Oregon: beaches, cliffs, a lighthouse, and a wedding...

We didn't really have much time for detailed exploration of the area, flying in to Portland on the first day, driving down to Yachats the next morning, and attending the wedding the following day. Inbetween all of that, we WERE able to stop off at numerous beaches and parks between Yachats and Florence to soak in the beauty of the Oregon coast.

Enroute to Yachats, we stopped off briefly at Mary's Peak , hoping to get a glimpse of the surrounding countryside from what appeared to be the highest ground in the area. Yeah...not so much luck with that clouds had settled in tightly around the peak and we only occasionally caught glimpses of anything through the thick mist. Hey, we make the best of it, getting one shot that almost looks bright and sunny, a good shot of why we should never, ever ignore those "Danger, falling rocks" signs, and the obligatory mountain waterfall. That and, of course, one of our WORLD-famous "I stick my hand out and take a picture of the two of us" shots. WORLD-famous! I'm serious!






























From Mary's Peak, we continue west until turning south onto the Pacific Coast Highway. Starting with flat beaches in the north, we gradually climb, revealing more impressive coastal cliffs off to our right (you know, toward the water). We stop off at a few more beaches to catch more photos.
























Yachats is small enough to miss with a long enough blink. We happened upon our hotel (Adobe Resort ) at about the same moment we realized we'd entered Yachats from the north. After checking in, we decided to do a bit of exploring before sitting down for dinner at the hotel's restaurant (with its fantastic ocean view).

The nearest decent views are right down the road at the Devil's Churn . Although tide and wind conditions aren't quite right to provide us with a true view of the 'churn,' it still makes for some decent photos. We walk down along the trail that circles the hill upon which the Churn's overlook is perched. We take advantage of a few more photo ops and then it's back to the hotel for dinner with an old friend. Dinner at the hotel restaurant is actually quite good - unsurprisingly heavy on the seafood. We enjoy the wine, views, food, and company for a few hours before wandering off to bed.