One final post.....driving home from Bandon the following day, I took my time and revisited a couple of fave coastline spots.
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Such as the Heceta Head Lighthouse, just north of Florence. The most scenic lighthouse on the entire West Coast (IMHO). An overlook directly off Hwy 101 provides photographers this iconic view.
Thor's Well
Then just a few miles further north, is the fabulous Cape Perpetua Scenic Area. I spent lots of time here last year watching the waves pound this unique coastline. Another stop was definitely in order.
Cook's Chasm and Spouting Horn
I didn't feel like hiking all the way down to water level, so this time I lingered on the overlook above. A perfect place to take in all the wave action!
The tide was coming in fast and furious. I had a great birds-eye view of famous "Thor's Well," a large circular opening in the rocky shoreline. Incoming waves filled its void, then the water was dramatically sucked down with the outgoing sea. A fascinating sight to see, I could've watched this cycle for hours.
Thar she blows!
Although Thor's Well was entertaining on its own, I was equally drawn to Cook's Chasm and it's famous "Spouting Horn." With each incoming wave, seawater rushed down a narrow canyon. An especially large wave would force water through an adjacent hole in the rock wall, until it sprayed up like a whale's spout. Oh so fun to watch! (And photograph too)
Big wave splash
Oh, it was a shame I had to go home....despite the noisy neighbors and warmer than usual weather, I'd had a great time exploring the Bandon area. But I'd left this bit of paradise with fond memories and lots of photographs.
Now to catch up with all the fantastic wildflower hikes I've been doing lately! :)
If you've missed any of my Spring 2016 Oregon Coast trip posts, here's all the links:
(Continuing the recap of my late April trip to Bandon and the Southern Oregon coast....) My three days in Bandon had been full ones. After spending a spectacular morning at Shore Acres State Park, I was pooped. Back at my yurt, the weekend crowd had cleared out. Finally enjoying some peace and quiet, I was sorely tempted to skip tonight's beach trip.
Wild iris in evening light
But I'd come here to photograph the coast! And I wasn't about to give my camera the night off. So when evening rolled around, I gathered my gear and headed once more to Coquille Point, my favorite Bandon beach.
Bandon homes near the jetty
Instead of going directly to the Wizard's Hat and other well-know sea stacks, this time I decided to explore the opposite direction. I strolled across a high cliff until I came to a fantastic viewpoint. The Coquille River and it's jetty stretched out into the sea. A long string of colorful beach homes lined the shore. Warm light bathed everything.
Blue waves
Today had been a hot one (unusual for April on the Oregon coast), but with the coming nightfall, temps were much more pleasant. I lingered on the clifftop, enjoying the cool breezes and great views.
Footprints
Then I meandered down to beach level. The setting sun cast a pleasant glow on the sand.
Birds looking for food
I watched shorebirds skitter along the waterline, looking for their dinner.
The vast beach
The sand seemed to stretch out forever. I loved the vastness of it all.
Rope swing on driftwood
I came upon a piece of driftwood that had gotten embedded in on of the larger shoreline rocks. Someone had tied a rope around one end, and rigged a crude swing.
Foggy pink light
Eventually I ended up back at my favorite sunset beach. Spying the seastack group where I'd photographed for the last two nights, I began to walk that way.
The show begins...
But I'd misjudged the time - sunset was happening now!
Orange-hued beach
Positioning myself beside a lone seastack, I grabbed my camera and began to shoot. The setting sun illuminated the beach a soft tangerine color.
Sun reflection on the water
I thought the night's clear skies would give an uninteresting sunset. I couldn't have been more wrong!
Slowly sinking
The sun produced such a intense shade of orange, the sky practically glowed. It reflected in the water like a bright blaze.
Going....
A little shorebird stationed himself right in front of my viewfinder. At first I was annoyed the bird wouldn't move. But then I realized he added something to the scene.
Gone!
I stayed put, clicking away, as the sun slowly dropped into the horizon.
Warm afterglow
The sun's final rays gave off a vibrant peach color in the sky, that reflected onto the ocean waves.
The sky remained orange for a long time after
As I packed up and began walking back to my car, the sky continued to exhibit a soft orange glow. It silhouetted the offshore rocks beautifully. Arriving at the parking lot, this vibrant color was still lingering on the horizon. People had stopped in their tracks and were gazing in awe. I stood by my car for another five minutes enjoying the show. Such a lovely sunset, even Mother Nature didn't want it to end.
Bandon saved the best for last!
Yes, Bandon had saved the best for last. A fitting end to a wonderful weekend on the Southern Oregon coast.
(Continuing the recap of my late April trip to Bandon and the Southern Oregon coast....)
