On the Water in Winchester Bay

 May 24 - June 7, 2021

Winchester Bay, Oregon

Bypassing several of our usual stops, we drive 130 miles north to Winchester Bay on a rainy Monday. It seemed like a good idea to make a longer drive and a longer stay at a couple places back in September, but I admit I'm second-guessing myself as we drive through favorites like Bandon! Turns out it was just fine - of course :-)

There is no lack of beautiful places to explore no matter where you choose to stay along the Pacific Coast. Winchester Bay for two weeks also gives us a chance to see good friends from high school who live nearby - and to make a connection with our buddies from Tombstone too!

Winchester Bay RV Resort is a beautiful park on Salmon Harbor surrounded by water on three sides including the Umqua River to the north. 50/30 amp FHU water-front paved site with lots of groomed grass for Tessa. Open skies for satellite and views all around. The $60 rate for water sites is very reasonable with this year's prices higher at all locations. This is probably the cleanest park we've stayed in where camp hosts arrive within minutes of a site vacating, with disinfecting of picnic tables, lamps and utility posts. The only downside is not being able to receive mail and packages at the park. Everything does go to the post office less than a mile away so a very small downside.

We have an iffy set up as the 50 amp keeps turning off. 30 amp is fine for the night, and Bill is able to diagnose and repair what turns out to a problem with our power cord. Whew!

Our lovely front yard.

In 6 minutes the site is pristine and ready for new neighbors.

Sunshine and fog pass the weather baton back and forth during our stay, with plenty of wind here for both. Luckily it's usually from the north and our yard is protected enough to enjoy being outside at our site most of the time.

A couple day trips to Florence to the north and Coos Bay and Bandon to the south give us more opportunities to visit new and familiar places. The combination of small lakes, forest, beaches, dunes and cute towns keeps us busy and happy.

Art Deco Siuslaw River Bridge in Florence.

Old Town Florence is beautifully restored and a favorite of mine for finding unique goodies.

Like the horses and bison in Wyoming and Montana, artistic seals are found in many Oregon Coast towns.

I always enjoy the annual art display on Bandon's Pier.

The colors really pop on a muted day.

Where the Coquille River reaches the ocean.

Coquille River Lighthouse. Closed and in need of a little TLC.

Bullards Beach. Always windy, always gray, always feels like you're the only one here. I love this beach.

Helping look for shells.

"It's all miiiiiine!"

At 19 months old, Reese very much needed this little pink turtle from Florence!

Turk is our Tombstone pal Donnie's older brother. Rhonda was in my class in high school. They became a couple two years ago :-))) and live in Coos Bay.

Turk has an amazing tiered garden.

He's cleared a path through all the trees, flowers and berries.

Natural beauty found along 5 Mile Road

Tankenitch Lake

Railroad bridge over the lake.

Love our view even on rainy afternoons.

We even get a rare sunset!

The Cape Arago area of Coos Bay is especially beautiful with waves crashing on the rocks, sea lions, botanical gardens, and peaceful coves. The 15 mile secluded drive and several hiking trails offer spectacular views.

We're too late to spend any time in the gardens so it's on the top of my list for next time.

Shell Island, sea lion vacation spot.

Zero social distancing.

Sunset Bay

We enjoy the rivers as much as the beach and forests. After several low-flow rivers to the south, finding the Umqua and Smith Rivers with shore-to-shore water in most places is a real treat. We see a couple elk herds at the Dean Creek meadows, check out a small campground on Mill Creek, and soak up the cool, fresh air.

Some days it's bright and sunny.

Others it's a completely different world.

This is A barn.

I love watching the river flow upstream at high tide.

Life does feel more normal as some restrictions are lifted, business hours are increasing, and anyone and everyone can get a vaccine. Masks are still required everywhere with social distancing and reduced seating being the norm. A few places say if you're fully vaccinated you don't need to mask, but very few so far. I guess I'm not the only one who doesn't trust folks much these days.

And everywhere is hiring, some with sign-on bonuses.

One of three liquor stores in Reedsport. They are NOT kidding around!

We get together with Pat (Donnie's younger brother) and wife Jen a couple times. They come to the harbor for fish, and then we drive to their beautiful home in Elkton one afternoon. 

In addition to lovely flowers, Jen also has an impressive vegetable garden. Envy.

Love this peaceful spot.

For our last day we're excited to get the three brothers and their partners (Donnie and Anna have come from Tombstone to visit family) to our place for a visit. We even have a fire! Lots of laughs and stories new and old. There were times when I wondered if gatherings like this could happen again. It was the perfect ending to a great stay in Winchester Bay.

Donnie, Anna, Pat, Jen, Turk, Rhonda, Bill, Jodee

So fun!

It was a great spot for a gathering.

And yes. Cribbage was played :-)

One must use the whole couch for naps after socializing!