August 8, 2012 Day 17, Ocean Shores to Newport, Oregon

This morning we discovered that the weather was still the same as when we went to bed last night, overcast, cool, and crappy.

Speaking with the locals, some in our group learned that Ocean Shores was once the subject of infomercials featuring everyone's favorite Chippe, Erik Estrada.  Ponch promised Ocean Shores beach front property at amazingly low prices.  

The Ponch Sales Pitch Circa 2005.

Sales Literature

Well Ponch's pitch purred the people perfectly.  Soon real estate was booming in Ocean Shores.  The town was forced to spend money on it's infrastructure to support the influx of people.  Unfortunately, those who bought never spent anytime in Ocean Shores before doing so.  They soon learned why the town is often described as cold, wet, and depressing.  This, along with the increased taxes to pay for the increased infrastructure, caused many to simply walk away from their lots. As of May of this year, there were over 100 of Ponch's pitched lots on the foreclosure market. 

Moving on.  We ate breakfast at the hotel and were treated to the sight of deer waiting to be fed by people headed for the beach.   Then it was on the road again.  Susan and Fred left the group to go see family a few hours away, but caught back up with the group as we neared Newport.

As we traveled down Washington into Oregon, the weather improved.  We saw the sun again and it felt good. 

We crossed the Columbia River where it ends at the Pacific Ocean via the Astoria - Megler Bridge.  Then it was onto Newport.

D Q 'S

Crossing the Astoria-Megler Bridge over the Columbia River

This ain't fair to the dogs. 

Terry leading the way.

Some classics.

Bob having s snack, as always.

The battle rages on. 

Tom and Bob seated at the children's table during dinner.

Carolyn and Mike

Waiting to be seated for dinner.

Fred and Susan

Terry, Steve and Sharon

View from our Hotel Room

Another one.

 It was a good day on the road.  The Oregon coast is beautiful and the sun was out most of the day.  Our hotel was beach front with spectacular views. 

Tomorrow it is on to Crescent City, California.