Hwy 101: Newport and Tillamook

With a late start out of Portland Friday afternoon, and many hours of sitting in traffic, we finally made it down to Newport four hours later than expected, but thankfully before dark. Spent the next morning on the beach, walking around the small town, and then headed down to the Aquarium.

Oregon Coast Aquarium, exploring and examining every inch of every exhibit for over five hours. Not missing a beat. The sea lions and seals were probably my favorite though. I've seen them out in the wild many times and always thought of them as "dicks" of the sea, but the ones at the aquarium were fun, playful, and enjoyable to sit and watch for about an hour. They've moved up in my book. I kind of want one now.

Heading out on Sunday, stopping at the lighthouse for one last view of the ocean before we continued up highway 101. Destination: Tillamook Cheese Factory! Which just opened back up in July after the visitor center had been closed for remodeling. Like everything else, we took our time, watched the curd get packaged, workers ignoring the gawking observers from above, sampling cheese, then waiting for ice cream downstairs.

Next stop: Vernonia

Photo Credits: Kat Wilson & Santhosh Nemmaluri