Hilltop House Rental - Southern Oregon Coastal Vacation

Pistol River Wave Bash

Pistol River Wave Bash

I wanted to share this awesome event with you. If you are going to be in Gold Beach or in the near vicinity you must attend this event.

It takes place on June, 16 - 19, 2011 Pistol River Wave Bash Gold Beach, OR .

Introducing Trade Wind Event's break out 2011 American Windsurfing Tour. The infamous Pistol River Wave Bash becomes the second stop on the tour.

Here's what the Oregon windsurfing organization has to say about it:

"The 2011 Pistol River Wave Bash - People naturally tend to expect the next one to be even bigger and better and more widely attended than the last one. Better wind, bigger waves, more pros, more prizes, and live internet coverage? Well, expect away. Count on it even. Building on the momentum of last year’s event, look for even more support from the local town and the global industry. And of course, with that comes an even bigger pool of talent bringing it with the state of the windsurfing art."

For more informaton: http://americanwindsurfingtour.com/tour/pistol-river/

Local sponsors include:

Columbia Gorge Windsurfing Organization
Full Sail Brewing Company
Greenlayer Sports
Jerry's Rogue Jet
Pacific Reef

 

Discovering Gold in Oregon

With the price of gold going through the roof these days, there is a lot of interest in the precious metal. I came across this video about gold mining and how it started in Oregon. Gold Beach was so named by the prospectors that came there to mine for gold. There is still a lot of gold mining going on in Oregon- mostly as a past time for families. Here is the story of how gold was discovered in Oregon.

Where to take your kids for Thanksgiving weekend

So the long Thanksgiving weekend is rapidly approaching an John and I will be heading up to Hilltop House in Gold Beach. John's daughter is grown and married with kids of her own and together we have six -- of the four legged king that is - Cody the Golden Retriver; Max the Black Lab and Jackson the German Shepherd and then there Tommy the yellow Tabby and John Henry the silver Tabby and Jake my sixteen year old Yellow Headed Amazon parrot. Anyway, I am diverting from my story. I do have a point -- I have a great suggestion of where to take you two legged kids for some fun.

Take them to Science Works, a hand-on Museum in Ashland. Here is what is in store for you if you go there.

ScienceWorks is a fun, engaging science center where kids and adults can rediscover wonder. The innovative museum features interactive exhibits, an outdoor garden, live science shows and dynamic programs year-round.

ScienceWorks offers educational programs for students and teachers, as well as public programs including workshops, lectures, birthday parties, summer festivals and science camps.

Here is just one attraction:

Discovery Island features:

The Lagoon - A multilevel water table with dams, water wheels, and pumps. 

Shipwreck Playhouse - A ship shaped playhouse with pulleys, periscopes, flags, and a see-through deck.

Coconut Hollow - A forrest of trees that launch air-powered balls through vacuum tubes to different spots on the island

Crawlers Cove - An enclosed area for children 2 and under with ramps, a crawl tube, hidden objects and storytelling activities.

Thatched Hut - Nursing mothers' area and parent meeting space.

 

Here is a link to their website . I hope you enjoy it!.

 

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.

The Sea Lion Cave Saga!

Hello there, So. Oregon Coast adventurers! I am really excited to talk about the Sea Lion Caves in Florence, Oregon. It is a bit of a ride from Gold Beach (approx. 114 miles) but well worth the trip. Not to mention the lovely sights that you can see along the way. The Sea Lion Caves are open all year round and makes a great one day excursion from Gold Beach. We had a blast and will definitely return one day soon. I am a dog lover and loved visiting with these "Sea pups".

Here is a bit of the history and some great photos.

Sea Lion Caves is nature's home for wild sea lions and a variety of sea birds. Sea Lion Caves is located 11 miles North of Florence on the Oregon Coast.

The vast cavern with the roar of the great Steller sea lions, the cries of the wailing birds, and the restless surge of the ocean into the cave below, form an unforgettable experience. 

Formation of the cavern began about 25 million years ago. It now soars to the height of a 12- story building and stretches the length of a football field. Care is taken not to disturb the natural habitat of the wild animals that dwell here. Sea lions gather in this natural amphitheater, usually during fall and winter. In spring and summer, they breed and have their young on rock ledges just outside the cave. 

Here are some facts:

• The largest Sea Cave in the World
• Discovered in 1880 by William Cox
• Height: equivalent to a 12 story building
• Length of a football field
• Elevator access since 1961
• Formed 25 million years ago
• Cave is made of Basalt Rock

To view the cost of admission and more frequently asked questions, please visit this link:

FAQ - Sea Lion Caves

Need more convincing? Check out the video by scrolling down a bit.