Back to the ocean!
The campground host at Bullards Beach State Park, once she'd warmed up to me, became a wealth of local information. One of the places highly recommended was Shore Acres State Park. At first I wasn't too wild about driving back towards Coos Bay, but after hearing glowing descriptions of dramatic sandstone cliffs, crashing waves, and a gorgeous English garden, I was sold.
Dramatic coastal cliffs
So day three of my Southern Oregon Coast adventure had me rising early and heading back north towards the town of Coos Bay. Shore Acres State Park was located 13 miles south and west of town, on a narrow, twisting road. En route I passed the idyllic fishing village of Charleston, and Sunset Bay State Park, with it's lovely beach in a sheltered, cliff-rimmed cove.
Lots of wave action!
But Shore Acres State Park was today's destination. Parking my car in it's massive lot, I grabbed my camera gear and headed first to the ocean overlook.
The entire area was once owned by Louis Simpson, a local timber baron. In 1906, he built a huge mansion above these cliffs as a Christmas present to his wife. After the first home burned to the ground, Simpson rebuilt an even grander replacement. But financial losses in the 1930s caused his house and grounds to fall into disrepair. In 1942, Simpson's beloved Shore Acres Estate was deeded to the state of Oregon for use as a public park.
Today, a tiny glass-walled observation building sits on the former mansion site. A long walkway extends across it's clifftop, providing visitors stellar views of unique sea cliffs and pounding waves below. It was the perfect ocean view - I perched myself against the wall and took in the panorama. I became mesmerized watching the churning sea splash against the rocks. I even made a short video so you all could experience it too.
The formal garden
What a place to site your home! This rugged coastline was some of the most scenic and dramatic I'd seen. The tan sandstone cliffs were comprised of weirdly tilted strata, eroded into interesting shapes. Huge waves smashed into the protruding rock, creating giant splashes. I could've spent the entire day just watching waves. But more lovely attractions awaited...
Rhododendrons in bloom!
After a long wave-watching session, I tore myself away from the mansion site, and headed towards the park's famous garden.
Bridge to the pond
Simpson's wife created a fabulous formal English garden on their
estate. She had sailing ships bring exotic trees, flowering plants, and
shrubs from around the world.
Brilliant red rhodies
Although the Simpson mansion didn't survive the years, happily the
garden has been lovingly restored to it's former glory. This five acre
site boasts a rose-testing plot, Japanese lily pond, and wide variety of
flowering plants - with something reaching peak bloom every month
of the year.
Orange rhodies
Lucky me - I hit peak rhododendron bloom! Entering the garden through one of its many gates (to keep hungry deer out) I was instantly overwhelmed. Rhody flowers of every imaginable color were everywhere!
Pond reflections
So. Many. Colors. I'd never seen such a wide variety of rhododendrons!
Beauty everywhere
After regaining my senses (and snapping a bazillion photos) I wandered down the path to the lily pond. Wow, did those flowering bushes make some wonderful reflections!
Two-tone rhodies
Not only wildly gorgeous, the pond was a peaceful place to sit and contemplate. The surrounding landscaping was impeccable.
Color-lined paths
I then wandered the long walkways, lined with rhody bushes in a kaleidoscope of colors.
Ocean in the background
From one end of the garden, you could glimpse the ocean's blue waters above the fence.
Lovely pink rhodies
From the park's website, I learned that daffodils and spring bulbs bloom
first (in February), followed by tulips, rhodies and azaleas, flowering
annuals and perennials, rose bushes, dahlias, and finally, Thanksgiving
through New Year's, the place is decked with thousands of holiday lights.
The Japanese lily pond was beautiful
I must've spent over an hour, just wandering the grounds. Such a gorgeous place! (And I won't even begin to tell you how many photos I took)
Stone sculpture
But the harsh midday light began to make photography difficult, so I finally convinced myself to move on. Not a huge deal, there was lots more to explore.
Simpson Cove
A short trail took visitors down to Simpson Cove, a tiny beach bordered by tall sandstone cliffs.
Churning waters
A lovely spot for a picnic! Or perfect to just sit and watch crashing waves.
Wave watching at Simpson Cove
One large rock in particular seemed to catch the incoming breakers. I witnessed some dramatic splashes, and even caught a couple on my GoPro.
This trail continued further along the cliffs, so of course, I had to see where it went. A side path took me out on another panoramic viewpoint. One direction, I had a great glimpse of the former Simpson homesite. The opposite looked out towards a huge rocky peninsula. Waves crashed on all sides. And then I noticed two fisherman perched on top. Can you see them in the photo below?
Can you spot the fisherman?
