June 14, 2013

Cape Blanco State Park

Port Orford, OR

The way the work schedule worked out we had the day off for my birthday.  We decided to travel up the coast to Coos Bay, first stopping in Bandon. 

As we were leaving the campground we spotted three deer crossing the road.  I don’t know who was more startled, us or the deer.

We arrived in Bandon at around 10AM. 

 After driving through the welcome arch,

 

 

 

 

 

we stopped off at the Visitor Center to pick up some literature and a map of the town.

 

 

 

 

 

The Visitor Center greeter suggested we check out the Farmer’s Market.  But first we took some pictures of sculptures created by the organization, Washed Ashore. 

 

A closer look at some of the materials used in the sculptures.

 

 

 

 

 

 

We would have liked to visit their workshop but it didn’t open until 2PM and we hadn’t planned on spending that much time in Bandon.

 

 

 

On our way to the Farmer’s Market we walked along the waterfront admiring the wooden sculptures.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

The Bandon Farmer’s Market is only open on Friday and Saturday so our timing was good.

 

 

 

 

There was so many wonderful treats being offered from homemade jams to baked goods. 

 

 

 

 

 

After sampling the cake from the Chubby Girl Cheesecakes booth we had to buy one. 

 

We also bought some fresh baked bread.

 

 

 

 

 

 

On our way back to the car, we stopped in at Bandon Sweets & Treats. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Seeing the variety of candy brought back memories of my childhood.  But back then the candy would have been sold out of barrels. 

 

 

 

 

We showed great restraints by only purchasing some haystacks and peanut clusters.

We enjoyed the scenery on the drive to Coos Bay.  Our first stop was the Visitor Center where we were given a map and some dining suggestions. 

 Directly across the street from the center is a tugboat museum.

 

After looking over the dining guide we got from the Visitor Center we decided on a German restaurant.  BUT, even though it was my birthday, after seeing the prices we just couldn’t justify spending close to $75 for dinner

So we ended up at Sizzler and thoroughly enjoyed our meal.  The salad bar was excellent and I did what I usually do at salad bars—OVERATE!

 

 

 

 

The greeter at the Visitor Center had suggested we check out the Marine Mammal View Point at Simpson Reef where the offshore rocks, islands and reefs provide breeding and resting areas for seabirds and marine mammals. 

As soon as we opened up the car doors we could hear the barking of the sea lions and seals. 

We had timed our arrival just right as the Point hosts were still on duty and provided us with a brochure and the opportunity to view the creatures with a spotting scope. 

Ten minutes later they packed up the scopes but we were still able to continue looking at the animals because we had brought along binoculars. 

 

The Northern Elephant Seal can be seen at Cape Arago all months of the year.  They are sometimes mistaken for logs.  They are the largest of the seal family and the deepest diving mammal having been recorded to depths of over 4,000 feet.

Harbor seals are also year round residents. Pups can swim at birth. 

California Sea Lions spend much of their time in California.  At the end of the breeding season, the females remain in California as the male sea lions migrate north.   

The largest of the sea lions is the Steller Sea Lion also known  as the Northern Sea Lion.  They use Simpson Reef as a haul-out site during non-breeding season.

We had brought along a couple of coolers and cool packs because we planned on grocery shopping at Walmart. 

 We stopped at a couple of other places on our way to Walmart including a bluff overlooking the ocean at Cape Arago State Park

 

 

 

 

 

 and Bastendorff Beach.

 

Monte and I split up when we arrived at Walmart.  I started our grocery shopping while he checked out the camping section.  

 

 I treated myself to a hooded vest for my birthday.  An hour later and $250 poorer we began the hour and a half drive home. 

 

 

 

Thanks to Monte and all the people who e-mailed, phoned and posted Birthday greetings on Facebook, it had been a most excellent birthday.