Jun 26, 2015

We've had a lovely day starting with a beautiful winding ride through incredibly lush mountain with massive tall fir / pine trees and shady glades with large amounts of water through the mountains to the west coast and the ride has continued with lots of twists and turns with more of the trees right down to the water which seems bizarre to me as well as charming little seaside villages and rugged coastlines. Wow. record high temperatures to the east of the mountains but happily a comfortable / cool temperature to the west where we are. One of the constant companions to the ride has been a roadside flower which looks like a prolific flowering sweet pea. It is more sturdy in growth and has fewer tendrils and little to no perfume to what I'm used to and varies from pale pink to a deep cyclamen (predominantly) in colour. Beautiful. Pictures tell the story:

　

First view of the Pacific water on the inlet in Florence (albeit it in a bit of sea mist).

　

Lake Woahanik.

　

Water all round.

　

Siuslaw River Bridge, a drawbridge.

　

Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area in the sea mist / fog.

　

Street scene in Banton.

　

A coast shot in the sea mist.

　

And one when it has partially cleared. with a bonus shot of an eagle.

　

The second of many great bridges we have seen today from underneath.

　

And a lighthouse (not issuing a fog horn warning as one on the break water which was shrouded in sea mist / fog we saw was).

　

Small village having a serious go at attracting the tourist hordes.

　

Umpqua  National Park Dunes - a designated ATV area and some sort of ATV rally happening today with ATV's and  all sorts of RV's parked up everywhere. Bizarre seeing the ATV's zooming everywhere on the dunes!.

　

And another.

 

Heading into Gold Beach.

Bits and Bobs:

　

Coffee spot wisdom above and a beautiful coffee below.

　

Last Night's Accommodation:

　

Phoenix Inn Suites, 850 Franklin Boulevard, Eugene, Oregon 97403

Large comfortable room to spread out and relax, comfortable bed. Included WiFi (which won't let me load photos), included continental breakfast and parking. Short walk to multiple eating options. Quiet neighbourhood.