Hilltop House Rental - Southern Oregon Coastal Vacation

What to do-What to Do? Winter Activites on the Southern Oregon Coast

Winter on the Oregon Coast brings storm watching, the annual gray whale migration and Gold Beach is a great place to see them. The week between Christmas and New Years Day is Whale Watching week all along the Oregon Coast.

Gray whales are passing the coast in peak numbers at that time on their yearly southbound migration from Alaskan waters to the warm lagoons of Baja California in Mexico. At 28 sites, from the Washington border to the California border, trained volunteers help visitors spot the whales and can share information about the habits of these mammoth sea creatures. Stick around for a while and you’re likely to see whales pop out of the water head first, exposing nearly the length of their sleek bodies. Or you may catch a dive with the V-shaped tale fins in full view. Look for “Whale Watching Spoken Here” signs along the coastal highway, US Highway 101, to point you to one of the staffed sites.

Watch this video for some helpful information about how to Whale Watch.

My First Podcast - Southern Oregon Travel Blog

Hello all,

I am really excited to post my first podcast from the Hilltop House Travel blog. Just click on the button right below to listen.

 

Listen to Lindsey

 

Thanks for stopping by - take care!

 

 

The Legend of the Mary D. Hume

I haven't posted anything about the shipwrecked Mary D.Hume in quite a while and I recently came across this video that I really liked. It tells the story of the steamboat's history and her legend - some may think the song is corny but I like it. It has an 19th century feel to it - I think its charming.

 

If you  click here you'll find another story that I wrote last year about it and the legend that it is haunted.

Stormy Weather - in San Diego Missing Gold Beach

Well it's supposed to never rain in Southern California, but it is pouring today in El Cajon an east county suburb of San Diego. The storm makes me homesick for Gold Beach and the winter storms that take place there. This video is about one in nearby Grants Pass. I love the sound of the storm. I hope we experience one when we go up there for Thanksgiving.

Big Waves Rule on the Coast - Sandboarding the Dunes

This is one board sort that I actually tried and was pretty good at. Not as scary for me as snowboarding or skateboarding - I'm talking about sandboarding the dunes on the Oregon coast.

Watch as they sandboard the dunes in Florence and careen on dune buggies through natural's playground made of sand. But one precaution - PLEASE RESPECT THE WILDLIFE - act responsively and be polite guests to those who live here - Peace :)

Watch this video by John Waller From Travel Oregon

Riding the Dunes

Meditations by the Oregon Coast

Couldn't pass this one up -- breath-taking view of the waves breaking on the coastal beaches, the southern Oregon coastal sounds and sights are very relaxing and invigorating; the Oregon Coast is the perfect place to unwind --even if you have to do it long distance via your computer screen. So if your stressed like I was take a moment kick up your feet and replenish your soul.

Oregon's Scenic Hwy 38 along the Umpqua River

Just had to re-post this video - great sentiment and lovely scenery - very well done. This is another great day-trip from Gold Beach. The ride one way is about 2.5 hours of shear pleasure - have a bite and head back or spend the night in a B&B. The scenic highway 38 from Elkton Oregon to Reedsport, the home to Dunes National Recreation Area. The highway follows the scenic Umpqua River and goes through small towns with historic designated buildings. There are wineries and a butterfly pavillion and plenty of boat launching sites.