Last Trails, Last Sunsets -> Adieu OR Coast (‘Till Next Year)

We’ll be back…oh yes we will

We’re winding down our very last few days here on the gorgeous OR coast. On Monday we’ll be packing the rig, waving our last teary coastal goodbyes and moving inland. Current jello plans have us in Eugene for a week, then Crater Lake and then (possibly) another fall drive down our favorite highway in the entire country (spectacular Hwy 395) before we land our jacks for a month of spa at Desert Hot Springs. After then? Likely some random boondocking in the SW desert, maybe a little jaunt to San Diego and possibly some adventures we’ve not even thought of yet…we’ll see…

Hiking north beach at Cape Blanco..all alone too!

View from one of the many great trails at the Cape

Staying on the coast this summer has been one of the best decisions we’ve made in our 3 years of RVing. We’ve hit perfect temps, near perfect weather (getting better each month), discovered our new fav city on the coast (beautiful Bandon) and experienced something we’ve wanted to do for a while -> lighthouse hosting. After a personally tough start to the year, this summer was a soul-soothing balm and has only solidified our love of the wild and wonderful OR coast. It was also wonderful to slow down, enjoy the space and soak in the full experience of the southern coast with time to spare. Our month in Bullards Beach was fabulous and this past month at Cape Blanco has been enchanting, poetic and gorgeously wild. We’ve throughly enjoyed the park, the lighthouse job, the trails and yes…even the crazy weather!

Soaking in the view by Battle Rock at Port Orford

The Crazy Norwegian…go for the fish and chips

Our time at Cape Blanco has also given us the chance to discover nearby Port Orford, the oldest city on the coast. It’s not quite got the charm and size of Bandon, but it’s a neat little town with a mix of eateries (go to the Crazy Norwegians for lunch and hit Red Fish for an evening glass with a view), history (the Lifeboat Museum is a “must see”), natural beauty (Port Orford Heads is a fabulous short hike with jaw-dropping views), art (several galleries in town) and even a cute little Sat AM farmers market (the locally caught fish and pastured pork are amazing). Given time it’s a town I could grow into….and it gets bonus points for having a RedBox too.

Late afternoon view from Port Orford

Between the stunning nature here at the Cape, nearby Port Orford and lovely Bandon we’ve been totally satisfied and have practically turned into locals. I now order “the usual” at the local coffee roaster, have exchanged recipes with the pastured pork vendor and am on a first-name basis with the fish monger….what more could you want in life?

This won’t be our last Cape Blanco sunset

But alas our nomadic itch  is scratching and despite sad adieu’s we’re excited by the next stage of our fall plans. We may have seen our last OR coast sunset this year, but it certainly isn’t our last time here. We’ve signed up for another 3 months lighthouse hosting next year (including Sept…our FAV month) and almost can’t wait to come back.

Adieu beautiful OR coast. We’ll see you again soon…and maybe you’ll join us here next year too?

Just another crowded day on the beach

And just another great sunset

A misty morning at the Cape

Cute downtown Port Orford

Simply pretty

Simply green

Another great beach day

And another great moody one

SP Campground Review – Cape Blanco State Park, Cape Blanco, OR

Early morning hike on a gorgeous day to the lighthouse

A gorgeous and spacious first-come-first-serve state park on the S. OR Coast just ~10 miles north of Port Orford. If you love nature & lighthouses it doesn’t get any better than this!

Link to campground here: Cape Blanco State Park, OR
Link to map location here: Cape Blanco State Park, OR

