High-elevation view of Bayshore

This view of the Alsea Bay bridge and the Bayshore neighborhood (above) was taken by remote-controlled aerial photography, providing a unique perspective on the local coastline. The shanty is located in about the middle of the frame, just above the green tree line.

These photos were taken by a guy from Yachats. Ellis Lampman, who we met yesterday at the farmers market in downtown Waldport. His business, called Sky-View Photography, uses a small "hexacopter," a six-rotor aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing. He does amazing work. The shot below is a few miles south of Yachats near the Heceta Head lighthouse.

Yaquina Bay Bridge a work of art

The Alsea Bay Bridge is a lovely and graceful structure, but can’t compare to the majesty of the Yaquina Bay Bridge (right) that’s 15 miles up the road in Newport. Driving over the bridge is a treat in itself, but you haven’t experienced all the central Oregon coast has to offer until you’ve walked or biked across this work of art. It’s about a half-mile from pier to pier, and from the sidewalk that’s a couple hundred feet above the water, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of sea, sky and coastal mountains.

Matt Love captures the extraordinary nature of the bridge in his essay that appeared in The Oregonian this month. It is the ever-changing light atop the bridge, Love writes, that captures the imagination. A brisk summer wind, I might add, must also be experienced to be appreciated. On a bike tour with friends in 2003, we rode four abreast in the southbound lane across the bridge, allowing us to feel both safe from traffic and almost regal in passing over this architectural gem.

You can learn about the history of all the coastal bridges in Oregon designed by Conde McCullough in the interpretive center at the south terminus of the Alsea Bay Bridge. A walk across this bridge is also well worth the time, especially if you’re on your way to the downtown bakery for a maple bar.

Wednesday Market

If you happen to be at the shanty on a Wednesday between mid-May and mid-October, don't miss the outdoor food and crafts market on Highway 34, just east of the only stop light in town. Lots of local produce, plants, and the usual funky assortment of crafts you'd expect in a small beach town, including tie-dyed clothing, homemade birdhouses and shell art. It's a classic Waldport scene.

Another interesting discovery I made on my last visit is the Green Bike Co-Op, where you can borrow a bike (for any purpose), use the shop's tools and stand to do your own maintenance and repairs, or learn bike repair skills in free classes. You can also trade in your bike for a better one or just one that works. All donations to Green Bike go to the Seashore Family Literacy program. The shop is located on Highway 101 across from the C&K Market.

The shanty in pictures

People occasionally ask us to describe the shanty, so we'll go one better and post photos instead. These should give everyone a better idea of how the rooms are laid out and the wonderful outdoor spaces that are part of the package.



Master bedroom includes this
 California king-sized bed.




 

Second bedroom has bunkbeds for kids and double
bed. Door leads to one of two full bathrooms,



Both bathrooms have
 tub/shower enclosures.




Fully equipped kitchen opens
into front living space.



Front door entrance.

Living room includes wood-burning stove.



Main deck is enclosed in glass to
 protect against the wind.



Front deck.

Rock Candy Beach

During our latest stay at the shanty, we explored a secluded beach along an especially remote stretch of the coast south of Cape Perpetua. It’s mostly cobblestone, but is loaded with small agates (Ellen calls them “rock candy”) and driftwood, which our Bayshore beach mostly lacks. We also saw harbor seals bobbing in the surf, along with marbled murrelets (an endangered species that only nests in old-growth coastal forest) and a pair of bald eagles. We were there on a Monday and were the only humans in sight.

New additions to the agate
collection we keep at the shanty

I’m not sure if the beach has a name, but you’ll find it immediately south of the pullout at Strawberry Hill, which is about three miles south of the Cape Perpetua Visitor Center along Highway 101. You’ll notice a major trail with steps that heads down to the beach to the north, so you have to veer left and follow a dirt track around a small hill. After 11 years of exploring the central Oregon coast, we’re still discovering hidden gems like this sweet little beach.

Don't forget your wetsuit

We're not surfers--never have been, never will be. But I have it on good authority that some people are crazy enough to surf the Oregon coast. I have a nephew who teaches surfing up in Cannon Beach (he's a college grad, but this gets him by), and had a student in my journalism class last term who has created a web site called NW Surf and Snow that makes surfing the frigid waters of Oregon almost look appealing. Check out the videos--they're especially well done. The closest location to the shanty with respectable surfing is Agate Beach, just south of Yaquina Head (about 15 miles north on Highway 101). Don't forget your wetsuit.