Travel

Neskowin, Oregon: A Coastal Gem

-Diana Roure

Week six has finally come to an end.  Midterms are over and finals are still a ways away.  It’s the perfect time to escape your dull routine and give yourself a much-deserved break!  So why not head out to Neskowin, the most picturesque coastal community Oregon has to offer?

Neskowin, located in unincorporated Tillamook County, is home to only 170 residents.  It’s nearly a three-hour drive from Eugene, so I would recommend staying for at least a few days.  In my opinion, Neskowin is absolutely Oregon’s best-kept secret.

Neskowin is famous for its stunning beach containing remains of an ancient forest, and is also where Slab Creek meets the Pacific Ocean. In the middle of the beach, there are giant prehistoric trees atop a massive basalt sea-stack called Proposal Rock. Honestly, pictures don’t do it justice–you really have to see it for yourself.

In terms of where to stay, there are many options.  There are numerous rental homes and condos–big or small, expensive or cheap–all of them have unforgettable views.  There are a few charming bed and breakfasts in the area as well.

You may want to plan your trip in advance since space is limited as the city of Neskowin is actually only 1.4 miles wide.  Prices are reasonable–less than you’ll pay in Sunriver or Portland–but more than other coastal cities like Florence. Booking in advance will help save you money, and the beach is large enough that even on popular weekends you’ll never feel cramped.

There is only one restaurant and one general store in Neskowin, although Lincoln City, another coastal community with several restaurants, is just thirteen miles south.  I would recommend picking up the necessary supplies on the drive to Neskowin (I did in Corvallis). Most rental homes and condos come with a fully-stocked kitchen, so utensils are not an issue.

Regarding activities, plan on being outdoors for the duration of your trip.  If you just want to relax, bring a blanket or chair and some reading material and enjoy the pristine views and calming sound of the waves crashing. The Cascade Head bike and hiking trail is opportunely close to most beach properties as well.

Those brave enough can take a plunge into the Pacific or settle for the less freezing and not-so-rough creek. More adventurous visitors can kayak or canoe in the Nestucca Bay estuary, which is just five minutes away.  Come evening, it is impossible to miss the gorgeous sunsets. As the moon comes out of hiding, feel free to stargaze by the warmth of a bonfire.

I went to Neskowin last Memorial Day weekend for my twenty-first birthday.  I stayed in a condo on the beach and had the time of my life.  I strongly encourage you to make the trip for an experience that will forever be etched in your mind.

Follow Diana at @dianaroure

Seal Rock: The Awesome Place You’ve Never Heard Of

-Sam Bouchat

When people ask where I’m from, it’s always a two-part question.

“Seal Rock,” I tell them. They won’t know where that is. People who have lived their whole lives in Oregon, who have frequented the Oregon Coast, won’t know where that is.

Inevitably, I will end up adding, “Directly south of Newport.” Only then does realization dawn.

Seal Rock, Oregon is a blip, first visible eight clicks down on Google Maps’ zoom. Before that, you would see Lincoln City, Newport, Yachats, and Waldport. Seal Rock is a lesser known pebble on the Oregon Coast, and it’s a place that I, along with about 1200 other people, call home.

Seal Rock is located along a nondescript, three mile stretch of Highway 101. To most people, it’s simply where Waldport and Newport meet, but there’s a community there, hidden away in a lone sushi restaurant, a tiny post office, a drive through coffee stand, and a few trinket and antique shops.

But what we’re known for is our namesake: the Seal Rocks, a ledge of deep black rocks that jag in and out of the Pacific Ocean right on our front lawns. It runs down the beach for about two and a half miles before colliding with the singular Elephant Rock, an enormous mossy rock that’s impossible to climb in flip-flops.  The sand is often soggy, and the ocean is always freezing, but the beach (if it can really be called that) provides a permanent home to many sea creatures the likes of which tourists traps like Newport and Waldport could never accumulate.

The rocks are packed with mussels and barnacles. Giant green anemone curl up when you poke them with a stick. Starfish (bright orange and dark purples mostly) line the tide pools in clusters.

Seal Rock is a quiet human town and a loud sea creature haven. When the tide is down, the sand washes away and the beach turns to a large, slippery, flat rock upon which the seagulls feed on crabs and pill bugs. On the Fourth of July, the fireworks from Newport, miles down the beach, echo like a shot up and down the coast, amplified by the rocky cliffs.

While we are known only as “that place south of Newport” to those who are even aware of our existence, we are contented with knowing that this little corner of Oregon really only belongs to us.

