The purpose of the highway was to create a road that would allow motorists to view the many waterfalls and other scenic wonders that exist in the area. It’s a road of so much  beauty-both natural and man made…

 

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One of the old bridges-aging very gracefully.

 

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Horsetail Falls

 

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Vintage postcard depicting both a section of one of the old bridges and Horsetail Falls.

 

Past old tunnels-no longer in use but still interesting to look at. 

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This particular tunnel, the Oneonta Tunnel, was built in the early 1900’s.  It was filled in with rocks after World War II, but has now been restored.

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Oneonta Tunnel in 1920.

 

Vista House-a rest stop and view point.  It was built in 1918.

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The view from Vista House is breathtaking!

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A few hours past the Columbia River Gorge, we arrived at our destination-the beach!

 

Newport, Oregon, and its trademark Yaquina Bay Bridge, completed in 1936. It was constructed as part of President Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration (WPA) at a cost of  just over one million dollars.

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Amy on the beach in front of our motel room.

 

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We climbed up 111 of 114 steps to look out the top of the Yaquina Head Lighthouse, built in 1872.  Why not the last three steps?  The curator jokingly said that there is a “you- break- it- you- buy- it” policy regarding the original light house lens which is still in use.  When I asked what the cost to replace it would be-the answer was “Millions!”

 

We explored the craggy rocks surrounding the lighthouse.

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Tide pools were plentiful and home to many colorful creatures.

 

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Tufted puffin.

 

Our days at the beach passed by quickly-

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Ending, our final night, with a gorgeous beach sunset.

7 comments:

  1. Valerie,

    These are lovely pictures. I really enjoyed how you combined the old pictures with your own of places you visited or saw on your trip. That's such a cool idea and perfect for you:~)

    I'm pleased you had a good trip and thanks for sharing it!

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  2. Thank you Sara! It was a fun trip-and I miss the beach:)

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  3. What an amazing trip! I've never been to the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully one of these days. I love that Puffin!

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  4. Oh, it just looks GORGEOUS. I wouldn't mind that beach - it's not too hot! LOL.

    That settles it. I have to come visit. :-)

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  5. You would love the Pacific Northwest Lisa! The puffins would like you to visit!

    Melissa-you'd love the beaches. You come out here and I will take you there:)

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  6. I haven't been in that part of your country either and would LOVE to go. Beautiful layout of the old and new pictures. I love how you are influencing me Valerie. You are subtly getting me interested in the historical aspects. You are sneaky, my friend.

    Nice to see a picture of you!

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  7. Kim-your beach photos make me want to come and visit your area:)
    And I am so flattered by your comment-and the feeling is mutual, my friend:)

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