Blue Goose ~ Day 171

November 15, 2014 ~ Eugene, OR to Crescent City, OR

After a few days of cold rain, we woke to sunshine. I left, feeling lonely even before I pulled away, but also rested and renewed and loved. 

I first took I5 south and then turned west following the muddy brown Umpqua River to the coast, through small damp towns, winding over the coast mountains and then driving south, sometimes right on the edge of the ocean and other times moving inland for several miles. I detoured fives miles to Cape Blanco SP, the westernmost point in Oregon.

Cape Blanco - OR

These headlands and capes are full of history; the lighthouses are simple but striking with their Fresnel lenses slowly revolving. There was a tiny "Pioneer Cemetery" off to the side of the road ascending to the lighthouse. Mostly, I am drawn to endless weather possibilities on this coast, the infinite combinations of clouds, sky, water, wind, tides and rocks. Even on calm days, the waves from Japan eventually crash onto these shores, splashing white spumy water high over black rocks. And the thousands of little coves and beaches, river and creek outflows, rugged high cliffs, tidal pools...a grand playground, a wild and lovely place to reflect and find repose here at the end of the continent.

Oregon coast - south from Cape Blanco

I spent the night in Crescent City, OR, across from the harbor, eating salmon for dinner. Ironically, the best part of this meal was the pea soup. So it goes....