One Weekend with National Geographic

-Tiana Bouma

I thought I knew something about cameras. I could take a decent picture, and the auto function always helped. My mom knows about her camera, she loves photography and has been able to answer any questions I have had so far.  But I found out this weekend that my knowledge was limited.

Thursday night, November 19th, was the first evening of my 4-day photography workshop with National Geographic in Washington D.C. That night, we heard the background stories of two of Dan Westergen’s trips.  Westergren is a senior photo editor for National Geographic Traveler. His adventures include a trip was to the North Pole at the 90th parallel and another to Mt Kilimanjaro to climb to the peak.

The workshop was led by Westergren, Jennifer Davidson, and Krista Rossow, a photo editor for National Geographic Traveler and University of Oregon graduate.

Day 1

The day started out early with a three-hour class at the National Geographic building. We met with the editors of the National Geographic Special Edition and got to drill them with questions about their jobs and photos.

In those three hours it was obvious that I knew little about the nuances of photography.  When the class released to go take pictures in Dupont Square, a few people stayed behind to get a quick crash course on our cameras from Jennifer Davidson, an expedition leader for National Geographic and a phenomenal photographer. A half-hour class changed my whole perspective of my camera. I had a greater confidence taking a million pictures of anything I saw.

After three hours of adventuring around taking pictures with my mom, the group met again at National Geographic for a critique and share session. Their editing process was simply about picking our twenty favorite shots from the hundreds taken during that day, no tweaking or cropping needed. From our twenty favorite shots, Westergren and Davidson would choose their four favorite and explain why they were good shots.  Those four were then presented to our workshop group of 20 or so people to get feedback from everyone.

It was slightly stressful having my photos critiqued by so many talented photographers, but the advice was well worth the nervous butterflies.

Day 2

Saturday was our earliest and longest day. Although optional, we were told by Westergren, Rossow and Davidson that it would be best to be at the Lincoln Monument at 6:30 AM for sunrise shots of the monuments and surrounding area. As a west-coast resident still trying to adjust to the time difference, 6:30 AM felt like torture.

The photos were worth the early morning. My mom and I explored a new side of Washington D.C. and got helpful tips of taking nighttime shots. (They usually don’t work; sunrise and sunset are the times to get “night” shots).

Again, we met for a critique session with the workshop group and the difference in the photographers from day 1 to day 2 was obvious. The depth of field and focus had transformed to fit what National Geographic Traveler looks for in photos.

A 13-hour day exhausted everyone and we retired early after a group dinner for another workshop at the Eastern Market on Sunday morning. The workshop leaders collaborated on a video of the top photographs from the workshop and showed it at the dinner.

Day 3

The workshop was concluded with a trip to the Eastern Market, about 8 blocks from Capitol Hill. The Eastern Market was a hodgepodge of homemade jam stands, purse makers, butchers, antiqued wares, and the famous button lady. Most vendors were willing to be photographed and some even approached me, but it was the candid shots that I loved best.

A flea market covered two blocks and the items on sale had been collected from every corner of the world. Everything presented such clear stories in the photographs. It was easy to take 200-300 photos in two hours.

The final hours of the workshop were spent in a tour of the National Geographic layout room. Westergren explained his process of editing and choosing photos for the most recent edition of National Geographic Traveler. The behind the scene look into the Traveler magazine helped to cement my love of the company. The experiences of National Geographic photographers and writers can’t be replaced or duplicated.

The week I spent in DC felt much too short for all the information I learned. It has altered my work as a photographer and even as a writer. I have a new standard to hold myself to and a new goal. The vibe of National Geographic and D.C. isn’t something I can explain in words. It was an encompassing joy to be a part of the workshop and explore parts of D.C. I hadn’t seen yet.

It was a trip that changed my future, that made my dream that much more real. The workshop was an experience and a detailed lesson on professional photography that can’t be repeated.

On My Way to My Future

-Tiana Bouma

Yesterday was the start of my greatest adventure so far. Although my drive only took me to Portland, I was just as excited as if I was traveling to new a country.

An early flight from the Portland International Airport (PDX) was taking me to Washington D.C for a four day workshop with the senior editor at National Geographic.

Working for National Geographic has been my dream since I was in the single digits. I’ve always been a writer. Whether it was poems, short stories, intros to novels, or the required essays for school, writing was my fail safe and favorite activity. It still is.

As an English major I wasn’t happy. I didn’t want to analyze writing, I wanted to write it. I want to teach people about things that interest me and I want to open up their eyes to places I haven’t seen.

