Oregon Tour 2014 Day 3: Cape Lookout State Park to Newport, Oregon

After biking 2+ vertical miles up from our campground at Cape Lookout
State Park (bottom right), on our way to Newport, 70 miles south.

After leaving our paradisiacal campsite,  we climbed two miles up from sea level to Cape Lookout. Quite a low-gear slog with our hundred pound bikes. We have three cape climbs today, two like this one, and a third half again as tough on a beautiful 70-plus-mile ride. The 101 was pretty busy with weekend tourist traffic, and it was more than a bit unnerving at times, especially those places where the shoulder suddenly disappears. This was always a problem on bridges and tunnels, where a solitary blinking light was all that stood between you and a distracted RV driver. We are actually considering abandoning the coast for the valley on our return to Portland. We will decide tomorrow at our next overnight, in Florence.

An overlook near Cloverdale, Oregon.

A grey whale and her calf (bottom right) being watched (hounded) by a boat load of tourists (Depoe Bay State Park). This was originally to have been our third state park to camp in, but with only two fifty mile days under our belt, we decided to push on another 20 miles to Newport, for beer and a hotel room.

I kinda wish I'd had a rifle so I could shoot the air out of their inflatable boat.

Attempted close-up fail.

Some really gorgeous views today, almost making the somewhat dangerous ride worth it.

Occasionally we got off the 101 and these side roads were a welcome respite from the heavy traffic albeit adding a few miles.

Made it to Newport late afternoon, a quaint little town and home to Rogue Brewing Company.

Rogue Bayfront Public House, where we had beer, dinner, and beer.

Sure,  had a Dead Guy Ale—when in Rome and all—but I also had their marvelous Hazelnut Brown Ale. 

Lucky for us, our hotel was only a short stumble away from the pub.

Cute little harbor with the imposing Yaquina Bay Bridge we'll have to cross tomorrow.

With all our side routes to avoid Hwy. 101 whenever possible, our mileage actually topped 70 miles today.