Sunday morning we regretfully left Melrose Vineyards and drove westward towards the Oregon coast. Our route followed Elk Creek and Umpqua River around steep hills and through green valleys. One valley held a large herd of elk wondering along the roadway. We came through the mountains and to the coast at Reedsport in the middle of the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area. These sand dunes run for 35 miles along the coast with some of the dunes as deep as three miles from the ocean.
We landed at the Jessie M. Honeyman State Park near the small town of Florence in the heart of sand buggies and dune crawlers, but also near two fairly large freshwater lakes. We snagged a spot for two nights under the condition that we would have to move on Tuesday for another two nights and they were completely booked for the 4th of July so we would have to find another place to stay. Knowing we would have to move, Monday morning found us driving up the coast in the Jeep scouting out other state parks and National Forest campgrounds. We also did some sightseeing as this coastline is very wild and beautiful.
We also spent some time in the Old Town of Florence under their historic bridge and along the Siuslaw River. We tried two different times to eat at the most highly recommended restaurant in town but could never find a seat so we ended up at the second rated and excellent Bridgewater Fish House and Zebra Bar where we dined on appetizers and salads with martinis and wine. We drove home v e r y carefully.
After changing sites on Tuesday morning, John got the kayak out and went fishing in the Cleawox Lake while I grocery shopped. Later we rode our bikes around Woahink Lake and explored some of its forest pathways. Wednesday found John fishing from around 9 to 2 while I got my hair cut and the laundry washed. It has been a very lazy four days which I think we really needed after all the driving we've been doing.
We wish all of you a safe and happy Independence Day!
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