The weather continues to be remarkably good. The highs are only in the mid 50’s, but it feels grand. Sitting in the sun on the balcony feels more like close to 70.
We took our separate walks on Wednesday morning. We go separately because Elaine likes to walk faster than me and likes to leave right after she gets up before I am ready to go. Since the walks tend to be into town and then back via the same (and only) road, we generally pass each other (like two ships in the night)shortly after I start out and she nears home.
Wednesday was our day to visit my second most favorite sea food restaurant in the world for lunch – Local Oceans in Newport. And finally some food pictures for you! We ate in the restaurant. Well spaced tables with lots of Plexiglass and all staff and customers masked (except when at their table). We shared a Grilled Calamari Salad (with roasted fennel, shitake mushrooms, poblano pepper, organge, Niçoise olives, and queso fresco). It’s an old favorite. Then Elaine had the Wild Salmon Sliders (three chipotle red pepper salmon cakes, lettuce, chil garlic aioli on brioche buns). I had my usual Rockfish Italiano (panko crusted rockfish, pepperoni, salami, pepperocini, mozzarella, red pepper coulis on a hoagie).
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After lunch we walked down the street to visit our old friends, the Newport sea lions on their sea lion docks. Lots of businesses and restaurants are closed (due to the pandemic and lack of tourists), but things seem to be picking up again. Undersea Gardens has been razed. The wax Museum is history. But Ripley’s Believe It Or Not Museum has been totally rebuilt. Alas, Oregon is closing indoor dining in eighteen counties starting on Friday due to an uptick in covis cases. Lincoln County (where we are) is not among the eighteen. Even the sea lions seem subdued and quieter than usual.
Then it was back home for naps and/or reading and/or jig saw puzzling. Cocktails on the balcony were delightful as always. Dinner was essentially skipped. Elaine was full. I had some crackers and cheese. I haven’t mentioned whales much. We see their spouts every day, but we don’t see their tails and bodies much as they roll over and dive. The Orca whales should be migrating just now from Mexico waters to Alaska, but they tend to be farther out. Whale boats spot them. When the Orcas are migrating, the resident grey tend to keep a low profile as the Orcas will kill their young for food.
Thursday morning was foggy. Walks were as usual. Then we drove to to find a well hidden Oregon state viewpoint in Depoe Bay that we had never found before – Fishing Rock viepoint. There is not sign for it on the 101, and you have to know where to turn off to find the small parking lot and discreet little sign. Then it’s a short walk through a forest primeval to a nice overlook over rocks and the beach.
Next stop – D River Beach (best name they could come up with?) in Lincoln City because Elaine wanted to collects some rocks off the beach (for her rock painting hobby). There are unique rocks on this beach with holes in them. Why the holes? No idea. Anyway, we found a bunch and a perfect shell while taking a leisurely walk down the beach and back. We stopped at Mo’s in the Taft area of Lincoln City for lunch, but it looked too crowded and we opted for sandwiches at home.
Elaine finished a jig saw puzzle (number two), fixed the sticking sliding screen door, and finagled her portable umbrella so it worked to her satisfaction. Cocktails as usual on the balcony with smoked salmon and brie and crackers. Dinner was home-made leftovers from the other night.
As usual the food pics make me hungry. My favorite pics are always the ocean and beach pictures. You must feel like you have your own private beaches as they do look deserted. Glad Elaine found such unique rocks. Tell her I expect unique paintings! Happy you all are enjoying yourselves. Take care…..