I tend to think that Oregon has one of the nicest shorelines in America. Generally when I drive up the coast, I try to stay as close to the water as possible. That usually means turning off 101 north of Lincoln City and driving up through Pacific City, Cape Kiwanda, Netarts and Oceanside, then sneeking into Tillamook the back way. This time I decided to change my usual route and stayed on 101N as it twists inland through Cloverdale and Hebo.
Fishing is what we do.
Downtown Cloverdale
Downtown Cloverdale
The monument on this much neglected corner in Cloverdale should be anything but. It's there to commemorate hometown hero, Kenneth L. Reusser (1920 – 2009). Kenneth, a United States Marine Corps aviator, is considered the most decorated Marine Aviator in history, having flown 253 combat missions, earning 59 medals, including two Navy Crosses while flying in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. He is the only aviator to survive being shot down in all three wars. An American hero for sure.
Approaching Garibaldi