Sunday, September 18, 2011

Hitting the Coast, Part Four: Down 101 to Nehalem Bay

After a nice lunch at the Wayfarer Restaurant in Cannon Beach, we rejoined our tour guide Sean and our touring partners, Bruce and Jodi. Driving down Highway 101 (yes, that 101), we followed the coast and slipped through some towns and state parks. Sean stopped at a viewpoint.


Oregon Pacific Coast -- Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
Oregon's Pacific Coast


With a fabulous view of the ocean, the towns of Manzanita and Nehalem, and Nehalem Bay, I can easily see why we stopped here. Perched on a cliff several hundred feet above the Pacific Ocean, the vista offers a chance to stretch the legs and absorb the scenery.


Flowers, Pacific Ocean -- Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
Near and Far


Flowers, Pacific Ocean -- Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
A Blossom Against the Ocean


Bruce and Jodi took a moment to snap this photo.


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Sandra and I


Afterwards, Sean led us through the towns and then along Nehalem Bay. The bay, formed by the merging of the Nehalem River with the Pacific Ocean, is popular for crabbing. Sean mentioned that he often rents a boat and takes groups onto the water for gathering shellfish, particularly dungeness crab.

We stopped at Kelly's Marina, located right along the highway and the bay. They offer boats for rental, but also have a stock of fresh seafood for a sale. Immediately, you get a feeling being on the coast. Clams and crabs. Salmon. Combine them with the water and the dock and it is a slice of seafood heaven.


Docks of Kelly's Marina, Oregon -- Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
The Docks at Kelly's


The group of us, Bruce, Jodi, Sandra, and I, shared steamer clams and a large oyster. I had a beer, Sandra too, while brilliant sun shone. Have good conversation, fresh shellfish, and enjoy the atmosphere. I couldn't script it much better.


Salmon at Kelly's Marina, Oregon -- Free Image Hosting at www.ImageShack.us
Fresh Salmon


The time passed quickly. It was 4:30 when Sean gathered us for the return to Portland. I would recommend our guide and the company. We saw a lot of the coast in a very relaxed manner, no incessant schedule of 15 minutes here, 15 minutes there, with no hassle of driving in an unfamiliar area. Knowledgeable and easy-going, Sean has a passion for the coast, so it was a pleasure to have him as driver and guide. If you want to check out more about the tour company, check out Sea to Summit's website.

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