This morning Sydney and I packed up our camp once again while Jagger watched excitedly. Once we completed our job we all loaded into the Workhorse. Then I hitched up the Coach and together we traveled north 140 miles through the beautiful Oregon Coast scenery. Many landmarks we pass remind me of years gone by. I tent camped along the Oregon Coast for two weeks back in 1973. It’s amazing that these landmarks have changed very little in over forty years. Nature at it’s best. Of course, we can’t stop on highway 101 while pulling the Coach. Yes, there are a few turnouts and viewpoints, but they all seem to be on the drivers’ side of the highway. Not a safe place to stop with all these blind curves. Note to self and tip #1: next time traveling the Oregon Coast go South!
[alert-success]If you remember due to the neighbors we met at Humbug Mountain, we had discovered the Coach would fit through the tunnel on highway 101 at Heceta Head Lighthouse, even though our GPS routed us around it. This was great news that saved us many hours of travel. Thanks again Stan and Joode.[/alert-success]
Trail to Camp
In the afternoon we approach the campground entrance slowly. The GPS says it’s right here, but I don’t see it. The campground entrance is snuggled in the trees right on the Oregon coast highway (the ocean side). I slowed and made the turn pulling the Coach into Tillicum State Park campground. Once on the grounds, I stop the Workhorse at the Kiosk. No one is around. There is a map thank goodness, and our reservation posted matches the confirmation I received by email. Back in the Workhorse, I tell Sydney and Jagger what I found out and we pull the Coach slowly forward into the park. The back side of the park opens up to ocean views and the beach. I reserved our campsite here about a month ago when I knew of our travel plans and I’m glad I did. They were full almost every night, with walk-up sites filling in the early afternoon. Sydney, Jagger and I will be staying here for nine days. I booked the odd number of days because our next camp will be at another very popular campground, Silver Falls State Park and it was only available for five nights. From here going forward I have also been juggling my nights to fit in with the time I will pick up two of my grandsons in Northeastern Oregon. They will then travel the Summer with me as we explore our way back to their home in Arizona.
[alert-success]TIP #2: Most of the campsites where we stay I reserve ahead of time. Especially during Holidays and Summer when so many people travel. This year is no exception. Many of the great campsites fill months in advance unless you want to take a chance on walk-in sites. I’ve found for me that the risk finding a site large enough for the Coach, isn’t worth the stress. Tip #3: This is one disadvantage of owning such a large rig. It eliminates some options.[/alert-success]
After settling the Coach in our tight campsite, we went for a short walk on the beach without Jagger. Yep, too many dogs once again and the trails to the beach are very tight. The beach here is absolutely beautiful and the pictures here don’t do it justice. We meander along the tide pools and fading sun for a while, then head back to camp where we got busy preparing our meal and hanging out with Jagger.
As you can see by most of the pictures, we dealt with the moody skies of Oregon and many days of drizzle or outright rain. While a wonderful experience even in the rain. It does limit some of our outside times.
Saturday Morning
Today we all pile into the Workhorse and drive back south to explore our new neighborhood. We had passed some unique beaches on our way to Tillicum Campground and wanted to take some time to experience them close up. Our first stop was a turn out with a small parking area named Bob Creek. This was a great find. Not far from camp and very few people here. We exited the truck and walk down to the beach and yes Jagger comes along. It’s wonderful! Here he can run free, and that he does. Around and around prancing in the shallow water escaping from the sand as it drains back into the ocean. Then a burst of speed charging Sydney and I trying to make us move, showing off his natural herding instincts.
After we left Bob Creek we continued south past Heceta Head Lighthouse. Our destination is Florence. In the next few days though, we will be visiting the lighthouse when we have more time to look around and explore. I have visited several lighthouses on the West coast and a number on the East coast as well. Their history and structures fascinate me. In Florence, we will spend time exploring and picking up a few grocery items. Also, there are a couple of Sporting goods stores. If you remember when I was staying in Southern California earlier this year, my generator cover was stolen right out of my truck and I’m still trying to find a replacement to protect my generator when in storage and it’s raining. I store my generator in the back of the Workhorse. There it’s cabled to the hitch and the truck.
We pass through the tunnel just south of Heceta Head then across the stately Siuslaw River Bridge.
While there are many shops and things to do in the Florence area, we get our shopping done and stopped by several Sporting Good stores and “success”! The “Sportsman” along highway 101 had what I was looking for in the back storeroom! I snatched up my prize after paying for it, of course, and off we went back north to the Coach. (This was one of those times where I once again forgot to take many photos and regretted it later.)
On our way back north we again stopped and let Jagger run free along the beach again. I just can’t seem to get enough of watching him run free and I’m sure he feels the same way.
Until our next visit…Safe travels, Gary and Jagger
Forgiveness is the fragrance that the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it. ~ Mark Twain
More Photos: Tillicum Beach and Bob Creek
The holidays are around the corner…
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Categories: Oregon
Retired Vagabond 