Monday we left the coast and drove to Eugene, OR. It rained the entire drive and day for that matter. We’ve been so fortunate to have sunny days along the coast we didn’t complain. Our drive took us south to California and then west along the Redwood Highway. Yay! Big Trees!
Once we made it to Grants Pass, we hoped on the I-5 and worked our way north. Beautiful scenery along the curvy interstate.
Our reservation for the night was at the Graduate Hotel. If you ever get the chance, stay at a Graduate Hotel. They are the cutest. We stayed at one in Bloomington, IN a few years ago and loved it. We knew we would enjoy this one as well. Staying in Oregon Duck country, the room hit the mark.
Desk LampBedWallpaper in BathroomDo Not Disturb SignRoom Key
Meanwhile in the Lobby….
Go Ducks! Nike Legends
For dinner we went to Silver Falls Brewery. We shared a pizza and salad.
After dinner we went to a fun speakeasy. After ringing the bell, you have to share the password to be let in. Unfortunately, we didn’t know it. However, on a Monday night, the bartender was happy to let us in & share the password. “Bird is the word.”
Bird is the word
Inside the speakeasy had a well stocked bar and cozy seating.
Eugene was a great town to stop for the night and no doubt we could enjoy even more if we had more time. Final stretch back to Portland today. We catch the red eye home. Thanks for following along! Thanks for reading.
Before leaving Coos Bay, we drove over to Sunset Bay State Park. Another lovely state park with a beautiful beach and lighthouse.
Our drive south along the 101 from Coos Bay to Brookings was a little over two hours. Since we didn’t have Alfred to accompany us, I used another app called Autio. Autio has short 2-3 minute stories about places near you while you’re on a road trip. We used it a lot during our nomadic adventures in 2022. The stories are usually historical and informative. It was fun to learn about the small towns we were driving through. For example Bandon, OR is known for cheese and cranberries. Did someone say cheese? We decided to stop and check out the creamery and the free samples. While we were stopped, we walked through town and found Tony’s Crab Shack. Its very unassuming appearance was a sure sign the crab would be delicious.
Tony’s
After confirming with a local, we decided to have lunch.
I’m not crabby! Dungeness Crab!SteamersCarnage
After lunch, we were back in the car heading south. Next planned stop was the Prehistoric Gardens. But, wait! I see rocks in the water! Pullover so I can take a picture! The view never gets old. These were taken near Port Orford.
Port OrfordPort Orford
Now, for the Prehistoric Gardens. Even Autio had something to say about this road side attraction. The Prehistoric Gardens was the vision of E.V. Nelson. He moved his family to Oregon in 1953. He decided on using the southern Oregon rainforest as the location to build his dream. The Gardens opened on January 1, 1955. The Prehistoric Gardens is still family owned and there are 23 life-size, cement dinosaurs. The rainforest is the perfect setting for the massive creatures. Here are a few of my favorites.
His arms!Giants Trees!Horns! Yikes!Taking flight! Stalking us
After returning from our time- travel, we were back in the car searching for more rocks in the water! Easy to find! These pictures were taken at Golds Beach. Perfect spot to stretch our legs.
Sunny to the NorthCloudy to the South
Our next rock spotting was at Meyers Creek Beach.
We stopped at Arch Rock State Park to view the Arch Rock and others.
Down the road a little further was Natural Bridges.
Before we knew it, we had arrived in Brookings. We checked in early and went to find a cold beverage. Chetco Brewing was the solution.
Dave picked sushi for dinner. What’s not to love?
Sake, poke bowl and sashimi
Our hotel is right on the ocean and our room is on the third floor. We enjoyed another night of sleep with the slider door open and the waves crashing. The beach has so much driftwood. I wish I could bring home a couple big ones for the backyard!
It’s rainy this morning, messing up our hike plans. We’ve had amazing luck with the weather up until this point. We’ve head away from the coast today. Destination Eugene. See you soon! Thanks for reading!
We had so much fun taking Alfred’s suggestions Friday we decided to make Saturday “Alfred Day”. We had a three hour drive down the coast from Lincoln City to Coos Bay. I already had a few spots marked and Alfred recommended all of them plus a few fun surprises. Off we go!
