Heading up the Oregon coast

Since last heard from, our intrepid duo plus 2 have savored the Oregon coast. Oregon state parks trump any other state’s parks we’ve seen—and we’ve been in almost every state. We loved Harris Beach outside Brookings: gorgeous beach and campgrounds where every site is the best. Oregon mixes uses—RV, tent, trailer—with great success. And the showers are free!



We love parking under tall trees and listening to surf pound just over the hill. Bullards Beach near Bandon was cool. Kati is conducting a taste test of fish and chips; so far the calamari at The Happy Clam in Brookings tops the list, but the snapper in Bandon was pretty good. Alan, on the other hand, is checking out the crab cakes.

We spent two days shopping, eating and gallivanting around Florence with our friends from Sacramento, Christine May (a former colleague of Kati’s at Department of Corrections and now a FEMA reservist) and Carol. They took us everywhere, including a fun lunch at the Florence Senior Center.  

Tillamook’s Blue Heron is as much fun as ever. Good lunch, lots of browsing, outdoor picnic tables. Beau spent her time there trying to stare down the roving chickens. And the wine called Alan’s name. So many wineries, so little time…



After that, we drove south and hiked up to Munson Falls, highest falls on the northwest coast. Nice hike, impressive big spruces, fewer bad drivers on the one-lane road. (The dune buggy people have started arriving and they are noticeable on Hwy. 101.)

It wouldn’t be right to ignore the road from Florence to Tillamook—it is gorgeous, windy and windey, steep, narrow, and terrifying in a big RV. Since Kati’s arthritis won’t let her take Maxie’s wheel anymore, she braves the passenger seat and is still working on terror management. Alan is patient as always and has not hit anything yet.

Beau is practicing her agility training at every opportunity; logs seem to work well for this skill. Lance just ambles along, perking up when he sees other dogs. We met four other Border Collies in Bandon—everyone, especially the owners, agreed they are a superior breed.

We move on to Astoria tomorrow and our favorite smoked fish joint anywhere along the coast. Kati is already salivating for the smoked salmon and albacore. We’ll let you know how it is. People in these parts are far nicer than they need to be – maybe it’s the dogs.