January 23 - Yaquina Bay and Clearwater Restaurant

I truly never knew that life could be so good. Today was gloriously sunny and the coast was beckoning. Leo Guzman Fernandez, Grant Myers, and I took off for Newport and the Clearwater Restaurant on Yaquina Bay. What a treat! Between the stunning ocean views, homemade clam chowder, and curvy roads it was a day made in heaven. Leo led us West on 99E through Oregon City past the Willamette Falls. I am a sucker for waterfalls and no matter how many times I drive by this one I consider each time a special treat. It is amazing to me that one of the widest and most voluminous waterfalls in the country is just a few minutes from home. After passing the falls, we continued West to Highway 18 through McMinnville and over to the coast. We had been worried about ice on the pass and did see some on the side of the road near the summit. But we drove carefully and did not have any problems. After hitting the coast, we traveled south along highway 101 through Lincoln City and Depoe Bay to Newport. It was delightful to see the waves break, feel the clean ocean air, and swoop around the curves following the coastline. We were fortunate to get outdoor seating at the Clearwater Restaurant overlooking the Yaquina Bay. A large group of sea lions basking in the sun on the water below us serenaded us while we were eating. I ordered the homemade clam chowder made with clams, bacon, potato, and cream along with the beer battered fish and chips made with fresh cod. The food was absolutely delicious. I would recommend it to anyone. If I didn’t have to stay awake to drive the bike home, I would have gorged on their pumpkin cheesecake made with cashews, pumpkin, maple syrup, coconut milk, dates, dried figs, and candied pecans. The ride home east on highway 20 through Philomath to I-5 was also wonderful, particularly for the first stretch. Lots of curves and water views. Thanks, Leo for leading and Grant for being our weatherman and photographer.