We were not supposed to be here . . .

. . . but it’s more than fine anyway.

 
Sunset reflected in the waves of the Pacific – taken from the balcony of our room in Newport. Fabulous!
 
We spent the day driving north along the Oregon coast. A splendid drive, despite the weather, which was cold and damp for most of the way. We found a super bookshop in Gold Beach and a wonderful espresso (see first extra) in Florence. 
 
We finally arrived in Newport to find the hotel which had been ‘under reconstruction’ had not yet been reconstructed (see second extra). We got to see the excellent room that had been booked for us, but were warned that building noises would go on from 7am to 7pm. As these three days had been planned as a relaxation by the sea after days of travelling, we sadly rejected the room.  A holiday nightmare in the making. 
 
Fortunately we had two hotel managers, who were obviously keen to do their best for UK visitors. A phone call and a short drive later and we were in a different place with an upgraded (at no further cost) suite with a balcony overlooking the sea. I repeat - fabulous!