Most of the state parks along the Oregon Coast are near Rt 101. Even though you can hear the traffic, Humbug State Park Campground has a calm feel, and the songs of the birds muffle the traffic sounds. I settled down and set camp. Lura is on her way to join me.
After sharing our stories around the fire, we understood why we connected so quickly and easily. Our life stories are so similar.
I love breakfast time when I camp; there is something so simple and wonderful about starting the day already outdoors. Humbug Mountain Loop Trail begins at the campground. We learn that a tree is blocking the east side so it will be an in-and-out hike. The hike is a constant incline through a dense forest; it is a peaceful and beautiful hike. Lura and I continue our deep conversation. When you reach the top of Humbug Mountain, you are rewarded with a stunning view of the Oregon coastline; you also understand why they named it Humbug Mountain. The area is full of bugs, most of them ladybugs. I am not too fond of bugs, but a ladybug always seems so cute.
The day is still young, so we explore a few spots at Port Orford after lunch. Port Orford Heads Trail is a nice and easy hike. At Battle Rock Wayfinding Point Beach, we enjoy watching the pelicans diving in to catch their dinner. I love watching this bird in action; more and more, I am learning to love and respect this beautiful bird.
Another new day on the Oregon Coast; it is still cold and chilly. Our neighbor told us about tide pools within walking distance from the campground, so we waited for the low tide to try to find it, but we didn't.
We are camping at Umpqua Lighthouse State Park Campground for the next two days. We pack camp and head north to explore more of the Oregon Coast.
We stop at Face Rock State Scenic Viewpoint. I am adding this section of the Oregon Coast to my favorites list! The rock formations here feel like I am in a sculpture exhibition. The sounds of the waves are so relaxing, adding a wonderful feel to a gloomy day.
Our next stop is in the little town of Bandon. I like how the coastline of Oregon passes through small towns. We continue our travel north to Shore Acres State Park, where we are pleasantly surprised to find a stunning garden with flowers from all over the world. The sun is still nowhere to be found, and a soft drizzle starts, but that doesn't stop us from taking another hike not far from the garden, where we can see baby sea lions and their mothers. What I am noticing about the Oregon Coast is the many types of landscapes, each with a different character.
It is quiet at the campground; everyone is sleeping. We are the only ones still awake, sitting in front of the fire, having a deep and vulnerable conversation. Those are the moments where I know that the people that enter my life on this spiritual journey are a beautiful gift and are meant to be part of it. Sometimes a simple question opens the door to a painful emotion, and if we choose to answer honestly, the door to further healing can continue. Slowly I learn to let the people who enter my life help me in my healing journey. It is time for the woman I have become to start caring for the lost child. I know it is not an overnight fix, but I'm heading in the right direction. Thank you, Lura, for being vulnerable with me.
Another gloomy morning here in Oregon. We start our day with a walk to Umpqua Lighthouse and a stroll around Lake Marie. We are heading to Heceta Head lighthouse. On the way, we stop at South Jetty Oregon Dunes National recreation area. The extensive sand dunes are unique, and again there is that different landscape of the Oregon Coast.
The Heceta lighthouse hike is nice and easy, and you get a beautiful view of the Oregon coastline. The lighthouse is small but mighty. I love visiting lighthouses and learning about their history. I can totally see myself as a lighthouse guard. One of the benefits of having everything with you is that when you're hungry, you stop on the side of the road to make lunch with the ocean view. It's perfect! The sun is out, so a walk on the beach is warm and pleasant. As the evening approaches, we stop at Florence for dinner on our way back to our campground.
We get up early to try and squeeze in a hike before the low tide. There are tide pools at Yaquina Head Lighthouse that Lura recommends I visit. We are driving to Yachats to hike the Amanda Trail. This trail is dedicated to the memory of the Native Americans who were marched along the same coastline more than a century earlier. The shrine with the statues of Amanda is powerful and spiritual at the same time (from Google: "Amanda, a 50-year-old Native American woman once forced to leave her home and march for ten days barefoot over sharp basalt, leaving behind her a trail of blood and tears"). The trail is a challenging climb of over three miles (one way). By the time we get to the top, we realize we better hurry and descend fast, which leaves us both exhausted.
We got to the tide pools in time, but Lura has another three hours of driving back home. It is sweet and sad to say goodbye to Lura. I feel gifted with another beautiful friendship, but sad to say goodbye until the next time.
I explore the tide pools and enjoy the starfish and their vibrant colors. Unfortunately, you can't explore much since the sea lions nest nearby. Although it is an excellent bonus to see them so close.
The early day and the challenging hike drain me. I stop to do laundry and drive to my next campground, Devil's Lake State Recreation Area.
I need a day of rest; unfortunately, the library is closed today, so I found a quiet hotel lobby to sit and catch up on my writing.