One final picture from our room in Lincoln City
Alfred’s first suggestion was to stop at Fogarty Creek State Recreation Area. Here we had a lovely view of the Pacific Ocean and Rabbit Rock.
Rabbit RockClose upBeautiful morning Bird Friend
We continued South on the 101. Our next stop, Boiler Bay, was also Alfred’s recommendation. The wave action was incredible.
The perfect Oregon Coast sunrise picture Waves! Those are giant waves!!
Back in the car heading south, we drove through Depoe Bay. It is known for being the world’s smallest navigable harbor and whale watching adventures. Unfortunately, whale watching is best in the winter and early spring. We just had spanning views of beautiful Pacific Ocean!
Depoe Bay is in the background
Stopping at the Devil’s Punchbowl was on my list and also suggested by Alfred. Alfred had a hidden way for us to arrive. It was a little one- lane back road with a bike lane through Otter Rock. I took a video and Alfred is actually talking in it!
Devil’s Punchbowl was really cool and not what I was expecting. About 15-20 million years ago, the roofs of two adjacent sea caves collapsed as a result of erosion from waves and wind creating a large “Punchbowl”. The sea cave entrances are still there and can be accessed during low tide. Our timing was during high tide so we weren’t able to access the Punchbowl.
Once we were back on the 101, Alfred offered us a detour through the coastal town of Newport. We decided to take the detour. One reason was, we have seen “Mo’s” restaurants along the way and it has never been a good time for a meal. It was about 10 at this point and it opened at 11. Second reason, I thought we could shop for a bit and then eat lunch. Little did we know what awaited us! Sea lions!! They are so stinky and absolutely hilarious.
Pile of sea lionsHis neck? Sea lion rockPiles
For your enjoyment- a short video. without the odor.
We shopped around and when Mo’s opened at 11 we were the second party seated. I need to tell you another Alfred story. Yesterday, as we were driving, he brought up food and specifically Oregon Coast clam chowder. Each day, we have shared a cup of chowder. Our favorite was at the Pelican in Cannon Beach. Alfred told us about Slumgullion. It’s Oregon clam chowder with Oregon pink shrimp on top. Mo’s was the first place Slumgullion has been on the menu. I felt compelled to order it. In a sour dough bread bowl. Seriously. It was delicious and our new favorite. The Caesar salad was good. We shared both.
Mo’s Chicken Caesar Slumgullion Newport Bridge
After lunch we were back in the jeep heading south. Our next stop was at Seal Rock. Another of Alfred’s suggestions. The Oregon Coast views never get old or boring!
Seal RockLooking SouthWave Power!
The next stop was one I had marked and also one Alfred suggested. Devil’s Churn. It lived up to its name. Plus, we had a chance to walk a little around the other side of the cove. Again, beautiful.
Our next planned stop was one we were very excited about. Sea Lion Cave. I had it marked and Alfred mentioned it a couple of times. Apparently, sea lions hang out in the cave which you access via an elevator. It costs $18 a person. Except when the sea lions are out in the water preparing for winter and eating. Such was our experience. You can pay only $16 which includes a “rain cheque” for another entrance in a year. Whomp whomp. No sea lion caves for us. At least we had the joy of seeing them in Newport!
The credit goes to Albert for our next stop. Darlingtonia Wayside. It is a small area that has been set aside as a botanical preserve. It protects the fragile habitat of the Darlingtonia califorinica. Also known as the cobra-lily or pitcher plant. It is a carnivorous plant that attracts insects with its sweet smell and traps them, then digests them with bacteria juices in the stem. So cool. And oh so many! Thanks, Alfred. My science teacher heart was so happy.
Driving down 101 we were stuck in traffic for a quick minute. Only to realize a truck pulling fish crates toppled. Check it out. Notice the fish in the back of the truck and on the pavement. The guys were working so fast to get the fish in the truck!
As we rolled through Florence, OR, Alfred bid us farewell. We both were so sad to say goodbye to our friend. The Oregon Coast tour stopped after the central coast. Seriously, if you’re planning a road trip, check out GuideAlong. It is a really fun way to explore and learn about the area you’re exploring.
