As I mentioned in last week’s post detailing our visit to Seal Rock, I could kick myself for not making longer reservations on the Oregon Coast. Hopefully, I will make up for that shortcoming on a return visit. The view of the Pacific Ocean along the 90-mile drive from Seal Rock to Oceanside RV Campground in Charleston was extraordinarily beautiful. A trip that should take almost two hours required a lot more time because we repeatedly stopped at the overlooks to take in the views and take pictures.
We arrived at the campground in mid-afternoon and received our welcome packet, including the COVID-19 restriction guidance sheet, and escorted to site number 25, near the beach. After hooking up to the utilities and unloading the bicycles, we walked to the beach because we couldn’t stand to wait any longer. The view didn’t disappoint. The long, crescent-shaped shoreline began to the south at a tree-covered, rocky bluff and ended to the north at a low-lying rocky point. Gentle waves lapped the shore. The sky was clear, and the temperatures hovered in the mid-60’s. Helen and I took one look and celebrated our good fortune with a soft fist bump.
Next came the realization that we only had two full days to enjoy this little piece of paradise. With that in mind, we agreed to take full advantage of this delightful setting and stay put rather than do our usual exploring and sight-seeing routine. So, for two full days to shelter-in-place, we spent a lot of time on the beach. When not sitting on the sand, Helen worked her jig-saw puzzle, and I took advantage of the larger than usual campground to ride my bike for some exercise.
We had the good fortune of meeting some charming couples on either side of our campsite. One couple had a fifth-wheel that is an upgraded version of Lucy and they were kind enough to give us a tour. Although we are happy with Lucy and have seen very few trailers that we think are any better, Helen is always on the lookout for a fifth-wheel with larger windows. Our neighbors had just such a trailer. I moved quickly and got her out of there before she was ordering one just like it.
The only disadvantage to our remain-in-place visit is that we don’t have a lot to share with our readers. Coos Bay, Oregon, is about 20 miles northeast of Charleston, Oregon, and is probably better known. We passed on the opportunity to explore, so I borrowed a couple of pictures from Google to give everyone a sampling of the area. We did capture some great photos of the stunning sunsets that enthralled us on two nights of beach-walking before dinner. I believe some smoke coming from the fires in Northern California contributed to the red coloring around the setting sun.
A stunning couple of sunsets and breathtaking views are memories we take from this visit. I would love to have made at least a week of it, but we’ll take the time we had, be grateful, and stand firm in our resolve to return. Our next stop is in California…time to be Easin’ Along.
Some great photos again, your eye is getting better all the time. Hope the rest of your body is following suite.
Good morning!
Eyes are good…hands shake a bit. A good tripod helps. Thanks for checking in. Joe
Joe, I don’t doubt that it took a lot more than 2 hours to make that drive. One of the things that impressed me about that coast is the well-maintained lookouts, many with benches or picnic tables; every one more beautiful than the last. Your photos are a beautiful reminder of our time there many years ago. We too vowed to return, and we will.
Hello, Suzanne,
Oregonians have every right to be proud of their coastline, and I don’t blame them one bit for wanting to show it off at every opportunity. We stopped often to take it in. I’m certain you’ll get back there. We need your camera there too! Have a great week. Joe
Hi, Joe and Helen –
I love your new theme. It looks great.
And speaking of looking great — your photos on the post are awesome.
Your travels are incredibly inspiring. Thank you for sharing them with us!
Good morning, Donna,
Thanks much for the kind comments. The theme is Scratchpad. I need to make a few adjustments and add a plug-in or two, but it has a sidebar and room at the top for (most) of the drawing of Lucy. I still want a slider and will work on that this week. Your blogging tips help greatly. Stay safe up there. Joe
Alan and I share your and Helen’s feelings about the Oregon Coast, Joe, and plan to do it justice when we return next year. Your pics would make excellent calendar photos!
Good morning, Mary,
I am looking forward to reading about your return to Oregon. We’re going back, but I don’t have the schedule pinned down yet. Thanks for the comments on the photos…having good subject matter helps. Have a great week. Joe
I’m so happy you visited our Oregon Coast! It’s so beautiful. We love it, and although we live in Eugene, we have a little condo further north near Newport that we visit often. If you ever get this way again, you need to stop at Shore Acres. Check it out, you will be amazed!
Kate,
We will be back next summer and compiling a list of the places we should visit. You’re blessed to live in a state filled with incredible beauty. We’ll check out Shore Acres for certain. Thanks for checking in. Joe