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Our trip south along the Oregon coast actually starts in Washington, just north of the mouth of the Columbia River, a place where Lewis and Clark finally saw the Pacific Ocean. Cape Disappointment was given this unlikely title by a British fur trader John Meares, who was unable to locate the mouth of the river, despite the fact that it is just south of here. The lighthouse at the tip is one of the oldest functioning beacons on the west coast.

We stopped for lunch, had some clam chowder and beer-battered oysters. After we crossed the Columbia River, the highway rolled along through green forests, small towns and some beaches scattered here and there. At the little town of Neskowin we found our lodging for the night. It was right next to the beach, so we had to do some scouting for driftwood creatures and take in the sunset. I am always amazed about the various stages the scenery can change as the sun gets lower in the sky.

The following morning brought some coastal fog or mist; then we continued south.