And finally, we arrived in Coos Bay where we are staying for the night. Based on the reviews and a couple bloggers, I picked Bay Point Landing. It’s an RV and glamping venue. Funny story. When we arrived, I went in to check us in. The receptionist tells me about the amenities- pointing in the direction of the indoor pool and she says also that’s where the showers and restrooms. Hmmmm… not sure how I feel about this. I thought we had a bath in our container… but, I didn’t say anything. I asked about laundry facilities. Yes, and she shows me on the map. And says there are also showers and restrooms (same building as laundry) that are closer to your cabin. Oh, no. We don’t have a bathroom? How did I f-k this up. I walk out to the car and say to Dave… I don’t know how I fu-ked this up but I did. Why, he asks. And I proceed to explain. He says, so very calmly, basically we are camping. Yeah… with a roof. And then I say “it’s only one night”. We drive around and look at the facilities. It’s very nicely kept. Then come to our container. I walk in and the kitchen is amazing. How in the world is there no bathroom. There is and it’s lovely. I’ve never been so happy! We’ve been laughing ever since. Our guess, the receptionist is new and didn’t know the difference between the containers. Some are smaller and probably don’t have a bathroom. Anyways, we are good, happy by the fire pit and did a load of laundry. Enjoy a video.
Campfire dinner. We picked up some smoked salmon and tuna for dinner. Plus crunchy curls and an apple from Trader Joe’s. Simple can be delicious.
We were hoping for another amazing sunset. Mother Nature had other plans. Dave told me to snap a picture before the fog completely rolls in. Sure enough…. Foggy fire pit night.
I appreciate you taking time to read to the end. That was a long one. As always, thanks for reading.
Before leaving the northern part of the coast, we went to Ecola State Park for a lovely morning hike. Ecola SP has been the filming location for several movies. The Goonies, Kindergarten Cop, Point Break and Twilight. The rocky coast line and dramatic cliff make it perfect for the big screen. Our hike was a 3.5 loop with 1000ft of elevation.
Indian BeachOff we go! FernsInteresting treesGoats beard1000ft above sea levelSunrise through the treesFiltered lightPlank & new bootsIndian Beach with a little fog
After our hike and check out, we started our drive down the coast. Our final destination was Lincoln City.
We are using the GuideAlong app again. Alfred our narrator, is like having an old friend in the car. Plus, he has so many stories and knows where all the fun places to stop are located. Like Pronto Pups! We wouldn’t have stopped for a Pronto Pup if Alfred hadn’t told us it was the original Pronto Pup location!
Our next stop was at the Tillamook Cheese Factory. We completed the self guided tour, sampled cheese and decided to enjoy some ice cream!
40lb blocks of cheeseCheese! Cheese! Fireside peanut butter cup
Alfred gave us two options for the drive. We could hug the coast or go more inland on the 101. We decided to take the scenic coastal drive. We had so many fun places to stop. The first was Cape Meares to see the light house and Octopus Tree! The Octopus Tree is a 300 year old Sitka Pine and there is still debate as to how the Octopus Tree formed. Naturally or was it created by humans. We may never know…
The view! LighthouseOctopus Tree
Our drive continued along the coast with a stop for some salt and salted caramels at Jacobsen Salt Company. (Another suggestion by Alfred) They harvest the salt from the Pacific Ocean and ship to chefs all around the world. The caramels made a lovely addition to our car snacks.
The last stop along this part of the coast was Pacific City. We hopped out to see the beach and were amazed at the giant sand dune.
We made it to Lincoln City in time for check in. The inn is right on the ocean. It’s so lovely. We slept with the sliding door open listening to the waves all night. Nature’s natural sound machine.
Our hotelOur room on the third floor
We enjoyed another amazing sunset. We walked the beach for a bit and then came back to the fire pits at the hotel.
We had an early morning flight to Portland. Our flights were uneventful, which is always a good thing. Unfortunately, it took two hours to get our rental car! That ate our afternoon hike time. After a stop at Trader Joe’s (YAY!) for road trip snacks, we made it to Cannon Beach right in time for check-in.
Easy and beautiful drive to the coast.
We picked out Pelican Brewery for dinner. The beers and food were delicious.
YummmmmClam Chowder & CaesarAhi Tuna & Flatbread Happiness is a vacay hoodie and IPA
After dinner, we headed to Cannon Beach to watch the sunset.
