As you can see, every day is like Christmas on Lopez Island.
The weather was warm, so headed to one of our favourite camping spots, Siletz Bay, Oregon. The Airport is about two hours south of Bellingham, just enough time to get our rusty flying skills back in shape. After a wonderful dinner at the Side Door Cafe, we crawled into our tent for a good night's sleep to the sound of surf breaking on the nearby shore.
We got up and wanted to go somewhere for breakfast. We called Astoria, but the Runway Cafe is no longer open. These are tough times for general aviation, and airport restaurants are closing left and right. As we were packing, a local stopped by and suggested Newport, Oregon.
Newport Municipal Airport (ONP) is on the Oregon coast. If you are flying Victor 27, you pass right over it. The 5398' main runway is lighted with several instrument approaches. The FBO has a nice new building, it's a busy Fedex regional hub, and has commuter service to Portland by SeaPort Airline using the super cool Pilatus turboprop.
When we arrived, Jimmy, the "Boss" of FBO Line Services was there to greet us. He helped us get started with fueling at the self-serve pump, pointed out a handy parking spot, and arranged for us to take one of the FBO's courtesy cars.
We drove over the bridge into the City of Newport for, by this time, lunch. Jimmy recommended Georgie's Beachside Grill overlooking the Pacific Ocean. It was a great choice. I had the razor clams, one of my all time favourite meals, and Wayne had an oyster club sandwich. YUM! But way more than we could eat, even as hungry as we were. On the way back to the airport, a scruffy looking guy gave us a simulated pistol shot with his finger. Was it my antennae that gave me away?
You can be sure Wayne, 997 and I will be returning to Newport again. Next time we plan to stay the night and enjoy the beach, sun and some more great meals! Hey Jimmy, keep the Crown Vic warmed up for us. See you soon! -- Margy
This time of year, when the sky turns blue, you need to take to the air. We headed for the airport and got 997 out of her hanger. She was excited about another chance to head out and explore Washington's nearby San Juan Islands. It isn't good for pilots or airplanes to sit on the ground too long. Both can get "rusty."
We've flown over Lopez Island several times, and last month Wayne made a reconnaissance visit. Today, we both returned for a hike and dinner. Most people arrive on Lopez by Washington State Ferry or boat, but you can also arrive by air. If you have a plane of your own, you can land at the 2904' runway at the Lopez Island Airport (S31). It is carved out of the trees, so be sure to watch density altitude and winds. You can also arrive by air using Kenmore Air from the Seattle area or San Juan Airlines from Bellingham or Anacortes.
Lopez is the most rural of the San Juan Islands. Leaving the airport, you walk by pastures dotted with cows. This time of year, they are shared by very vocal Canadian Geese. Forested areas shade your walk until you head downhill to Fisherman Bay. Because there are no taxis on Lopez, we needed to walk.
We opted to stop at the Galley Restaurant on the bay rather than walk all the way into Lopez Village (about 4 miles). If you're not flying out the same day, they have a great pub with entertainment. We had the crab wonton appetizer and the special of the day, a seafood rich Coquille St. Jacques. Everything was superb. The 2 mile walk is a little harder on the way back, but the hills aren't too bad. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes!
If you plan to stay the night, there's a motel and several bed and breakfasts. Lopez Village is the hub of activity, but the rural nature draws you away to enjoy it's parks and vistas. Summer is busy and crowded. But why don't you try it like we did on a warm Spring day. -- Margy
One last shopping tip from our trip to Eugene. As I mentioned yesterday, there's no sales tax in Oregon. That makes shopping more reasonable for a visiting Canadian (and Washingtonian) in these tight economic times.
ithin walking distance of the Hilton. I called Shoe-a-holic (catchy name, eh?). Yes, they had what I was looking for. The online price is $85.00 and Shoe-a-holic offered them at $69.99. That was a savings of $15.00. On top of that, there was no tax, resulting in an additional $5.88 savings to me. Not a bad deal since I was already in town.
Shoe-a-holic is located at 957 Willamette, right in downtown Eugene. There's even free weekend parking at all downtown parking garages, including the nearby Parcade at 8th and Willamette. They are open daily from 10:00 to 7:00 and specialize in comfortable, work and play shoes. If you are looking for knee high rubber boots, their wall is lined with multi-coloured options. Go check them out. - Margy
This weekend Wayne and I had a great road trip in Bertha, Mom's big Buick, down to Oregon to watch The Women of Troy play basketball. While we were in Eugene, we had two nights to enjoy the town and some good eats.
The first night we returned to a Japanese restaurant we discovered last trip, but it has a new name, Sushi-Ya. The reviews are mixed, but we had a good experience. I had sushi and vegetable tempura. Wayne had a California roll and the pork cutlet. Of course, I started with my favourite, an octopus hand roll. When the waiter discovered my tempura wasn't ready, it was provided for free. In our case, the service was prompt and friendly. Sushi-Ya is bright and open with a modern feel.
Wayne and I just got back from a road trip. We decided to follow the Women of Troy through Oregon. Wayne loves to go to USC (his alma mater) games. This weekend we drove down to both Corvalis (Oregon State University) and Eugene (University of Oregon) to watch USC Women's Basketball.
We first stopped at OSU for a Thurdsay night game. If you go to an away game at OSU, the best place to stay is the Hilton Garden Inn. It's right next to the sports venues. The game was good, but the final score was 61 to 58 and Nadia Parker had to leave with the game after only a few minutes with an injured right knee. That didn't stop her from cheering on her fellow team members from the sidelines.
Then we headed to Eugene and UO on Highway 99W through lush agricultural areas. On the way, we saw huge flocks of Canada Geese finishing up their "snowbird" vacation. We stayed at the Eugene Hilton. It's downtown, and within walking distance of the campus and sports venues, albeit a long walk. The game was on Saturday, so we had lots of time to shop and eat. One great thing about Oregon is no sales tax. Wayne and I took advantage and picked up some new shoes, backpacks and socks at REI.
Saturday's basketball game between USC and OU women was at 12:30. We walked over to "The Pit," their historic and noisy stadium. The Fighting Duck mascot cheered The Ducks on, but the Women of Troy won 94-64. Now that we live up north we get to see lots of USC games in Washington and Oregon. Next come baseball season - FIGHT ON! - Margy
