Sat - Aug 22
Neskowin, Or
Weather-cool but clear with a breeze high 60’s (20C)



There was sun this morning!! First morning since we arrived that we weren’t greeted with fog. This was are last day for exploring along the coast, we’re heading south to see our daughter and son-in-law in White City, Or., tomorrow. Our goal was to see as much as possible, but to be back by 6pm to get everything ready for an early departure.



We wanted to go back to Tillamook Bay for some more shots of the Brown Pelicans and we wanted another chance to see the area along the way, since it had been too foggy to see much on the last trip. It’s about 30 miles north of our campground to Tillamook Bay.



After four hours and 15 miles, and at least 400 snaps each, we figured we’d better head on up the road or we’d never make it to Tillamook Bay. What took us so long…photographing four people on Seadoos playing in the surf. We got ‘um upside down, right side up, crashing, diving, and having lots of fun. The surfers with boards weren’t out today because the conditions weren’t too good (we were told the waves were too close together), but that sure didn’t stop the guys with the machines!



Further up the beach we watched the waves breaking and the wind blowing the spray across the water...a wonderful chance to try our hand at ‘wave photography’. It was here that we parked on the side (wrong side) of the road and I got out to take some photos to the rear of the car (south) and Racine was shooting out the driver’s window. We were parked on the edge of a 100 foot cliff, along with some other cars. We were both totally engrossed in finding subjects and getting the correct focus. Suddenly, I hear Racine yell: ‘Carl, move….a flock of pelicans is flying by’. I turn just in time to see this little old lady raise six inches off the ground as she passed the car window in Racine’s line of sight. As I approach the car Rae looks up at me and says: ‘Oh, that wasn’t you?’ At this point we can barely contain the laughter and the little old lady can’t seem to get away from the car fast enough.



Going up the road we turn to Sand Lake Recreation Area. No idea what it is, and what a surprise. One-thousand seventy-nine acres of sand and sand dunes, covered with dune buggies of all sizes. All camping and day use areas are FULL and parking was nonexistent, but the Ranger in charge let us up park in the reserved area for the park rangers. WOW, great shots for the taking and as soon as anyone sees the camera, they light up and make sure to show their best side…works for me. We could have stayed all day…but the pelicans are still waiting.



When we finally made it to Tillamook Bay, the tide was in and the pelicans were not too close, we but did manage some shots and enjoyed watching them skimming over the water. The fog began to settle in and our watches said it was time to go…so we bid farewell to the pelicans and headed back south.



We almost made it home by 6pm and drove the Red Rocket (our Yaris) right up onto the tow dolly, strapped it in and we were almost ready to leave early tomorrow. After dinner we did a little more packing up and then I turned on the TV to watch some local bird program about Sea Hawks. :O) Seattle’s pro football team. The adventure continues…



To see more of 'The Great Adventure 2009' images click HERE