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Monday, June 22, 2015

Devil's Punchbowl

Funny how weather can change so quickly.

After enjoying a lovely sunny day on the coast, I awoke the next morning to a wet, misty world.


Foggy, rainy morning

But it was cozy in my little heated yurt, and I was in no hurry to leave.  Snuggling up on the futon couch, I read a book while listening to the soft pattering of raindrops on the roof.  Today was the day I'd pack up and head home, and I was gonna enjoy these final hours to the fullest.


Not much to see at the beach

A four-hour drive awaited though, and the desire to beat rush-hour traffic finally dislodged me from vacationland.  That, and I'd planned a few photo breaks along the way.


Highway bridge underside

Once on the road, I stopped at the first nearby beach for photos, but wind and driving rain made capturing images nearly impossible.  Further along, I made a final visit to Cape Perpetua.  The fantastic sunny conditions I'd enjoyed yesterday seemed like another lifetime ago.  Today, the rocky shoreline huddled under a dull, gray sky. 


Cook's Chasm wasn't as entertaining today

From the highway bridge, I looked down into Cook's Chasm, hoping for a repeat of yesterday's huge wave action.  But the drab-colored seawater just swirled sluggishly.  The only bright spot was a couple of wildflowers blooming nearby.


Seal Rock

So I continued north, following US 101.  Seal Rock was my next destination.  I'd heard the scenery was fantastic.  And there was supposed to be tons of wildlife - seals, of course, and birds nesting in nearby cliffs.


Lots of birds hanging out

But upon my arrival, the rain and wind decided to turn up the volume.  Emerging from the protective coastal forest, I was blasted with huge raindrops, while strong gales tried to blow me over.  I managed to click a couple of images, before hurriedly shoving the camera into my jacket.  The line of large, offshore sea stacks looked photogenic, and on a better day I would've spent more time.  But I wasn't willing to destroy my camera (or myself!) for a bunch of photos.  Seal Rock would have to wait for another trip.


Devil's Punchbowl

On to another scenic attraction!  My next destination was a wave-sculpted hollow rock called the Devil's Punchbowl.  Located north of the town of Newport, I was hoping the weather would improve by the time I arrived.


Close up of the inlet arch

Although not an official Oregon state park, Devil's Punchbowl was designated a State Natural Area.  It had been many years since I'd visited here, and if not for some well-placed highway signs, I might have missed the turnoff.  The narrow, windy road I was directed onto didn't seem like the main road to a well-known attraction.  I drove for a few miles through a residential area, thinking to myself "Is this really the correct way?"


Interesting orange lichen on it's walls

But, right before the ocean, the houses cleared to reveal a wide street.  A couple of small commercial buildings, including a chowder restaurant, were perched nearby.  A large fence was strung across the road's end.  What was behind there?  Walking up to the fence, I looked down, and spread below, there was Devil's Punchbowl.


Topside, looking out to sea

A much more interesting landform than I thought it would be, Devil's Punchbowl consisted of a huge oblong hole in the seaside cliffs, which resembled, of course, a punch bowl.  Thought to be formed when wave erosion caused the roof of two sea caves to collapse, I admired it's smooth, sand-colored rocky walls, accented by bright orange lichen.
 

Long way down to the beach!

It was fun to watch waves rushing in through two arched openings.  The foamy water churned around in the middle, before being sucked back out to sea.  Arriving between tides, there wasn't a huge amount of splashing action, but I assumed high tides would likely put on quite a show.


Interesting "islands" carved into the cliffs

A paved path followed the clifftop, and wandered along the sea.  High cliffs prevented beach access here, but there appeared to be a path closer towards the neighborhood that led to the sand.  But the crummy, windy weather wasn't persuading me to explore down there.  As a matter of fact, that nearby chowder house was looking mighty tempting.


Not a day to sit outside

The restaurant was nearly deserted.  I had the fastest service in my life, and good conversation with one poor waitress who was probably bored by the lack of customers.  As I enjoyed a steaming bowl of delicious clam chowder, the heavy rain and wind decided to make a comeback, slamming at the windows.  I silently thanked my lucky stars for the good sense to photograph Devil's Punchbowl before having lunch.



One more rainy shot!

Thus ends my Central Oregon Coast trip recaps.  Looking back, I'm glad I made the effort to explore this part of the coast.  Many years had passed since my last visit - and I now remember what I've missed.  Although a lot was packed into 2 days, there's still many places I'd didn't get to.  They're on my list for a return visit - which I can guarantee will happen soon.

Just in case you've missed any, here's all the links to my Central Oregon Coast mini-vacation posts:

Goin' Coastal
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Cape Perpetua - Land of Big Splashes
Seaside Sunset


Sharing with:  Our World Tuesday

34 comments:

  1. That looks like a place that I've visited in Tasmania.

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  2. Linda, what an amazing place! I love the scenery, the colours, the overall feel!