When we arrived at the beach we realized there was a herd of elks enjoying the beach as well. They were so impressive and stinky!
Our first vacation sunset was so beautiful. I think I took 97 photos. I tried to narrow down my favorites.
A few more as we strolled the beach.
As we were walking home, the same herd of elks enjoying were walking their way across the dunes. It was fun to watch the bull round up his women.
A couple videos.
Elk migration No Bull from this guy!
I’m calling our first day a success. We are looking forward today’s adventures as we start driving south. As always, thanks for reading.
Dave and I spent the first part of our West Coast trip in San Diego. He had a work convention and so we stayed in the Gaslamp District close to the convention center. It was a fun few days filled with good food and great friends.
Most of our friends we met up with, we were all stationed together in Japan. It was a fun reunion!
Happy Hour with Judd, Dave, Bob & GarrettBrewers/ Padres game with Garrett & BillDinner with Matt, Yuko & HarperKawaiiDinner with Brent, Dina & MadiCheers!
I left my fitness friends with homework while I’m away. 60 second planks every other day. I’ve been planking here, there and everywhere!
Destin AirportNaval Station SDMidway ParkSan Diego Airport
California has been sunny and fun. This morning we have an early flight to Portland, OR to start the second half of our trip. The REAL vacation- driving the Oregon coast! Stay tuned for more! And as always, thanks for reading.
Well, as we left Acadia, it was time to say goodbye to my beloved Vasque Hiking Boats. While I was coming back down from our mountain goat trek to get to the bubbles, Dave was guiding me where to place my foot because I was coming down “blind” – not able to see down & where to place my feet. As he was directing me, he said, “I hate to be the one to tell you this, your boots are falling apart.” What? And well, that explains a lot. Between this trip and the trip we made to Utah in December, I noticed that my boots felt funny and not as cushy. I even replaced the insoles to try and help the situation. Well, the situation couldn’t be helped because the soles had separated from the shoe and the gel cushion had dry rotted and was flaking out the side.
I bought these boots in July of 2007 before my mom and I went on a hiking trip to Santa Fe, NM. At the time I spent somewhere between $150-$200 for them and I thought that was pretty expensive. Considering they lasted 18 years, I suppose I got my money’s worth. Dave and I started a list of where I have hiked with these boots:
Santa Fe, NM
Taos, NM x 2
Canadian Rockies (Banff & Jasper)
Glacier NP
Waterton- Glacier International Peace Park
Yosemite NP x 2 (Half Dome once)
Isle Royal NP
Mount Fuji x 3
Numerous hikes all over Japan
Lassen NP
Crater Lake NP
Big Sur, CA
Redwood NP x 2
Colorado x 3 (Aspen, Breckenridge, Boulder, Denver, Crested Butte, Maroon Belles and others)
Rocky Mountain NP
Arches NP
Canyonlands NP
Dead Horse State Park, UT
Park City, UT
Kings Canyon & Sequoia NP
Hot Springs NP
The Wave, UT
Grand Staircase National Monument
Bryce Canyon NP
Zion NP (Angels Landing)
Acadia NP
Countless State Parks
And numerous other “local hikes”
Rest in Peace my hiking friends. I hope the next pair of hiking boots treat me just as well.
For our final day in Acadia NP we decided to explore the lesser known/ lesser traveled west peninsula of Mount Desert Island.
Acadia National Park
We tuned into our favorite narrator “Albert” as we drove. He provides entertainment and information. Our first stop was at the Beech Mountain trail head. Beech Mountain trail is a short loop that climbs up giving you spectacular views of Bass Harbor and Long Pond. Both were lovely.
Off we go! Rocky pathStepsMore up!More stepsRoots
I took this picture because this tree is already fighting! He’s growing on the granite rocks! I can only imagine how impressive he will be in the next 20-30 years. Grow strong, friend!
The summit view and breeze were worth the steps!
The descent included beautiful views of Long Pond.
After our hike, we jumped in the car and returned to Alfred’s narration. He recommended we stop in Southwest Harbor and walk the town. I am happy we listened. We stopped for ice cream and I was able to get my Maine Blueberry 🫐 ice cream. It was so delicious.
