I don’t know what I was thinking.
I hope that the reason I only scheduled two campgrounds for three nights each was that there were few sites available on the dates we needed. That became a more understandable reason when we arrived. The Oregon Coast is extraordinarily beautiful and a prime destination for RVers.
When Helen and I began planning our trip to the Northwest over a year ago, I suppose that I regarded driving through Oregon as something we needed to do to travel from my sister’s summer home in Yelm, Washington, to meet up with our grandchildren in California. Boy, did I screw up!
The drive from Yelm to Seal Rock, Oregon, covered about 260 miles down I-5 through Portland (and the tent cities built by “peaceful” protesters) to Corvallis, then west along US 20 to Newport, Oregon, where we turned south on US 101, the Pacific Coast Highway. The coast first came into view in Newport. The weather on this day was glorious, and the Pacific Ocean crashing on huge rocks along the shoreline welcomed us like a gigantic waving hand. We waved back.
Seal Rock RV Cove is a small, cozy campground that sits on a bluff overlooking US 101 and the Pacific Ocean. Upon our arrival, we went through the now-familiar contactless check-in procedures made necessary by the plague. We accepted our welcome packet slipped under a barely-open window by a masked attendant and towed Lucy to the last campsite in the RV Park. We did well. Our view of Seal Rock Cove had to be one of the best in the campground. We hooked Lucy to the utilities, put out the tables and chairs, and began our visit in grand style. Helen worked her puzzle to the sound of a roaring ocean while sipping on her favorite boxed wine. This girl knows how to enjoy life.
We had no activities scheduled for our time in Seal Rock except to walk the beach and relax. With a view like this and a welcoming beach in front of us, we were in no hurry to explore. We saved our first beach walk for the afternoon; once again, the weather was perfect and the temperatures a bit on the cool side. We both wore long-sleeved shirts (remember—it’s still August).
The pounding waves fascinated me, and I took a memory card full of pictures, trying hard to capture the surf hitting the rocks. A few waves posed for me, and I had some success. The large stones are something we Eastern and Southern beach-goers don’t see very often and make interesting photographic subjects. Please check out the pictures of the beach and our entire time here at the Picture Gallery I created for Seal Rock (click here). I had a great time and lost myself in a very relaxing afternoon. A sensational sunset capped off the day.
The following day, Helen suggested we drive the short distance to the town of Bayshore to check it out. The city itself is small and has that “beach town” feel to it. It didn’t take long to drive from one end of the other. Sadly, many shops and taverns had closed due to this horrible pandemic. We did spot one open shop—an antique store and flea market—the perfect activity for a couple of browsers like ourselves. We spent a lot of time in the shop. I didn’t find anything I wanted, but Helen uncovered two pieces of Vaseline Glass, a cream pitcher, and a shot glass to add to her collection. Both came at a bargain price of fourteen dollars in total.
That afternoon we walked the beach again. It was a Saturday, and we noticed that the crowds on the beach were larger than the day before. Even a few extra people can’t take away the charm of this secluded cove, and the added activity level of kite-flying and sandcastle construction only added a layer of fun to Seal Rock.
Another glorious sunset entertained us until bedtime. A flock of Geese heading south signaled to us that it was time to do the same. Tomorrow, we would have to pack up and move to Coors Bay. We looked forward to that visit but leaving Seal Rock made me kind of sad. Three nights isn’t enough for this place if you’re in a mood to relax. We were and did. It’s time to be Easin’ Along.
Joe, the Oregon coast is a must see for sure. We took a 3-week driving trip from Seatle to San Diago a few years ago and were bowed over by the natural beauty of the coastline. I like that you didn’t have any ‘plans’ there and just enjoyed your surroundings. It’s that kind of place. Love all the photos. Next time you want to shoot rock splaches come to Florida and I’ll show you my favorite place!