Tidepooling Gold Beach - How to Have a Great Time and Respect the Marine Life

Starfish and barnacles decorate a tidal pool on the Oregon Coast.

When tide pooling please remember these are living creatures so they should be treated humanely with care and respect. Here are some tips for having a wonderful time and supporting the continuation of this  gift from nature.

When tidepooling, wear the proper attire and use caution.  Exposed rocks, especially if they're covered with vegetation, can be very slippery.  Look for rocky inter-tidal areas (rocky areas that are alternately exposed and submerged by the tides).  Plan your trip by using the tide tables (available at our visitor center). Or, click here for tide tables on line.  Regulations for collecting marine animals may change from time to time.  Consult the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife Sport Fishing Regulations for the current rules.  The best policy is to simply observer and leave things in their place.

Viewing Tips:

• Tides of 0.0 feet and lower are better for tide pool viewing; however, when the ocean is calm, many inter-tidal areas can still be viewed at plus one or two foot tides.

• It is best to be in the inter-tidal area at least one hour before low tide.

• Stand or sit still and observe a pool for a few minutes. You will soon begin to hear hermit crabs, small fish, shrimp and other life scurrying about.

• Gently move seaweed aside to view the myriad of life that lives under, on and among the plants. Please remember to replace the seaweed in its original position.

• Look carefully in cracks, crevices and under overhangs. You will see species different from those on surrounding rock formations.

• Gently touching most inter-tidal animals and plants will not harm them--and it is intriguing to feel the texture of different species.

• Use an aquarium dip net to catch a small fish or crab and view it in a clear plastic container filled with water. Release the animal after a few minutes before the water becomes warm.

• Examine seaweed and small animals with a magnifying glass.

Best Local Tidepool Areas:

Myers Creek   - Travel 7.1 miles south from the Gold Beach Visitor's Center on Hwy. 101 to Myers Creek beach.  This beach stretches south from the base of Cape Sebastian.  Park at one of many overlooks and easy access points.  The numerous rocks make for good tidepooling.

Whiskey Creek   - (Boardman State Park) - Approximately 14 miles south of the Gold Beach Visitor's Center on Hwy. 101.  Park in the gravel lot at the Boardman State Park sign.  It's a bit of a hike down to the beach but worth it.  The rocky beach to the north lends itself to some first-rate tidepool exploration.

Lone Ranch Wayside   - (Cape Ferrelo) - Located 4 miles north of Brookings (Approximately 23 miles south of the Gold Beach Visitor's Center), this area has ample parking, rest rooms and easy access to the beach.  Large numbers of rocks of various sizes are scattered about the beach.  There is an excellent inter-tidal area out on the cape to the north of the parking area.

Rocky Point   - 23.5 miles north of the Rogue River Bridge (turn left on gravel road just past the 305 mile marker).  This inter-tidal area consists of a large boulder field surrounded by a gently sloping beach.  It has easy access and provides good viewing opportunities.

Reposted from: Gold Beach Chamber of Commerce

Port Orford - Takes Me Back!

When I was a child I remember seeing a movie that left a great impression on me and was probably the reason I became a painter and visual artist. The movie was "Portrait of Jeanie" and in the movie the most dramatic scene was the scene that played out on the rocks near a beautiful lighthouse. 

 

Cape Blanco Lighthouse --  Circa: 1870 -- Operational

Pictured above is Cape Blanco - here is some information about it:
Facts: 59' Tower  •  Focal Plane 256' (245')  •  Visibility: 22 miles  •  Signal: Flash White 20 Seconds
Latitude: 42 50.2 N  •  Longitude: 124 33.8 W
1st Order & Current 2nd Order Lens French Lenses by: Henry-LePaute
National Register of Historic Places #73002339 • Listed April 21, 1993

Information sourced: Discover Oregon Lighthouses

Lighthouses have always held a great curiosity for  me - especially the ones I get to visit in Port Orford. Port Orford, halfway between Bandon and Gold Beach, has lots of other wonderful things going for it too! From spectacular seascapes and mountain hiking trails with panoramic vistas, to art galleries and an authentic Victorian mansion. With ocean, lake and river fishing, boating and kayaking, and absolutely perfect wind sailing conditions.

It has a very active artistic community, (another reason I love it) with eight art galleries owned and operated by working artists, including some genuinely world-class talents.

It makes a great day trip from Hilltop House in Gold Beach and when you get hungry you can choose from a series of restaurants where you can enjoy creative cuisine, a New York-style Italian trattoria, great diner food, seafood, steaks and what locals believe is the best fish and chips and chowder on the coast.

Just a few miles north of town is the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, the oldest and most westerly lighthouse in Oregon and, in the same park, the beautifully restored Victorian Hughes House Museum.Here are a few more pictures to enjoy of Port Orford.