Continuing the drive, we headed to Ship Harbor Trail. This trail is flat, family friendly and has forest and shore views. As well as a few boardwalk trails.
The pink granite that makes up most of Acadia was on full display along this part of the coast. So beautiful!
The trail was a figure 8 which gave us a chance to see more of the forest.
Trees growing on rocksReindeer Lichen
Once we completed the hike, we jumped in the car and drove a half mile up the road to hike the Wonderland trail. This trail was a short flat out and back.
Both trails we hikedCoastline Last hike selfieWild roseBee & thistle
Those hikes were perfectly lovely. The reviews I read gave them much more positive feedback. I would give them a sold 5/10. Again, great for kids and families.
We returned to the car for one final stop on this peninsula. We needed to snap a picture of the famous Bass Harbor Lighthouse. It’s still there and still photogenic.
Bass Harbor Lighthouse
For our final vacation dinner, Dave made us reservations at Havana in Bar Harbor. We ordered cocktails and that’s when I noticed the card on the table. So cute, the staff gave me a happy birthday card.
For dinner Dave ordered paella and I order one final lobster dish. Both were delicious.
PaellaLobster Moqueca
The Lobster Moqueca was incredible. The dish is made with coconut cream, onion, red peppers, and lime juice. It was served with jasmine rice and lots of lobster!
We didn’t have room for dessert, but, they had a sweet surprise.
Thank you for following along with me as we explored Acadia NP. Although, a smaller national park, it has so many hidden treasures and amazing hikes. We didn’t do everything- we did what we could and enjoyed every moment. Until next time!
Our third day at the park included the full drive around Park Loop Road. We once again purchased and downloaded the Acadia Tour from the GuideAlong app. I highly recommend the app and the audio guides they provide. The narrator, who we named “Alfred”, is fantastic. The app’s ability to know exactly where you are and which direction you are heading is great and a little creepy. Anyways, Alfred guided us along Park Loop Road and we were glad he did. There are several “secret” places that without Alfred to tell us to stop, we would have missed bc there are no signs nor designated parking areas.
Precipice Mountain is one of THE mountains to hike in the park. However, May – August the area is closed because the Peregrine Falcons are nesting. In the 1950s the Peregrine population was almost extinct because of the chemical DDT. The endangered species act, banning of DDT, and a dedicated effort by park officials has helped the Peregrine Falcon population soar in Acadia.
Looking up Precipice Mountain – looking for Falcons
The other main mountain people seek to hike is Bee Hive. From the reviews I read, its sounds like a great hike with all of the thousands of tourists. It was described as a “conga line” by one review. We honestly have been kindof surprised by the amount of tourists. And so, knowing it’s going to be crowded, we passed. plus, the parking lot was a zoo when we passed so we felt confident in our decision.
Instead, we walked along the Ocean Path and enjoyed spectacular views of the Harbor and rocky Maine coastline. Another item on my list completed. Explore the coast. ✔️ And it was beautiful!
Our first stopping point was Thunder Hole. I read mixed reviews about Thunder Hole, some calling it Thunder-less Hole if there were no storms or tidal changes. We were pleasantly surprised for a calm morning.
How about a video for sound and understanding of the force!
So what’s going on? the ocean has carved a cave at water level. When the water runs out airs fills in. Water rushes in with the waves and creates a thundering sound as the air is forced out.
More scientific explanation
One more video… the shadows give perspective on size.
Our next stop was to park and stroll along the Ocean Path.
Rocky Maine Coast Path leads the wayBeautiful Trees growing on rocksOne of my favs of the day❤️
Caught another item on my Maine list – see a working Lobster 🦞Boat.
Lobster 🦞 boat
We reached the end of the path and doubled back to the car. Still so beautiful.
Who’s back there?
We jumped back in the car and Alfred encouraged us to stop and observe the bridge. Much of the park was a gift from John D. Rockefeller. This bridge is one example of how Rockefeller took advice from knowledgeable engineers. Instead of creating a straight road, the engineer advised Rockefeller – a curved bridge that mirrored the sand bar would be a better option. We agreed.
Curved bridge
Our next stop was at Little Hunters Beach. An unmarked yet easily accessible beach with lovely round stones. Alfred encouraged this stop as well. Years and years of waves have rolled these stones smooth and round.