1. Site Quality = 4.5/5
   Very nice sites here with just a very few dings. On plus side sites are huge with LOTS of privacy, excellent separation (probably the best privacy of any state park we’ve been to) and well protected from the crazy Cape Blanco weather. Sites are long paved back-ins with 50Amp/water and nice “sitting area” containing picnic table and fire-pit surrounded by green and trees. Sites on east of campground (~A12-A29) are more sunny than sites on heavily treed west side (A43-A53), but all provide excellent privacy and all are first-come-first-serve. The only dings are no full hookups and a few of the sites are somewhat unlevel. Also inner-facing sites are at right-angles to the road and not as easy to access for big rigs. The 6-mile road to the campground has a few rough spots, but is paved and easy to drive . Road access inside campground is good and sites are big enough for any sized rig.
2. Facilities = 3.5/5
   Good facilities here. Large flush toilets and warm showers with good pressure and kept nicely clean. Only ding is showers have those annoying timer-buttons and spray-heads. On-site picnic areas, river fishing, horse camp and group camp. Also on-site dump station, but it is currently out-of-order.
3. Location = 5/5
   Outstanding natural location here. You come to Cape Blanco to see the lighthouse and revel in the fabulous and wild nature of the cape. This is natural beauty in its’ rawest form with lots of empty hiking trails, 2 enormous (endless) beaches, tidepools, forest and all kinds of weather. There are several jaw-dropping view overlooks, picnic areas, and historic Hughes House. You are only ~10 miles from Port Orford which is a lovely old town with lots of historic interest and grocery/eating/shopping/RedBox etc., plus you are ~1/2 hour south of fabulous Bandon.
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5
   Excellent location for doggie. Lots of space to hang out in camp, great hiking trails and miles (and miles) of free paw-friendly open space to roam on the beach. Most days you’ll be the only person on the beach!

Overall Rating =  4.5
BONUS ALERT: Stunning natural beauty plus gorgeous Cape Blanco Lighthouse on-site!

Summary: As far as natural beauty goes this is hands down our favorite state park campground on the entire OR coast. Cape Blanco is the western most point in OR and it is remote, wild and simply stunning! The campground itself is entirely first-come-first-serve, incredibly spacious with large sites separated by tons of space and privacy. Sites are long paved back-ins with picnic table, fire-pit and 50Amp/water. There is a 6-mile road to get here from Hwy 101 with a few bumps, but once you’re here you will be in your own world. Lots of hiking trails, dramatic cliffs, sweeping views, 2 enormous beaches, rivers, fishing, historic Hughes House and the lovely Cape Blanco Lighthouse. The campground is well protected, but be prepared for wind and crazy weather on your hikes and when that sun bursts out be ready to swoon from the sheer gorgeousness of it all. You are only ~10 miles from the old town of Port Orford which has some good eateries, groceries and historic interest, plus ~1/2 hour south of lovely Bandon. We absolutely loved it here, recommend it as a stop for everyone and will most definitely be back.

Extra Info: Weak 3G on Verizon (1-2 bars), but usable signal with external antenna/amp. Total 58 sites (50 amp/water). Sites cost $20/night in summer season, $16/night in off-season, all first-come-first-serve. On-site dump station, but it is currently out of operation (nearest dump $3 at Chevron in Port Orford).

Typical site view near entrance. Site A4 shown.

Site in sunny section near middle. #A14 shown.

Site on west forested side. #A41 shown

View towards entrance. Site A6 on right. Site A4 barely visible behind it.

Another view towards entrance. Site A8 on right. Site A7 behind it (hardly visible)

View down sunny section in middle. Site A27 on right. Site A26 behind it.

View down heavily forested west side of campground. Site A39 on right, A40 behind it.

View looking back to west side of campground. Site A47 on right, A46 behind it.

View of picnic table and firepit at each site

View of facilities in middle of campground

The lovely Cape Blanco lighthouse

Miles of gorgeous beach. Most of it deserted too!

Want To Be A Lighthouse Host in Sept? Come & Apply At Cape Blanco!

Wouldn’t you like to be hosting here?

Are you coming to the OR coast? Have you dreamed of becoming a lighthouse host? Don’t have any firm plans for Sept? If the answer is yes, yes, and yes then come and apply!!! Turns out Cape Blanco has a lighthouse host position open for next month. If you read my round-up of the coast from last year you’ll know that I consider September to be one of the best months in Oregon and if you’ve read my last 5 posts you’ll know how very awesome I think Cape Blanco is (I mean, it literally inspired me to poetry!). If we didn’t already have plans we would stay here in a heartbeat, but sadly we’ve made commitments to move on.

This could be your beach in Sept!

