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

Volunteer Hosting at Cape Blanco Lighthouse, OR

Paul poses on the staircase leading to the tower

So we’ve been happily hosting at Cape Blanco lighthouse for the past week or so. The first few days were the toughest, as they always are, re-programming our brains with all the new lighthouse stories and sorting out the routine, but by the end of the week we were smoothly rocking and rolling. In our short few days we’ve already had a slew of folks and experiences. I’ve managed to give my presentation in French (it was quite the effort), gotten laughs out of a group of teenagers (an even more impressive effort, if I say so myself) and managed to stay pretty much on-track with the dates and details. Not too shabby…

A late afternoon shot

This is a very different lighthouse from our last job at Coquille River. Amongst other things you don’t run a giftstore here (they have a full-time employee for that) and the lighthouse is larger so two couples are on duty each shift with a more formal tour-flow. Also it’s still an active navigational aid so you have a real-life lens and light. The bigger lighthouse makes for bigger (and sometimes more imaginative) stories plus the location is great, the surroundings are wild and fabulous and yes, in case you are wondering…it…is….awesome!

The real-life and so very gorgeous Fresnel lens and 1000-watt bulb

Before I get into the nitty-gritty I’ll give you just a bit of background on this gorgeous building. Cape Blanco lighthouse was first lit Dec 20th, 1870. It is the oldest continuously operating lighthouse on the OR coast as well as being its most westerly lighthouse and the one with the highest focal point (perched dramatically above the surrounding cliffs it beams at 245 feet above sea level). The fact that it’s still operational is extremely cool and means it’s one of the spots you can see a real-life glorious Fresnel lens in action (this, in itself, always triggers a bunch of “wows” from those who see it!). Also despite it’s remote and lonely location it boasts one of the west-coasts’ longest-service keepers (James Langlois and his family who braved this crazy weather for 42 years) as well as the first OR female lighthouse keeper (Mabel Bretherton).

A moody day seeps through the downstairs window at the lighthouse.

These are all fun facts, but what makes this place special is it’s living soul. The wild weather, the crazy winds, the changing light. From dense fog that wraps a lonely blanket and covers you in thick, introverted thoughts to brilliant sunshine that opens up miles of breathtaking cliffs and sets your spirit free on the never-ending view. Inside the lighthouse your world switches and you imagine the long days, never-ending service and continual toil of those who lived here. You can so easily get lost here both in the place and the stories, and as a lighthouse host I get to feel those moods and touch a small piece of that history….oh yeah…it’s very, very cool.

So, how does it all work? Here’s a typical break-down of what we do:

Paul poses by the fabulous Fresnel lens in the tower

1/ Work Hours - The lighthouse duties here are split into 2 daily shifts of ~3 1/2 hours each. Two couple are on duty each shift (one couple works at the main greeting center and one couple works at the lighthouse) and you rotate duties across the week. In total we work 3-4 days (one AM shift, one full-day shift, one PM shift and the circle starts again) and have 3 days off each week. A light and easy gig!

2/ Front Hosts (Greeter & Story Teller) -Whenever you work an AM shift your job is to be the front 2 people at the greeting center when folks first come in. You’ll greet people, tell them about tours and organize groups for the lighthouse. You also tell the first part of the tour story, focusing on the life of James Langlois and his family and what they did day-to-day outside the lighthouse. After your job is done you send people to the lighthouse for the next 2 parts of their tour.

Yours truly poses by a downstairs oil container…with PROPS!!!

3/ Lighthouse Hosts (Work Room & Lamp Room)  - The second couple on duty is always in the lighthouse and this is also the next part of the tour. One person stays in the downstairs work-room/oil-room and introduces folks to the tasks done there. Bonus of this job is the downstairs area has tons of props which you can handle and display (total score for an old theatre-captain like me). The other person greets people in the tower and completes their tour by taking them into the still-active lantern room (the ooooh and aaaah spot, as I call it).

4/ Odds And Ends - There are few odds and ends each day such as measuring wind-speed, keeping track of number of visitors, opening up the lighthouse and closing it down.

That’s really it! The job here is pretty much all about the story-telling and everyone gets to rotate through all 4 jobs during the week. All this with the bonus that you get a working lighthouse, lots of cool props, a great RV site and 3 days off. So far we’re totally enjoying it and expect our month here to zoom easily by. If you’re in the area, drop by for a story or two…and I’ll promise you that most of them will be true too

Detail view of the old brickwork

Another view of the fresnel lens

Detail view of one of downstairs 100-gallon oil barrels

Reproductions of oil carriers…more props!!!

View inside the downstairs workroom

Isn’t she lovely?

Bye Bye Beautiful Bandon, OR…For Now…

One of the many steps to the gorgeous Bandon beach

Tony’s crab shack has good, casual seafood

We’re down to our very last day here at Bullards Beach State Park which also means our very last day by lovely Bandon. We’ve been totally swept away by this place, not just for its natural beauty but also for its soul. Call it a good vibe, a homey coziness or just plain cuteness, this little town of just over 3000 has fast become one of our favorite on the Oregon coast.  It’s the kinda town is just the right bit of in-between -> it’s got the whole basket of a small-town feel yet still boasts a wealth of restaurants and cafés, miles of stunning beach, an artsy boardwalk, old-fashioned downtown, weekly farmers market and so, so much more. Whether you’re tide-pooling by the sea-stacks, horse-back riding on the beach, crabbing in the river, sampling local chocolates, enjoying the local cranberries, hunting history at the museum (the best $2 deal in town!), eating fish taco’s at Tony’s Crab Shack or dressing up for a gourmet dinner at Alloro there is really something for everyone.

