We went to the coast for a few days, to make up for the cancelled (due to illness) trip last month. We were not lucky with the weather, but we enjoyed the change of pace. We have been to these places before, so we knew where to go to make the most of the decent weather intervals. We spent the worst weather day at the Oregon Coast Aquarium.

March 9 and 10 – Cape Perpetua

The evening we arrived, clouds were high and the tide was ebbing. We went to the Thor’s Well Viewpoint at Cape Perpetua to watch the action.

To the left, another rocky feature sends up puffs of spray when the swash level is just right. It is called The Spouting Horn…

We stayed long enough to see this gorgeous sunset from Cape Perpetua.

The next morning, the sky was overcast, a bit misty. We went back to Cape Perpetua to do as much as we could before the predicted rain arrived.

We had hiked up to the Overlook Viewpoint before, but this time, we drove to the upper parking area, and walked a short way to the stone viewing shelter, looking down on the coastline as we went.

We drove down to the Devil’s Churn area, and took a short hike along the cliffs and beaches there.

One could continue south along the beach here, but we were starting to feel the raindrops and the wind, so we hiked back to our car and called it a morning. Luckily, our lodging has a lovely indoor soaking pool with a view to the beach, so we enjoyed that while watching the storm come in.

March 11 – Oregon Coast Aquarium

This day looked to be completely rainy and windy. We drove a half hour north to Newport to visit the Oregon Coast Aquarium. We had been a few times before, when we had children in the house. But not for many years. We enjoyed the day!

The first thing I saw in the entry area was the large tank of moon jellyfish, fluttering and floating in a mesmerizing way. Perfect meditation objects…

Next, we wandered through the various rooms, looking at sea creatures we don’t usually see up close…

We watched the resident octopus swim laps around the tank. Also mesmerizing…

We walked through a few other galleries…

We rushed past the outdoor viewing areas in the rain, stopping just long enough to notice these hunkered down puffins.

We went to the Passages of the Deep, walking through large glass tubes in a giant tank that is now populated with the sea creatures that live in the various habitats off the Oregon coast. We brought our kids here to see the orca Keiko, all those years ago, before he was freed (Free Willy).

We returned back through the main galleries, taking time to look at the moon jellies once more.

Then we drove back to Yachats, through the wind and rain, over the Art Deco Yaquina Bay Bridge…

March 12 – 804 Trail, Yachats

This looked to be another rainy day. The 804 Trail passes in front of our hotel, and all along the waterfront of Yachats. We walked in alternating drizzle and mist about 3 miles north and south along the trail.

That afternoon, it was back to the soaking tub and spa, and I had more time to knit with a view…

March 13 – Homeward

On Friday we drove home, refreshed from our time at the coast, despite the stormy weather. I appreciated all the coastal-themed art work in our hotel, including a seabird chess set.