Anyone Up for a Road Trip? How about the Oregon and California Coast...Nice and Slow!

I decided a couple of weeks ago to take a long road trip down the Pacific Coast to visit my family in the East Bay Area. I thought this would be a great opportunity to take a leisurely trip and stop along the coast to explore the "Boating" vibe of the Oregon and Northern California Coast......and, What a Trip It Was! 2,000 Miles R.T.

I decided to drive my 2001 Toyota 4 Runner - with 290,000 miles. Smart Choice?

Stop #1, was Astoria Oregon, a place I had always wanted to see, as Astoria has a rich history of both Fishing and Shipping. Established in 1811, Astoria was the first settlement on the Pacific Coast. It's a rugged port, nestled at the mouth of the Mighty Columbia River.

To get there from Washington, you can take the "Astoria Bridge" across the Columbia River into Astoria..... Best Choice!

The Astoria Bridge is almost 3 miles long, and was built in 1956. The bridge seems to appear in great shape, as it takes a lot of heavy weather coming up the Columbia River from the Pacific Ocean.

It's a worth while crossing if you can take it. The view from the top is spectacular!

The next morning after I arrived, it snowed. The roads were nasty, so I decided not to continue down the coast, but instead, stay an extra day and head down to the "Wharf". I thought the fresh layer of snow might make for some great photos.

Astoria, in the winter, the snow and marine layer, reminded me of Maine or Alaska. The buildings are rustic, and weathered, and the entire town is all about the "BOATS". My Kind of Place!

The Waterfront of Astoria, once revered as the Salmon Canning Capital (Bumble Bee) of the World, burned twice. The waterfront was all wood construction and built on wooden piers. The fires devastated the Fishing Canneries, and the remanence of the old wharfs are still visible today.

Let's head down to the Boat Yard!

The Local Ship Yards were exactly what I was looking for. Old Rustic boats with a fresh coating of snow.....PERFECT!

I was attracted to the composition of "JUDY", sitting on dry dock and with some artistic license, this is the first piece to be painted from the Coastal Trip....Here's "JUDY"!

"JUDY" 11" x 22" - Watercolor

The following day, was bright and sunny, and I headed south, along the Northern Oregon Coast.

Stop#2: Cannon Beach and Tillamook Region

Cannon Beach - Great Place especially in the Winter!

The Oregon Coast is Majestic, and every curve and turn in the road, along HWY 101 reveals a scene right out of a postcard or jig saw puzzle. It seemed endless.

The Bridges on HWY 101 are amazing, built mostly in the 30's. The fishing harbors were all very active, as it was CRAB SEASON!

I found lots of great images to use as reference for future paintings. Newport, OR.

Next we entered California. More beautiful scenery! We jump over to HWY 1 and head through the enormous ancient redwoods and the rock coast line of Mendocino County.

Drake's Bay, that would be "Sir" Francis Drake, just north of PT. Reyes, California.

Oh, and the 4 Runner with 290,000 miles . . . still purring!

Now it's time to get down to business. The Second Painting will be this Salmon Troller at dock, inspired from a dock I visited in Garibaldi, Oregon.

and...........The Photo and the Quick Study and the Beginnings of Painting,#2.

"BELLA" 10.5" x 21.75" - Watercolor

Thank you. The Pacific Coast - Highly Recommended,