Paul poses on the Bandon river boardwalk

We’re not the only ones who think so either. In 2010 Budget Travel named Bandon one of  top 10 “Coolest Small Towns in America” and our RV buddies Lu & Terry definitely agreed when they rolled through last week (and that’s not just because they got to spend time with us….although I admit our company is particularly charming). Everyone who comes here seems to fall for the vibe and the more time you spend here you more cool little corners you discover.

Polly plays on Bullards Beach….she’s ready for golf too!

Oh and did I mention the golf? With Paul’s back issues he’s not been out hitting balls, but has been drooooling at the opportunity. There are no less than 3 great golf resorts right here including the top-rated Bandon Dunes, relaxed Bandon Crossings and the cherry ontop of the gooey chocolate cake Old Bandon Golf Links where you can bring your dog to play. YES, golf with doggie!! Paul fluttered and swooned in heavenly love when he discovered that one, and we’ve sent several of our RV neighbours out there to enjoy the fun.

We’ve LOVED this job!

And our month here? It’s been awesome! Not only do we love this area, but our lighthouse job was fun, interactive and ever-stimulating. We’ve met folks from all over and all kinds of interesting characters -> a real (honest-to-goodness) lighthouse keeper from the Alaska boonies, locals who’ve lived in the area for generations, a Mormon family from Utah who spoke Danish, a lighthouse-lover who travelled all the way from India, a guy who survived a near-fatal accident (and was told he would never walk again…he made it up the tower BTW). Oh, the list goes on. I’m always fascinated and inspired by these folks. It’s like seeing a slice of life each and every day, and I get to absorb a piece of this wonderful human spirit just by being here!

Yup, we’ve been seduced and fallen hard, so much so that we’ve already decided to come back. We signed up to host again next year same job, same time, same place. So although we may be saying bye bye Bandon, it’ll really be adieu because baby…we’re most certainly coming back!

A view of mosaic on the artsy boardwalk

The cute Bandon port

Old town Bandon street-light

Horse-back riding by the beach sea stacks on Bandon beach

Cranberries are a local speciality…and you can taste at least 50 versions in here

A great sunset out the RV window at Bullards Beach State Park

SP Campground Review – Bullards Beach State Park, Bandon, OR

The lovely Coquille River Lighthouse at Bullards Beach State Park

Another gorgeous Oregon State Park complete with fabulous beach and cute lighthouse on the S.Coast near Bandon, OR

Link to campground here: Bullards Beach State Park, OR
Link to map location here: Bullards Beach State Park, OR

1. Site Quality = 4/5 Very nice site quality here. You have a selection of either full hookup (30 or 50 amp/water/sewer) or water/electric (30 or 50amp). Sites are flat, paved back-ins with picnic table, fire-pit and good access throughout. Only slight ding is that inner-loop sites (facing towards middle of loops) tend to be at right angles to the road, so they are not really suited for big rigs. There are 3 loops with and slightly different feel:
   -> A & B loops are older, more forested loops with generally very good separation and lots of trees/greenery, but can be darker (and support more mosquitoes in summer).
   -> C loop is newer and slightly tighter, but more open with some very sunny sites especially in back corner (C48-C52). This is our preferred location.
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 dump station.
3. Location = 5/5 Great location here. Campground is set well back from the road with ~1 mile paved bike/hike trail to a gorgeous (and almost endless) beach. You’re also right next to the lovely Coquille River Lighthouse and only 5 miles from Bandon (an excellent little town with another stunning beach). Boat ramp (for river), plenty of picnic areas and horse camp on-site. Lots of space and green. Our kinda place!
4. Pet Friendliness = 5/5 Great location for doggie. Lots of space to hang out in camp, good hiking and miles (and miles) of free open space to roam on the beach (~1 mile from camp). Poo bags provided on-site.

Overall Rating =  4.4
BONUS ALERT: Miles of gorgeous beach and Coquille River Lighthouse on-site!

Summary: Well this is just another great Oregon State Park! Set only ~5 miles north of Bandon it is a lovely state park with miles of excellent, wild beach and the cute Coquille River Lighthouse on-site. Campsites are well-sized flat, paved back-ins with selection of either full hookup or water/electric (mix of 30 & 50 amp), good separation and lots of green. A & B loops have more trees/privacy, but can also be a tad moister & darker. C loop is tighter and more open (less privacy), but is also more dry/sunny. The only complaint this place ever seems to get is mosquitoes (and they can get active in the woods on still, humid summer days) so we personally prefer the more sunny sites, but all are nice. Location is excellent with ~1 mile pleasant hike to the lovely Bullards Beach, ~5 mins drive to Bandon (which has restaurants, farmers market, shopping, tide-pools, stunning beaches etc.), ~1/2 hour drive to Cape Blanco (in the south) and 1/2 hour to Cape Arago (in the north). We enjoyed lots of sun and pleasant days  during our stay in July, spent many hours hiking and romping on the gorgeous beach, thoroughly enjoyed the surroundings and would most definitely come back!

Extra Info: Good 3G on Verizon (2-3 bars). Total 185 sites , 104 full hookup (either 30 or 50 amp/water/sewer), 81 electric (30 or 50 amp)/water. Sites cost $24/night in summer season, $20/night in off-season, all reservable on-line. On-site dump station.

Typical site view (#A24 shown)

Another site view (#C61 shown)

View down beginning of A loop. Site A8 on right.

View down more open section of A loop (RV in #A11 with empty space A10 on left)

View down forested section of A Loop (RV on right in A53 with A51, A50 on left)

View down end of B loop (RV in B53 with B52 on left)

View down middle of C loop. Site C16 on right with our RV in C15 behind it.

View down very sunny section of C loop corner. Site C52 on right with C50 behind it.

View down end of C loop (RV in site C62 on right with C60 behind it)

View of facilities

Gorgeous Bullards Beach…so many miles of beach!