During our time on the coast of Oregon, we had the opportunity to do some exploring—sometimes just the three of us, and four times with visiting friends. Here are a few highlights.

Bandon Beach
We never tired of Bandon beaches—the insistent rise and fall of the tides, the ever-present faint smell of crab, and the raucous calls of the Black Oyster Catchers that reminded me of New York City cabbies complaining in heavy traffic.

Here is a misty pre-dawn shot taken while walking Jackson, one taken at sunrise, one of our friend Larry with Jan walking near the tide pools, and a shot of crazy surfers heading out into the 52-degree water while a Circles in the Sand maze was being created below the Face Rock overlook.









Cape Arago
Like the beaches of Bandon, we never wearied from all the experiences Cape Arago offered—from the classic beauty of Sunset Bay, the stateliness of the Cape Arago Lighthouse, the splendor of the botanical gardens at Shore Acres, the tide pool wonders at South Cove, and the magnificent Pacific Ocean vista at Simpson Reef, complete with hundreds of marine mammals resting and playing accompanied by the constant rhythmic barking of the California Sea Lions. In addition, we had the wonderful opportunity to view Gray Whales up close as they came inside the reef to feed or to scratch off some barnacles. Many times, we viewed momma and youngster spouting together among the “oohs” and “aahs” of ourselves and other visitors.

Here is a Tiger Flower and a friend from the botanical gardens, and more photos in the next section.



Digiscoping Jan
Traditionally, if you want to photograph wildlife from a distance your choices are:

1. Typical Approach: Use your phone camera, blow up the photo to the limit, and be prepared to say, “see that spec on the left? That’s a 5,000-pound Elephant Seal!” or…
2. Alex Approach: Spend some significant coin on a traditional camera, invest is a long (and heavy) lens, and procure a sturdy tripod. With practice you can get some very good pics, but regular massage and occasional chiropractic treatment is recommended.
3. Digiscope: If you have access to a high-quality spotting scope (thank you federal government!) and you have a phone with a camera, you are in luck. If you are 16 years of age or younger, you will automatically (it is in the genes) align the camera on your phone over the spotting scope eyepiece and take some pretty good shots. If you have even the start of gray hair, this approach is frustrating and often not productive. However, if you can invest a few bucks (I spent $18) for a bracket that attaches to your scope, you are in business. Set it up once and you are good to go. Here is a shot of Jan’s set up and a cool video of marine mammals she shot at Simpson Reef.

Often while on duty at Simpson Reef, Jan introduced many visitors to the joy of digiscoping. With two of our spotting scopes set up on mammals or birds, Jan used the third scope for oldsters interested in getting a good picture. Patiently she walked them through the process, helped them connect the bracket, and praised them for the end result. So good to see the immediate beaming faces and the future great memories she helped to create.

Eugene
Though not on the coast, we had the chance to visit the city of Eugene. An impressive place! Home of the University of Oregon, it had the college “hum,” complete with a classy and fun downtown. Parks and green spaces were everywhere. Here is a pic of the beautiful Owen Rose Garden. Below is another of Jack sacking out on an overnight stay.





Cape Perpetua - Mile Marker 169
About midway up the Oregon coast is the spectacular Cape Perpetua.





Heceta Head Lighthouse - Mile Marker 179.5
A classic lighthouse in a perfect setting with good beach and nice trails. Although you can’t take a bad photo, I cheated and am using a favorite photo of mine from a visit a few years ago.



Oregon Dunes - South of Reedsport
The dunes dominate Oregon coastline for about 100 miles. Here is a shot Jan took of me, Jackson, and our good friend Nikki making the dune ascension on the John Dellenback Trail.



Cape Blanco State Park - Mile Marker 296
An hour south of Bandon is one of our favorite destinations, Cape Blanco State Park. Here is a photo of the lighthouse, a close up with Char’s smiling face, and one from a distance. Also, a shot Char took of a close-up of the Fresnel lens. Also, here is a hold-your-breath shot (literally) of a swallow nest perched above the park’s stinky outhouse (no running water!).











Tip: If you are in the area, just a few miles south in Port Orford is the Crazy Norwegian, a wonderful place for fish and chips.

Boardman Scenic Corridor - Mile Marker 301 to 356)
From Port Orford down to Harris Beach is a stretch called the Boardman Scenic Corridor, named after a determined, futuristic conservationist who did Oregon and the US and the world a favor by leading the preservation efforts to protect this 50-mile coastal stretch containing 11 Pacific overlooks—all are nice and a few are wonderful. Here is a shot of Jan and Nikki, Alex and Jan, a bee on a Teasel, Jack at a tide pool, and Hens and Chickens.









Harris Beach State Park - Mile Marker 356
Just north of Brookings is the southernmost beach in Oregon, another great place to stroll, relax, and explore. Here are a couple tide pool shots…a couple photos remind me of salads from a fancy restaurant menu.









Redwoods
There are some great Redwoods to visit in Oregon, but one day we decide to cross into California for a few miles and visit the Stout Grove in Jedediah Smith Redwoods State Park—nice choice. Driving the curvy road into the park, Jan had to sneak between old-old giant trees as wide as John Deere combines and taller than Harvestore silos. Within minutes our necks were aching from staring up and up and over and up. Walking through this ancient forest, one feels the same comfort, calm, and awe of entering a great cathedral. To add to this special experience, we heard in the distance the sounds of a soft, soothing, melodic tune. I soon met Nadine serenading the forest by playing her flute. She was kind enough to let me video her to share it with you.



Old Trucks
Here is a shot of an old truck advertising the Lakeshore Lodge in the sleepy town of Lakeside.



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See you soon.

Tags: Oregon, Bandon Beach, Cape Arago, Nature Photography, Eugene, Digiscoping, Cape Perpetua, Heceta Head Lighthouse, Cape Blanco State Park, Oregon Dunes, Boardman Scenic Corridor, Harris Beach State Park, Old Trucks, Once Upon a Truck