As we were making our dash to the coast and hopefully cooler weather, we again opted to take the road less traveled. We're retired and scenery is more important to us than making good time.

back to index

One of our rewards was this great barn. I bet there is history behind those boards.

back to index

The Darlingtonia Californica, carnivorous plant that is commonly known as the cobra lily or cobra orchid, is found in bogs in coastal plains areas. It traps insects in its hollow tubular leaves and has a top that is flared into a hollow dome with a forked "tongue" that gives this plant its common name. This rare, strangely shaped plant is the only member of the pitcher plant family found in Oregon.

back to index

Cape Creek Bridge is an arch bridge that opened in 1932. It was designed by Conde McCullough and was built of reinforced concrete. The total length of the bridge is 619-feet. The bridge resembles a Roman aqueduct and has a single parabolic arch that spans half its length.

back to index

Heceta Head Lighthouse was built in 1894 atop a 205-foot tall headland. It is 56-feet tall and its light can be seen for some 24-miles making it the strongest light on the Oregon Coast. Heceta Head's light pattern is one white flash every 10 seconds.

back to index

A short walk through coastal forest took us to Sutton Creek which was flowing through the open sand dunes.

back to index

We are excited to be catching the end of the rhododendron season here in Oregon.

back to index

A trip out the north jetty rewarded us first with a stop at the crabbing pier where people were happy to be catching their limit. Further out toward the end of the jetty we got to watch the wind surfers and see the waves breaking on the rocks.

back to index

The Dean Creek Elk Reserve is the year-round residence for a herd of about 100 Roosevelt elk. A mild winter climate and abundant food allow the Roosevelt elk to remain here all year. When we were here today we got to see a male herd up close and personal. There were about 25 bucks in the group - some with 12-point antlers!

back to index

Today we decided a sand rail tour of the Oregon Dunes was in order. The Oregon Dunes are a unique area of windswept sand that is the result of millions of years of wind and rain erosion on the Oregon Coast. These are the largest expanse of coastal sand dunes in North America. Some dunes tower up to 500 feet above sea level.

back to index

Our driver Mike put the pedal to the metal and ripped through the dunes. It was like a fantastic roller coaster except there was sand flying everywhere! When we got to the tops of the dunes we could see the ocean but then we would dip down again. No pictures except when we were stopped - thank goodness they gave us goggles to wear! What a rush!

back to index