Escape Pod Rambles: Hikes, Friends, May Day Rally, Tidepools, and Beauty

April 29 - May 5

Our days off began with a dreary day but we got out to see the sea lions on sea lion dock in the Bayport section of Newport. A pelican floating by freaked them all out and they jumped into the water and complained loudly.

After that amusement we spent the afternoon playing pool at Rogue Bayfront Public House.

Wednesday we met up with former Kansas Citians Sara and Alan Barlow for a 3 mile hike on the Drift Creek Falls Trail. It was a lovely trail with a hundred foot high suspension bridge giving a nice view of the waterfall. Better yet was the company.

Nature's artistry

Not only does Sara pick out cool places to hike, but she also produced homemade rhubarb crisp and whipped cream to top it at the end

Reluctant to end our time with the Barlow's I suggested we stop at Pelican Brewery for happy hour. The sandpipers were out in force.

Thursday Matthew and I stayed local and hiked the Mike Miller Trail in Newport.

Rhododendrons are in bloom everywhere here

Beautiful skunk cabbage

A rough skinned newt

I always find this sign a bit disturbing

We ended May Day with a rally in support of federal workers along the main thoroughfare in Newport. Our immediate supervisor was one of the cars that passed by and the show of support during such a difficult time for the staff here brought him to tears.

Back to work on Friday and had some amazing tidepool discoveries and more beauty at Yaquina Head.

Cool basalt formation

Spawning male Giant Green Anemone

Female Giant Green Anemone releasing eggs (sand looking)

Mossy chiton

A Giant Green Anemone eating an approximately 15-18 inch ratfish. The ratfish was already dead when it was captured by the anemone. It was devoured within 48 hours