South along the ocean from Manzanita to Florence Oregon

This is one of our very favourite drives. It frequently is stormy and obscured with mist. Captain Cook on his last voyage, sailed north along this coast in the dreary month of March when the winds blow storms onshore, and the glories of the capes and rivers are obscured by cold damp fog. He named one of the most gloriful "Cape Foul Weather" which tells us all. The cape in this series of photos he named Cape Perpetua.

Some of the drive wanders up and around the heads, and some follows the beaches that sprawl between the heads. Below is a sprawl.

More beach sprawl.




Many of the coastal villages hug a major river that flows from the Coastal Mountains west to the Pacific. This is the river outlet from Newport Bay.

Many, if not all beaches are accessible by paths or steps. All of the coastline of Oregon is public. Open to all to enjoy, camp on, roast marshmallows over open fires, and walk (doggies included, as well as horses in specified camps). By making the coast public, all commercial activity is rigorously controlled and the results are as you see,

Sweeping beaches between headlands...






We think this lighthouse is Heceta Head. 

Finally we reach the giant dunes of Florence and find our campsite,  surrounded by giant firs. Directly behind us is a gigantic sand dune and beyond that the Ocean.

Domestic scene inside the camper. Small Scottish doggie in her viewing position and Rick relaxing after a long day of driving.  Soon to bed. Tomorrow we travel east across a mountain pass through the Cascade Mountain Range (volcanic) to the east side, where the rich green of firs is replaced by golden grass and pines and many volcanic traces.

See you then.

Love to all,

Barbara, Rick and Flossie the wonderful Scottish Princess