May 6, 2006—Flowing Into Florence, OR

The day’s fitful skies didn’t promise much; a promise certainly upheld as we got underway headed to the coast on Hwy. 22 west towards Lincoln City early this morning. About 30 miles into the ride the windshield started misting up and then I noticed my helmet visor do the same. It wasn’t long before the highway was wet and the trees were dripping, as we pulled into a wayside state park for our first rest stop. We were headed for Florence, OR to visit with Marc’s dad and stepmom, who have a newly built manufactured home just set up on their lot in a gated community.

By Lincoln City, it was starting to rain seriously so we were taking it easy through town when we fell in behind a string of Corvettes obviously out on a run. We would later come to find out that there was some sort of big parade going on in Florence and they were part of probably 200 old and new Corvettes which we saw in town. There was also a big Jeep contingent we noted. South of Lincoln City we took time to take some pictures and then breezed into Depot Bay, one of my favorite very small towns. Depot Bay has built up a lot of new condominiums since we were last there but because of the rain, the traffic today was relatively quiet. On a sunny day, its small main street is crammed with people as whale watching is a favorite pastime. Something about the kelp forest being close-in to shore causes the migrating whales to come in closer to shore to feed than anywhere else along the coast. Depot Bay also bills itself as the world’s smallest harbor, with the entry way a narrow chasm between rocks.

Rain continued on hard with us easing into Newport but as we passed through to the south side of town, it miraculously let up. We stopped again at the overlook for Heceta Head Lighthouse, one of Oregon’s most picturesque and took more pictures. Especially appropriate was the Wing and the gull together at another viewpoint. Then Marc shot me all suited up in my matching bike attire; smiling despite the rain. You see, I was having such a good time I wasn’t going to let the weather and being cold get me down. Besides that, I figured if I started whining, Marc just might take to leaving me behind. And finally, as one observer has stated: There are no bad riding days in Oregon, only bad choices in clothing.

One last curvy downhill and on in to Florence where we stopped to call Marc’s parents from the Fred Meyer. After a quick reunion we followed them on to old town Florence where we enjoyed a warm lunch of Mo’s famous clam chowder and clam fritters. Mo’s is the Oregon coast’s most renowned seafood restaurant and a big hit with lots of fans. You’ll find a location in nearly every major Oregon seacoast town. From this particular location you can also get a good view of the classic art deco Florence Bridge as you eat. Ah, it was nice to get warmed up again! After visiting their new home, it was a three hour ride, minus any rain, on Hwy. 126 to connect back to I-5 at Eugene for the return to Salem. A total of 297 (mostly) moisture laden miles--we’re tired!