The good news is that means there is a juicy spot open for someone else who might be inspired. You’ll get a gorgeous (free) campsite in a gorgeous spot with a great hosting job, so if you’re interested contact our ranger Greg (either by e-mail or phone 541-332-6774 ext. 5) and let him know. It’s short notice I know, but sometimes the best opportunities in life are the ones that come along unexpectedly. Oh and do let me know if you decide to take up the job!

Simply….A Day

Our lone sunset on the beach

A Day

A brief moment
A mere blink of time
I sense the passing of images
Blinded by rushing light
Blurred with a touch of emotion
The light caress of a day gone by

A lifetime
The eternity of being
I dwell in the myriad of images
Swim in endless tides of light
Sway with the winds of emotion
Embrace sweet scars of a day gone by

Flowers in the forest

A passing of time
Merged together in marriage
Bonded by the imprints of life
Bathed in woven threads of light
Overcome with emotion
A sunrise, a pause, a sunset
Timeless infinity
Simply…a day

Nina Fussing
Aug 2012

Low clouds over the pacific

Somehow my day yesterday just inspired poetry. We bathed in the most beautiful sunshine, walked the most gorgeous paths and finished the day alone on our own private beach with the most spectacular sunset. It seemed like a brief moment, yet took a delicious eternity to pass. In truth, everyday is like this but we don’t always see it. Here’s hoping your day today is felt just as deeply as mine

P.S. Thank you to everyone who commented on my last post. It’s so great to see links and inspiration to and from others. Love the interaction!

Last sunset over the horizon

Intricate webs of weeds

Late afternoon glow

Light on the forest floor

Sun, Wind, Fog & Love – A Week In Living Pictures, Cape Blanco OR

Early morning hike on a gorgeous day to the lighthouse

Being a bit of a natural sap I’m apt to become rather tongue-tied and girly giggling when it comes to romance. I go through the whole gamut -> heart-strings a-flutter, bare-foot skipping across the moors, the urge to burst into song.  Oh yes,  I’m the type of girl that goes the full Monty and currently I’m lost in my very own version of Cape Blanco ”Sound of Music” (except not quite in tune), and I am in LOVE.

Moods & texture on the south beach on a gray afternoon

This past week has given me a picture-panorama of weather and images on this wild and wonderful cape, teasing me deeper into nature’s romance. We’ve had days of heavy fog and ominous clouds, days of brilliant sunset and open views, and even a morning we hiked to the furthest beach (north of the lighthouse) when it was eerily completely wind-still.

A brilliant sunset on the cape

I am amazed at how many “hidden” trails there are around this cape, many of which are rarely used. We’ve discovered a back trail to the south beach which we walk daily and in all the time we’ve been here we’ve not seen a single soul. Most early mornings the entire coast is empty too, so we get our own private beach, our own private tide-pools (there’s some great ones just north of the lighthouse), our own private lighthouse view and our very own private wonderland-cape

….And this is high season!!!

Our afternoon viewing spot, just steps from our RV

Cape Blanco headland covers about 48 acres and is the most western point in Oregon (just narrowly short of being the most western point in the contiguous United States). The cape towers ~200 feet above the sea sculpted by a series of uplifted marine sediments the oldest of which dates to the late Cretaceous period (80 to 60 million years ago). It was originally land of the Suc-qua-cha-ta-ny (or “Sixes”) Indians and re-named when Spanish explorers sailed the coast in 1603 and saw the “white cape” cliffs gleaming in the afternoon sun. Once heavily forested (some of which still exists today) the far end of the cape was cleared when the lighthouse was erected in 1870.

Hiking one of the many paths in the forest

The lighthouse, the main road and the campground are really the only significant changes this spot has seen through the years so it still shines with all the wild and natural beauty of its deep past. You can still walk the spruce forest in the south, roam the beach in the north and see the very cliffs and rocks that existed thousands of years ago. It’s all here and all as romantically beautiful as when man first set eyes on the land.

But my camera really does it justice best. So I will put my bare feet back under the covers, store my singing voice away and let you folks enjoy a few shots of my little love-affair in the west. Who knows, maybe you’ll fall in love too?

The north beach in the early AM

Last colors across the pacific

A warm, and very quiet sunset

Another wonderfully moody day

A very still morning at the tide-pools in north beach

Beach grass swept by the winds

A private lookout from one of our “hidden” trails