From Sunset Bay State Park to Jessie M. Honeyman State Park

Aloha Everyone,

Yesterday afternoon, J.J. and I went out on a walking trail that led us to the Sunset Bay Beach. To get to the beach, we had to walk through a culvert located under the road, passed an outdoor theater, the memorial marker of Malcolm Forbes' first trans-continental crossing in a hot air balloon and over a wooden bridge.

Beautiful Saturday afternoon with the sun still high up in the sky, there were a number of families with their dogs walking along the beach or sun-bathing.

Back at the Sunset Bay State Park, we met a family who were busy cleaning their catch of the day. From left to right, Keefe, John and MacKay were preparing the crabs they caught for their dinner.

We learned that John and his youthful mother, Rose were visiting from Long Beach, California.

Here is a photo with their dog, Roxie.

I braved the chill of the early morning and walked around the park. Most state and national parks have different loops and each loop would have their own bathroom facilities. In some cases, each loop have assigned paid volunteer managers on site. For the last three mornings, I thought I heard a sound that resembles a Tibetan Singing Bowl. Curious and not wanting to miss a meditation center, if such place exists, I followed the sound of the "singing bowl." When I encountered a man on a bicycle, I asked if he too can hear the sound. He smiled and replied, "Well, what you (are) hearing is the fog horn. You see, these parts of the state, we get a lot of heavy fog. Fishermen would know if they are too close to the land and know their location on the ocean reefs by which fog horn they are hearing."  He also told me that the fog horn goes on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I guess once the city is awake, other sounds over take the haunting, almost spiritual sound of the fog horn.

Our drive today on Highway 101 North took us through scenic bridges, rivers and lakes to the Umpqua Light House.

Today's lunch stop was in the city of Florence in the Old Town, Siuslow River frontage restaurant called Mo's. Very popular eatery with streams of customers coming in.

J.J. ordered an oyster sandwich.

I had grilled, blackened cod sandwich.

Both orders were served with a cup of clam chowder. Yes, I am getting to be quite a clam chowder expert. Today's I would rate an 8 out of 10.

We were planning to be "out of the woods" today but finding no commercial RV parks of our liking, J.J. and I decided to stay at the Jessie Honeyman State Park, about 3 miles south of Florence. So I apologize to our family and our friends, we are not "out of the woods" yet. For the next two days, we will be using the parking lot of Safeway as our "office" to stay connected with the world. Enjoy the remainder of Sunday.

Aloha -- Cathi