So Much to See!

June 2-6, 2017
Florence - Depoe Bay, Oregon

Florence has a number of good eateries. Just like the last time we were here, Maple Street Grille is our favorite. It has changed owners, the menu is different, and the food is even better! Friday, Jim and Diana join us for a wonderful meal and great conversation. We so enjoy their company! After lunch we meander the small shops and say our see-you-laters. We'll see them again in a couple days - yay!

Still the best.

Our friend Donnie (Tombstone now, high school friend) is the only one of his family who doesn't now live in Oregon. We missed the sisters, but Saturday we have plans to see the oldest brother in Reedsport.

The drive south is beautiful (of course), with lakes, rivers, and ocean views that enhance the lush forest that lines the highway.

Elbow Lake

Pretty railroad bridge.

Unfortunately our plans fall through and we don't get to see Turk. Instead we explore Winchester Bay where the Umpqua River meets the Pacific. With a working harbor, an historic lighthouse, and the dunes recreation area, there is plenty to see here.

After the brown rivers in the east, we love seeing blue water rivers like the Umpqua.

You can ride ATVs from the marshes to the pine forests.

Lots of room to play.

For this desert girl, this is a very different dune world!

The original Umpqua River Lighthouse was the first in the Oregon Territory, built in 1857 at the river's mouth. Destroyed by fire, it was replaced with this light on the ridge in 1894. It continues to shine today.

We learned from Jim that they made the red by mixing gold in the glass - allowing for a signal light of 2 white flashes and 1 red.

From the wood platform you can watch for birds and whales.

Winchester Bay Marina.

The light is in the wrong direction to get a good shot of this beautiful carving. Sadly no information is provided.

We've been fortunate to have so many days of sunshine along the coast, and Sunday is another beautiful, clear day.

Perfect for finally visiting Heceta Head Lighthouse. Not only are Jim and Diana working today, but it's State Park Day so it's free! It's a good 15 minute hike to the point, passing the light keeper's house and small gift shop. Views along the way make good excuses for a couple stops - I really dislike hills :-( When we get to the top, Jim is waiting with a big wave - I really like our friends :-)

Tall berry bushes and other shrubs line the path, offering up occasional ocean views.

On the other side, the dense forest is magical.

A few places combine the two.

The remaining original light keeper's house - once there were two.

These amazing lillies filled a section of the hillside below the light keeper's house.

This is the lighthouse! - thanks guys, it was so fun to see you again!

Jim leads the next tour, doing a really great job covering the history and interesting details. Can't believe they've just started! They clearly love the history and meeting people from all over. 

Loving his "job".

The crashing waves provide non-stop background music.

Low tide at Heceta Head Beach

Looking back at the lighthouse from Hwy 101.

Catching the light....

For our Florence finale, Monday we make the short drive to see the creepy plants in the forest. Darlingtonia State Natural Site is just off Hwy 101 and is home to a large growth of darlintonia californica, also known as Pitcher Plants.

The trail through the forest opens up to a wood platform over the carnivorous fawna. Their blooms look like they belong to something less....less weird. 

Elevated wood platform surrounds the plants.

Lots and lots of bug-eating plants.

Creepy plants.

With cool blooms.

Interesting neighbors.

Lovely canopy.

Tuesday morning we move north just 70 miles to our next coastal stop - Depoe Bay, Oregon.

Fogarty Creek RV Park is a funky little spot on Hwy 101 with a couple dozen sites. Most are permanent residents that are well maintained. The sites are concrete with grass and tall pines surrounding. FHUs with 30 amp and iffy water pressure, the WiFi works well and our satellite connects. 

We're here for five days and expecting rain for much of it.