Enjoying the Oregon Coast

I’ve always said this blog was my own personal travel journal. I have looked back on previous posts numerous times when I have wondered when, and where exactly we were. Of course I have had those, “That was 2016!!…seems like yesterday” moments.

So this post is a total 4 month catch up, since I haven’t written in the journal since the end of March. Quickly, we spent April through the end of June in Utah at the shop. We created some new art pieces in the hopes of an art show over the summer. (clearly that didn’t happen) Al cleared out the shop, even more, and actually got it listed for sale. Horray. Since we have no summer shows, Al thought a different route would be good. He wanted to see his boys who live outside Seattle, so we decided to hit Oregon, then make our way north.

I have added a lot of new images to my website, so some of these photos have a caption, and a clickable link.

First stop, Steens mountain wild horses. This is a really remote part of southern, central Oregon and the horses are unbelievably gorgeous.

I wrote two blog posts on Wild Mustangs Forever about these guys, and you can see them here.

Then after a few days inland, and visiting friends we hit the coast! I had to actually make reservations for campgrounds, which was way weird and kinda stressful, but a good idea. Our first stop was the Cape Perpetua campground. What an amazing area this is. Cape Perpetua is a marine reserve, and the shore there is a wonderful combination of sandy beaches in between these rough and rocky spots.

This was taken from the Heceta Head lighthouse area, which is south of Cape Perpetua.

The rocky shore is so different depending on when you visit. This spot is called the Devils Churn and at high tide, or windy conditions the waves crash on the rocks in the most dramatic fashion.

One morning we went to this exact same spot at low tide. In the mornings the wind isn’t blowing either, so we were able to walk out into the tide pool area. So cool! So much different sea life that manages to survive those waves.

I love this image. The anemone look like they are melting off this rock face.

The crows were all about getting breakfast in the tide pools. All the muscles provided that.

We ended up only spending 2 nights at Cape Perpetua rather than 4. When I made reservation I had to do 2 nights in one spot, and 2 another. Well, the second site was no way going to fit us, contrary to what the website said. On our last evening we went to the Cooks Chasm area, which is also were Thors Well is. This is basically a big blow hole, and again, at high tide and especially windy days it’s pretty amazing to watch.

I took this shot that night, I just thought the whole scene was pretty cool.

And this pelican behind the crashing water. Kind of different.

We ended up in Waldport 2 days earlier than anticipated which was actually just fine. Cape Perpetua was nice, but the campground is in the forest so it was darker than I like, especially when the sun here is super fickle and only out for a few hours. A note on the weather too. It’s very cool here, highs in the low sixties and if it’s windy, which it generally is in the afternoon, it’s cold. We camped right on Alsea bay in Walport at a little marina. The bay is huge, and was our back window view for 5 days. Plus, we were a short drive to some nice sandy beaches. It took Torrey one day to figure out what “beach” means.

Oregon beaches are so dog friendly, and I love that so much! They are allowed anywhere, all the time, off leash or on. All they ask is please clean up the poop. Torrey has had a blast, and I have enjoyed watching her and Roxy, plus other dogs just so happy and playing.

We went a few times to a beach called Driftwood. I’m not sure what makes this happen there, but it was so interesting the way the sand and the rocks or shells did this.

One morning we went on a bike ride over the Waldport bridge. It was then I discovered the seals. This was shot from the bridge, but it shows how many seals are in this area.

The next morning at low tide, we went out to where they are. I had no idea if they would tolerate us, or swim away.

It was kind of a mixture of both. I went out there for 3 mornings, and sometimes they were ok, and sometimes they would get in the water. But they are curious, so if I just sat on the sand they would just watch me.

The pups are so dang cute!

Staying on the bay was beautiful. The views were amazing, and every morning at low tide the Herons would come and fish the flats.

Our last evening in this area we went to the beach, it was cold and blowy but of course still beautiful.

Roxy is really showing her age this past year. She has dementia, a bad back, bad knees, and has a hard time walking. Except this evening she was running like a puppy on the smooth sand. The problem was she kept running towards the surf, which would have carried her away in a split second.

This is a video I took that night, that makes me laugh every single time.

We laughed, and enjoyed watching her. I’m so glad I took some video, and lots of photos. She soon got cold and hitched a ride in dads coat.

Phew, that was a lot of info and a lot of photos. We are currently in Newport, so coming soon, stories and images of this area.

I add images daily to Instagram and facebook, so follow me there to keep up with what’s happening. I’ve also started a Youtube page, and there is some fun stuff there too.