Oregon Coast

Farewell to Vancouver and our wonderful friends and hosts Malcolm & Anita - we could not have wished for a better start to our adventure. Enjoyed a ''last supper'' with them at Italian restaurant in North Vancouver and received a nice surprise when George, Adrian and Janis dropped in for a couple of 'adios' drinks. Nice one, folks. Early start next day, with Malcolm driving us to airport to catch flight to Portland. Thanks again, buddy.
Great flight - stunning clear day. Flew right over Mt St Helens volcano which literally blew its top back in 1980. Found Portland fascinating - it's called the city of roses. Should be renamed city of bridges, there are so many of them. Stumbled across an exhibition 'The Welsh in America.' Learned much about Land of My Fathers that we didn't know.
Picked up rental car next day - a Dodge - and headed for the ocean. Stopped at Cannon Beach and stayed at little motel with fabulous view of coastline. Beautiful place to be on our 29th anniversary. Walked section of the Lewis & Clark trail through Ecola State Park. Challenging, but rewarding. Saw herds of elk close up.
Headed south next day on Highway 101 and wanted to stop at nearly every bend to take in the stupendous views. No wonder journey taking so long! Stopped in little coastal village Yachats on central coast for couple of nights - good grub, live music and Guinness on tap in Drift Inn. Chris reads about dune buggying (careering around sand dunes on 350cc quad bikes) and gets it into her head she wants to do it. John not convinced. We do it!! Brilliant, but scary as hell. To get up these sand mountains you have to accelerate like crazy, otherwise risk sliding back down and tipping over. Made it down to the beach after miles of trails through dunes and forests right down to edge of Pacific. Mad moment over (when's the next one, Chris?) we get back in the Dodge (boring!) Still heading south - this time to Bandon and Sunset Beach State Park. Wildlife incredible - sea lions basking (and barking) on offshore rocks, seals and a couple of frisky minks up close and personal dining out in a harbour on the local crab.