National Geographic had taught me about places I hadn’t seen and subjects I hadn’t learned about before. I still learn from almost every page and I want nothing more to write and work for National Geographic.

So this weekend I get to live a part of my dream as I am taught photography by one of the best photographers I know of. Since I want to work for National Geographic, I may as well get to know the city I will most likely (and hopefully) be living in.

So until Thursday I am going to explore and enjoy my possible future city. And Thursday at four I will finally get to walk through the headquarters of my future dream and live a part of it.

Stay tuned for more about my workshop with National Geographic and the amazing four days I am about to experience!

Unique Bars: McMenamins Edgefield

-Jasmine Eoff

Being a student at U of O, it’s easy to get stuck in the bubble that is campus. For many of us, we are constantly eating at the same restaurants on 13th and drinking at the same bars that are within walking distance from our houses. After four years of living in Eugene, I’ve gotten sick of all the consistency and routine. I decided to set out on a journey in search of various bars and restaurants that offer a wide variety of things to do and bring something unique to the table. Today, I am stepping outside of the small campus bubble.

One of the first bars/restaurants I have come across is McMenamins Edgefield, located in Troutdale, Oregon. There are many McMenamins around the state of Oregon, but Edgefield is the biggest and main hotel. Built in 1911, Edgefield covers 74 acres of land and consists of more than 100 European-style guestrooms, many different styled and themed restaurants, classic pubs, and several smaller bars. If this doesn’t suit your interests, there are two par-3 golf courses, a spa that offers manicures, pedicures and massages, a winery, a theatre, and an open field for live music that has hosted a range of artists including Adele and Willie Nelson, to name a few.

The winery and the seven bars are all spread out across the acres of Edgefield. One of the first bars I approached was Lucky Staehly’s Pool Hall (Luckys for short). Located at the front of campus, Luckys is one of Edgefield’s most popular bars. With its pool tables, dart boards, pinball machines, snooker table, shuffle boards and juke box, there’s never a dull moment. It, like many of the other bars, is host to Edgefield’s two famous drafts: The Ruby and the Terminator. The Ruby is a light, raspberry ale with a pinkish tint. The Terminator is a stout, with a chocolate malt-like taste.

“They are both awesome flavors,” Said David Mohika, Edgefield’s catering server and bartender. “And many people combine the two to make our third popular draft, the Rubinator.”

While continuing on my journey, I ran directly into Edgefield’s next bar, the Power Station. The Power Station is located right behind Luckys, directly in the middle of campus. It reigns as their most popular sit down restaurant,  many people come with their families for lunch and dinner. Right next to the Power Station is the Black Rabbit Restaurant & Bar. The Black Rabbit is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and is most known for containing multiple pieces of art that document the history of Edgefield.

Just around the corner from the Black Rabbit is Jerry’s Ice House. The Ice House is catered to those guests who enjoy closer quarters and a quieter feel. Directly to the left of that, you can spot Edgefield’s Winery. Guests are able to enjoy their wine tasting, while getting to watch how it’s made. In the wine tasting room, Edgefield also offers free live music by candlelight several nights a week.

After checking out all of the central bars and winery, I made my way up the hill to the Distillery Bar. The Distillery Bar is located at the Southern point of the property, and also houses the golf course. As its name implies, the Distillery Bar creates its own liquors including scotch, gin and brandies.

Once I finished some handcrafted liquors, I made my way down the hill to the Little Red Shed, a quaint little bar surrounded by trees. As it only seats 10 people comfortably, you truly feel at home when you’re inside. During the summer, live music is played right outside, underneath the surrounding trees.

Last, but not least, I headed over to the Tea House Bar, alongside Ruby’s Spa and soaking pool. The Tea House offers a great view of the pool, as well as various cocktails and ales. If you’re a guest at the hotel, you’re welcome to enjoy your drink while relaxing in the pool.

With all it has to offer, Edgefield also hosts many weddings, anniversaries, reunions, birthday parties, and more. Mohika has worked at Edgefield for the last two years and has been a part of many celebrations.

“The atmosphere here is amazing. It’s a cool and unique place, with many things to do,” Mohika said. “In my particular job, I get to enjoy some of the best parts of people’s lives.”

As my journey came to an end, after walking through the entire 74-acre property, McMenamins Edgefield is now on my top list for unique bars and restaurants. With its wide array of bars, and its consistent hosting of various musical events, Edgefield truly has something to offer for all ages.

“I like the variety,” Said Troutdale local, John Taylor. “You can go there for drinks with your friends on a Friday night, or head there on Sundays with your family for brunch.”