Suzanne,
I’ll take you up on your offer to see your favorite photo site. I had a great time playing with the camera…so relaxing. Totally agree that the coast along the Pacific North is incredible. We stayed busy doing almost nothing but stare at the shore. My kind of fun! Stay safe down there! I heard that Florida is now open for business. Joe
Such beautiful pictures!
Thanks, Swann,
Once again, I had good material to work with. Thanks for checking in. Joe
Wow Joe, just gorgeous. Maybe I’ll put this on our list of places to stop in Oregon!
Can’t believe we are leaving on our own adventure in a little over a week!
Oh, Nancy,
I’m so excited for you. You’re going to have an incredible time. I must tell you that I felt safer in our RV and the campgrounds than I do here at home. Now that we’re home and busy, I feel that there are many more opportunities for exposure. We had our home with us, we ate out only a few times, and we were socially distanced in the campgrounds, yet outside. I highly recommend Seal Rock and Coos Bay, Oregon. Coos Bay has a great marina for sailboat lovers to browse. Stay in touch! Joe
Nothing soothes the soul like the waves of the Pacific Ocean crashing again and again. I was just here Tuesday-it had been nearly 2 years as it’s 10 hours from home.
Enjoy the rest of your journey!
Hi, Elle,
We went to Seal Rock to relax and got just what we wanted. Thanks for stopping by! Please join us for the rest of the trip. Joe
Hi, Joe – I love everthing that you have shared about your recent BIG trip. Seal Rock is no exception. I completely agree – Helen does know how to enjoy life. 😀
Fun Fact – Seal Rock in Snaw-Naw-As (First Nations) language is: Es-hw Sme~nts. (I’m a nerd, I know)!
Good morning, Donna,
Helen has a rare gift that our Creator doesn’t give to many people…she truly lives in the moment. To her, the past is the past, the future will arrive soon enough. so, let’s enjoy right now. Love the fun fact–I can see you doing an entire blog series on Snaw-Naw. Thanks for the first lesson. Stay in touch. Joe
Hi, Joe! Your reaction to the Oregon coast doesn’t surprise me at all. We spent a week on the coast during our 2017 West Coast National Parks trip and immediately vowed to return. Actually, we were supposed to be there at this very minute, but decided to postpone until next year. You’re absolutely right – the shoreline is unlike any on the east coast. It’s not only gorgeous, but magical, too. I’m really happy to know you and Helen had such a glorious journey. Your photos are lovely!
Good morning, Mary,
Magical is a great word for that coast. We’re going back to that part of the world next summer and explore it some more. I’m already counting the days. Have a great week, Mary. Stay in touch. Joe
Such beautiful photos! I, too, have spent quite a bit of time trying to get the perfect pic of the Pacific waves crashing against rocks! I did get some pretty good ones near Pacific Grove, CA. We love driving up 101 along the coast and had hoped to do a trip from Southern CA to Washington in the spring….. I guess time will tell if that would be prudent.
Looking forward to the next installment of your trip!
Good afternoon, Addy,
We drove all the way along 101 from the Washington border to near San Bernardino. So scenic and unlike the beaches we’re used to. Hope you are able to make your trip. I’ve told others, I felt safer in my RV and in the campgrounds than I do in my home town. Lots of opportunities for exposure when we’re back home and busy. Thanks for joining us. Stay safe out there! Joe
Such a wonderful area to visit, Joe! I hope to take that drive soon as I have never seen much of the Oregon coast. You must have visited just before or after the fires, although I see a bit of orange skies in those sunsets, probably from smoke from the California fires! Next year, I hope you can stay in Yosemite! Take care!
Good morning, Terri,
We were not affected by the smoke in Oregon, but I’m certain that the California fires affected the sunsets. I really do hope you make the drive and spend some time along the Oregon Coast…as an outdoor enthusiast, you would love it. We’re back home and busy working on next summer’s trip. I’m excited about seeing that coast again. Have a great week. Joe