Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Oregon
Ever wonder where misbehaving sea creatures are sent? They're sent here - to the "Feel Them" section of the aquarium. Despite signs telling visitors to gently feel the animals, they're poked, prodded and squeezed by hundreds of children and adults each day. For them, there's no escape. Welcome to their nightmare.

Featuring sharks, Passages of the Deep is the star attraction here and once you're inside, you'll see why. You are the creature in the aquarium as you walk through. Glass surrounds you - on both sides, above you, even parts of the floor you're walking on. Look down and see fish swimming beneath your feet. Turn to your left and a shark is gliding by. Follow it by looking up as he swims above your head and then continues on his way past your right side. Very cool! Plus I was in it right before it closed so it wasn't jam packed full with kids all screaming and running around.

It's actually quite difficult to get a decent photo of the fish since you can't use your flash. Not that it would help if you could -- it would just reflect the glass. About the only things that photographed well were the jellyfish.

Mo's Annex Restaurant in Newport, Oregon
Although Roadfood.com highly recommended Mo's, I must say that I was pretty disappointed in its food. I ordered the Cannonball Express - which is a huge bread bowl filled with clam chowder. The chowder was good, but not spectacular. Of course, maybe because I'd been eating chowder for the last three days my palate had become disinterested in clams. But it was good and the view of the bay is nice.

Unfortunately, my waitress was absolutely horrible. A large family of about 8 showed up right after she took my order and apparently she forgot about me. Again and again. Flagging down other waitstaff, even busboys to request more water, another drink, coffee, etc. I'd had it with her. Filling out a comment card before leaving, I left it on the table with a 5% tip explaining exactly why she was only getting 5% from me.

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