Another Jewel in Oregon's Crown - Willamette Valley

Greetings all!

We continue to love our journey through Oregon and we left the coast for a few nights to spend time in Willamette Valley, which is known for its wineries, and in particular - Pinot Noir.  It is a beautiful area and the temperatures were a welcome change for us.  We left Depoe Bay (on the coast) on Sunday morning and it was in the high 40's and windy and foggy.  By the time we arrived to the Willamette Valley 75 minutes later, it was glorious sunshine and in the 80's.  

To start - here's how you pronounce Willamette - WIH LAM IT - an easy way to remember it is Willamette Damnit!  

On Sunday afternoon, we visited Durant Vineyard - we started here as they also produce amazing olive oils and vinegars in addition to wine.  But of course, we did have to try the Pinot Noir on their glorious patio overlooking the vineyards with Mt. Hood in the background.  Lovely!

That is Mt Hood in the background 67 miles away

The next day we visited Stoller Family Estate - another beautiful Vineyard where we enjoyed lunch and some more Pinot Noir.

Both Vineyard visits were lovely, however the most fascinating thing we did was visit the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum, which was right next door to our campground.  There is so much to this compound and we did our evening and morning walks there in addition to visiting the museum - there are multiple planes on the grounds and there is also a waterpark where a plane is on the roof as part of a water slide!  Air Force Two (the VP's plane) as well as a 747 were so cool to get up close to.

They used this old 747 for their water park. Two slides exit out the rear doors

Fun to walk under an old 747

Air Force 2 (DC-9)

But the museum's claim to fame is that they have the Spruce Goose, which is a massive flying boat designed and built by Howard Hughes during World War II.  It was the largest wooden aircraft ever constructed and is famous for its single, short test flight in 1947. You can read more about the plane and its story, along with how it got to the museum here.   It was so fascinating to see it and it is HUGE - the museum was built around it.  

4 engines on both wings, 8 total

There is also a separate building which focuses on space exploration and history and there is also an SR-71 Blackbird, which was really cool.  You can learn more about that here. 

Titan 2 Missile

Even if you're not into aviation history, the Spruce Goose is a truly fascinating exhibit and this museum was an unexpected surprise in the midst of wine country!

We are back on the coast this week in Garibaldi and we leave for Astoria tomorrow and will be in Washington state next week.  

Will post again soon - cheers and love, Jen & Paul