Monday, July 5, 2010

More Oregon Coast, Newport, Spruce Goose, Yaquina Lighthouse & Stuff

After I left the Dunes, there was still quite a bit left to see on the Oregon coast as I headed towards McMinnville to see the Spruce Goose at the Aviation and Space Museum.  You remember the Spruce Goose?  Howard Hughes' one time flight, colossal, super expensive sea plane made of wood.  Intended to carry about 750 troops in WWII.  It was tested by Hughes himself and flew for only one mile at 70 feet above the water.  He landed it and it went into storage for 38 years at the cost of 1 million a year.  He had a few bucks so he could do that.  After his death in 1976, it was doomed to be cut up and sent to different museums.  Evergreen Museum bid for it's placement in their museum and there it remains. On the way, Newport, lighthouse, vineyards and stuff.  I camped in the town of Grande Ronde at "The Wondering Spirit".  Really.... Enjoy some photos.  TC...
                            When the Halabut are in season,camping under the Newport Bridge is very popular and fishing is even more popular.

                                      

                                        Colors of summer at the lighthouse.
                                               More coast below.
                                  Aviation Photos to follow along with Mt. Hood.
       I saw this plane when stationed in Maryland. (above)                                                    
                                          The man himself.