June 17, a respite

Yes, a beautiful respite from the rain. The weekend was busy at the lighthouse even with the rain and wind. We’re starting to see more families traveling with kids and dogs and the campground stays full too.

dunes area near Coos Bay

Tuesday it was time for a day trip to Coos Bay and Shore Acres State Park. Just 50 miles south on the coast and shoreline changes so dramatically. From miles and miles of sand dunes, to rough shoreline that’s been pushed up in layers. 

The blue sky reflects the blueness of the ocean, turning it a brilliant aquamarine. I stopped for a break on the southern end of the dunes just outside of North Bend and Coos Bay. 

The sand was warm and I finally took off my shoes and socks to get my feet into it. And of course I had to roll up my pant legs and get my toes in the water, but that’s all!! That water is cold!  My mermaid soul really wants to be submerged but I need water that’s a little bit warmer.

Back to the car and get all of the sand cleaned off to put back on shoes and socks and continue my trek to Shore Acres. It was an old homestead from a guy in the timber business back in the 1920’s and he had built a big house with a large English style garden including a formal rose garden and a Japanese inspired pond. I took time to walk along the bluff and the trail meandered into the woods slightly and back out again to other weathered overlooks. A chill wind accompanied my walk but I was still able to enjoy the time without a jacket. 

Into the garden it was very protected from the winds and old rhododendrons and azaleas well tended by volunteers lined the pathways.

a busy bee

Benches around the pond were inviting places to sit and enjoy the sunshine and peacefulness of the water feature. 

The roses were stunning in their ruffled skirts, Cherry Parfait, Grand Parade and Gold Medal to name just a few. There was an immense prickly rhubarb like something out of the Amazon jungles and I wondered how many rhubarb pies I could get out of a stalk.

this one smells as sweet as it looks

Cherry Parfait

 

prickly rhubarb as tall as me

A late lunch in Coos Bay of halibut and chips at Sharkbites Cafe was a good way to end the day before the drive home.