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  3. Hi Linda, reading your descriptions is always as fascinating as your photos. No matter how long or many the photos are, i am always entralled and expect for the next one. How i wish i write as nice as you do, even just writing your thoughts interest me! very inspiring

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  4. All things considered it was well worth the stops. I enjoyed the muted tones.

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  5. Yes Linda The whole trip was wonderful and it was as well it was the day for coming home that the rain lashed but your shots anyway are all great. Thanks for shaaring.

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  6. The coast and the sea are beautiful. The rain and mist makes everything look more mysterious.

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  7. A lovely series of captures Linda - notwithstanding the inclement weather! I particularly like the shot of huge rocks along the coast with the solitary gull (I presume) catching the wind.

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  8. Though the weather didn't treat you very kindly, you managed to have some great adventures and get some great captures.
    So many memories... I really need to visit that part of the coast more often.
    Wonderful post!

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  9. I hate to think how many places are called that in the UK so it should be no surprise there is one over your side of the pond. I must admit yours looks the part. Awesome scenery round there

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  10. Wow! Amazing land formations. Looks like some place in outer world.

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  11. Such a shame the weather was not great this da, but you still managed some great pictures. I like the Devil's Punchbowl, and also that very good looking bridge.

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  12. Wonderful rugged scenery.

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  13. Hello Linda, I have enjoyed your stops along the Oregon coastline. Sorry, your last day was rainy though. Some of these places are so familiar from my visit there and I think we had similar weather too. Your photos are always beautiful. Thanks for sharing your trip! Have a great day!

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  14. What an interesting place! Sounds like you had a great mini-vacation.

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  15. While the weather wasn't perfect, your pictures sure are! Thanks for pulling out that camera for the Punch Bowl shots, which I enjoyed very much. :-)

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  16. I think the OR coast is gorgeous no matter what the weather, it's those moods that give it its character! Beautiful shots...and I look forward to your next photo trip!

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  17. Wow! You always find the most interesting places! So glad you went even though the weather did not cooperate. I always love your posts and they always make me want to go an adventure!! Have a great week!!

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  18. That Devil's punch bowl is really an amazing formation. Your photos are spectacular in spite of that rain. So frustrating when the weather doesn't cooperate, but looks like you are like me . Do what you planned no matter what the weather. I always just think it is a different view of beauty.

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  19. Best wishes for a speedy recovery of your foot, Linda!

    PS - I may have already mentioned it, but I am insanely jealous of your solo beach/yurt adventure! ;)

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  20. I love a touch of fog in landscape and seascape images. Always adds a whole new dimension to the shot. Yours are great!

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  21. Beautiful coastal photos ~ love the shapes and textures ~

    Be well!

    Happy Week to you,
    artmusedog and carol

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  22. Even on rainy days you take delightful photos.

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  23. I just love the Oregon coast. I have many fond memories from childhood camping trips. Now my husband and I stop in Newport quite often in our airplane for fuel as we head up and down the coast. Unfortunately, we only get to see most of it from the air, but that's exciting as well. - Margy

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  24. You got great photos of the Punchbowl! That chowder probably tasted mighty fine on such a rainy day.

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  25. Wow! Thanks for reminding me just how beautiful the D Punchbowl is! Pretty spectacular--in spite of the inclement weather.
    Blessings, Aimee

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  26. I'm glad you allowed enough time to stop and capture a few last shots of the coast. I really liked the colours in the Devil's Punchbowl. Your photos are beautiful despite the rain.

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  27. What a great trip! I enjoyed all your photos...I have never had clam chowder...but I suppose a Chowder House would be the place to have a good bowl! :)

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  28. Impressive coastal features. I like heavy rain if I have some sort of shelter, sitting under a tree or in a tent. No fun out in the open though once it starts to seep in past the waterproofs.

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  29. You sound like me--trying to get shots in terrible weather!! I've noticed that some of your coastline looks similar to NZ coastlines. It's quite interesting with the formations and lichen.

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  30. Well imagine my surprise and delight after mentioning in your post with the Devils Churn that it reminded me of the Devil's Punchbowl that you'd post photos from none other then the Punchbowl. I absolutely LOVED them. Oh and that Clam Chowder is to die for delicious. Thanks for a wonderful trip back down memory lane.

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  31. These are beautiful pictures of my favorite part of the Oregon Coast. When I was a kid, my family camped at Beachside State Park every summer, and we explored every beach and rocky stretch of tide pools. As an adult, I expanded my "favorite coast" to include Sunset Bay and Shore Acres. We never minded the fog and rain; the coast was beautiful no matter the weather. I'm envious that you're just a short drive away from my favorite coastline!

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