Geocaching on the Central Oregon Coast

Christopher and I went to the Oregon Coast yesterday. We traveled to Exit 228 and took the highway 34 to Walport. Incredible scenery! We drove south to Yachats to begin our search for the answers to the Sight Visit Requirements for the Lincoln Counties “Town and County” Geocaching Exploration. I had already done the Online Portion at home. It was great being at the Oregon Coast as Portland temperature reached 106 degrees!

We stopped in Yachats to view the Sea Lion sculpture, visited the New Alsea Bay Bridge Interpretive Center (great public restrooms), stopped at Seal Rock to read the Lincoln County Historical Society signboard, visited the Yaquina Bay Lighthouse (should have visited instead the nearby 93 feet tall Yaquina Head Lighthouse (44 40’ 36.4”N 124 04’45.9”W), also known early in its existence as the Cape Foulweather Lighthouse, located near the mouth of the Yaquina River near Newport at Yaquina Head), saw a steam locomotive formerly used in logging, watched the ocean waves churn in the Devil’s Punch Bowl (unfortunately it was low tide) and a whale offshore, saw a seafaring monument, and took photos of a interesting sculpture at Lincoln City. We stopped by Lincoln City Parks and Recreation to pick up our geocoins. Great geocoin!!

Afterwards Christopher and I found 11 geocaches and three benchmarks. We stayed overnight in Lincoln City. We got up at 6:30AM, had breakfast (I had apple juice and English Breakfast tea) and drove home via Hwy 18 and Hwy 99W. It was warm already at 10:00AM!

Silver Falls State Park Event

Christopher and I attended the Event at Silver Falls State Park on Tuesday, July 21st. I found 18 geocaches and benchmarks before and after the Event including the fountain (Virtual) at Mt Angel. Christopher found 21. We had chips, cookies and drinks at the Event. Interesting conversations. Christopher found two nearby Geocaches. We had "dinner" at Quiznos in Wilsonville for the third time in the last few days.

Mt. Hood Territory Challenge, July 13 - 15, 2009

Christopher and I divided the Mt. Hood Territory Challenge into three parts. On Monday, July 13 we found a few benchmarks and one letterbox in addition to several caches including Mt. Hood Territory Challenge Geocaches.

Although we only found five geocaches we found ten benchmarks on Tuesday, July 14. Three of the benchmarks were located on a concrete bridge over the Salmon River. We also visited several Waymarks - "Laurel Hill," "Summit Meadow Pioneer Cemetery Barlow Road," "Summit Prairie, Barlow Trail, Oregon," "Pioneer Woman's Grave, Barlow Road, Oregon," "Sam Barlow Wagon Trail, Oregon," "First - Road Built Over Cascade Range, Oregon," and "Barlow Road Tollgate, Mount Hood, Oregon."

On Wednesday, July 15 Christopher and I did the eight Short Rail Series in Lake Oswego, three caches, and five Mt. Hood Territory Challenges. Afterwards we took Hwy 35 north to Hood River and then I-84 west. Christopher had never been on northbound Hwy 35. We stopped to view the sunset at Panorama Point near Hood River. Christopher and I covered about 450 miles in three days!!

We picked up our Mt. Hood Territory Challenge Geocoins in Wilsonville. Afterwards we did ten benchmarks/geocaches in the Wilsonville area.

Geocaching in Molalla and Aurora, Oregon

My #2 son, Christopher, and I had a great time at the "Mosey Back to Molalla" Event yesterday afternoon. I thought that the Sun Chips was a great addition to the hot dog and drink. We had fun geocaching on the premises. Christopher won a "Survey Team" Tshirt in the raffle. I enjoyed seeing geocachers that I know and meeting new geocachers. We found 11 Geocaches, three Benchmarks and a time capsule for a Waymark along Hwy 211 and in Molalla and Aurora. I took the photo of Christopher at the Elk Farm near Molalla. I took Christopher home and then I got home at 9:30PM.

4th of July Fireworks

I watched the 4th of July Fireworks above the rock quarry at 192nd in East Vancouver. Great location except for the bright street lights. The fireworks were truly spectacular!