How about this photo? I couldn't believe someone would place themselves in such a precarious place. One slip and you'd be a goner! I sure hope the fishing was good enough to warrant risking your life!
Precarious perch
After leaving the death wish fisherman, I continued further down the trail. It was nearing noon, and the day was getting hot. I was just about to turn back, when I begin to hear sea lions barking. It sounded fairly close, so I followed my ears. I ended up at an overlook off the main road. Hundreds of sea lions were spread out on a distant group of rocky reefs.
Sea lion grand central
I spoke with a nice couple who excitedly told me they'd just spotted a gray whale at Cape Arago, the next overlook down the road. But by then I had a mile and a half walk back, and decided not to venture any further. When I did finally reach my car, it was after lunch, and Shore Acres was crowded with people. Hot, hungry, and ready to ditch the crowds, I decided to head back into Bandon. Tony's Crab Shack, and it's delicious fish tacos, were calling my name.
Rugged coastline
A most excellent way to spend the morning, I'd discovered yet another gem in the Oregon State Park system. One to add to my "must visit again" list for sure!
My final night in Bandon, I had one more chance to capture the sunset. And it turned out to be the best one of all. Check back for my next post and you'll see why!
For the past six years, my son Cody has been studying at Mt. Angel Seminary. Two weeks ago, he finally reached the end of a very long road. It was graduation day!
The lovely grounds at Mt Angel Seminary
It seemed like only yesterday I was helping him move into the seminary's dorms (as a matter of fact I blogged about it). Back then, the spring of 2016 loomed far in the distant future.
Peach colored roses
But time has a way of zipping by. Six years passed in a furious flash, and all of a sudden Cody's term at Mt. Angel was nearing its end. Receiving his graduation announcement in the mail, it began to sink in. My son was done with his schooling!
More gorgeous blooms
The day before commencement, Mt. Angel held a special mass for all the
graduates. Since it happened to coincide with my Friday off, I spent
the morning photographing waterfalls at nearby Silver Falls State Park
before heading to the seminary. Arriving with plenty of time to spare, I
busied myself capturing images of their lovely rose garden.
The Abbey church
It was a gorgeous (but warm!) blue sky spring day. Perfect for
photographing the immaculately landscaped seminary grounds and the
beautiful Abbey Church.
Rhododendron garden
However the next day dawned cloudy and rainy. A complete turnaround from the previous day's lovely weather! Although not ideal conditions for a spring graduation, at least temperatures would be more comfortable.
Lovely purple rhodies
And I enjoyed the even lighting of the overcast skies to capture a few more shots of Mt. Angel's gorgeous rhododendrons, in full, colorful bloom.
Entrance procession
Then my husband, daughter and I took our seats in the beautiful Abbey Church. When the organ began playing "Pomp and Circumstance" I had to blink back a few tears. Then the graduates processed in.
There's my son!
I had an aisle seat and was able to get a quick, but slightly blurry, shot of my son as he passed by.
Cody receiving his first degree
Cody received three degrees - a Bachelor's of Theology, Masters of Theology, and Masters of Divinity. Two of the three degrees he graduated with honors (and just missed it on his third one). That meant many trips to the front altar!
Masters of Divinity recipients
Here's a shot of all the Masters of Divinity recipients. Most of them will be ordained priests in the coming months.
Cody receiving his second degree
The good thing about Cody having multiple trips to the front, was more opportunities to try for a good photograph. I didn't use a flash, and turned my ISO up high. But due to poor lighting, getting a good image was a challenge. I wished I would've brought a monopod.
Masters of Theology recipients
Here are all the Masters of Theology recipients. Not as many for this degree!
My super smart son!
When the ceremony was over, we exited the church to rainy skies. Taking refuge in the dining hall, my family and I enjoyed a wonderful spread while waiting for our graduate to arrive.
Proud parents
Luckily, the rain tapered off long enough for a few family photos outside by the rhodie bushes.
My daughter playing with her brother's tassel
I'm lucky to have such wonderful kids, who get along well, and love to tease each other. As I was posing them for a photo, my daughter began mischievously playing with her brother's tassel. I couldn't resist capturing the moment.
Proud mama moment!
Oh yes, it was a huge proud mama moment! My heart swelled with joy on Cody's accomplishments.
However, it was also bittersweet, as I realized my son would now be leaving Oregon and moving back to Montana. He'll be ordained as a priest in late June, and permanently assigned to a Western Montana parish. I'll miss having Cody so close, but I know he is excited for the future, and ready to begin the next chapter of his life.
P.S. I promise in the next post I'll continue with my Southern Oregon Coast trip...this news was just too good to wait! :)