The sound is so meditative
That was our final stop for the day and completed our tour of Park Loop Road. We did the other part yesterday. We headed back to Bar Harbor for lunch. On the menu, lobster bisque and clam chowder. The lobster claw at the bottom of my bisque was a fun surprise.
The final part of our day was to watch the sunset from Cadillac Mountain. We took a small picnic and found a spot away from the huge crowd. All was lovely. However, we both agreed the warm temperatures gave it a bit of a haze. Beautiful regardless.
We also agreed sunrise the day before was more spectacular. Thanks for reading!
This should come as no surprise, day 2 started off chasing sunrise. During the months May – October you must have tickets to drive up Cadillac Mountain. (the highest peak in the park) From October 7th – March 6th Cadillac Mountain is the first spot to observe the sunrise in the United States. This is due to its height and proximity to the coast. Because of the earth’s tilt during the spring/ summer months other places along the seaboard actually observe it earlier. We had tickets to drive up Cadillac Mountain starting at 4:30am. We were up at 3 am. Leaving the Airbnb by 4 and on top of the mountain by 4:30am. Here’s my first picture.
Pre- sunrise atop of Cadillac Mountain
There are limited tickets available – however, that still doesn’t prevent a lot of people from participating. Turns out it doesn’t matter the size of the vehicle or how many people inside. Just one ticket required. To say it was crowded would be an understatement. Plus, there was little etiquette. People were talking too loudly and constantly standing / sitting directly in front of you. Fortunately, the chaos doesn’t show in the pictures. I was constantly bobbing and weaving to capture my pictures. Here are a few…
An hour later, the sun made its appearance. Good morning, sunshine ☀️
After officially declaring it a successful sunrise, we jumped in the car and heading to Jordan Pond. Jordan Pond is a beautiful area with a 3.2 mile trail that circles the lake. Jordan Pond is 150 feet deep – making it the deepest lake in the park. Also, it is a public water supply, so no swimming. From the start of the trail, you have a great view of The Bubbles.
The Bubbles & Jordan Pond
The Bubbles are two small mountains- North Bubble and South Bubble. Although they appear to be the same size, they aren’t. The south bubble is closer making it appear larger.
We began our walk around Jordan Pond. It was beautiful in the quiet of the early morning.
My plan was for us to hike from the pond trail to the bubbles summit. Then we realized we needed to be mountain goats. We decided to turn around and just go to the Bubbles parking lot and hike from there.
We clambered back down to the pond trail and finished the rest of the loop around Jordan Pond.
The highlight of the trail for us was the boardwalk. To protect the fragile pond shore ecosystem, the park built a lovely boardwalk.
One thing I have noticed after our two days in the park is the resilience of the trees. They will grow anywhere and on anything. The ultimate survivors / fighters are the trees who will grow on top of a rock. A granite rock at that!
This one is a fighter!
We finished our hike around the lake and jumped in the car. We continued up Park Loop Road to the parking lot for Bubble Rock. It took a little patience and a little jockeying, but we got a parking spot and proceeded to climb to the top of the North Bubble and then to the top of the South Bubble. Mountain goat skills not required when hiking this way.
North Bubble Summit
The highlight of the South Bubble is Bubble Rock. It is a large boulder that hitch a 40-mile ride on a glacier. It’s is precariously suspended on the edge of the South Bubble.
Bubble RockView from South Bubble
By this point in our day, we were exhausted (we had been up for 8 hours and hiking 6 of them). All we had the energy for was a quick stop at the visitor center. We stopped at the Visitor Center and groaned when we saw the sign that the visitor center was 52 stairs up from the parking lot. Haha. 😆 We passed several families with kids and the kids were all counting each step. My legs were counting, too!
We enjoyed a nice shower and nap before dinner. Our dinner was a delicious reward. Dave ordered the lobster 🦞 platter and I tried another lobster roll. This one was good… however, as predicted, yesterday’s was better!
Lobster roll Lobster PlatterBlueberry PieLobster Bouy wall
Day 2 was a success! I’m slowly crossing off my “Maine List”. Lobster Roll, watch the sunrise, hike until my legs are exhausted, enjoy blueberry pie. Now I just need the moose to participate. As always, thanks for reading!
