13 June: Gold Beach, OR to Depoe Bay, OR

Today was a late start, just hanging around the motel getting the blogs updated and realizing that a rest day was coming. So the goal today was to drive a couple hundred miles, enjoy the scenery, take some pictures, see and feel the Oregon coast. Then tuck myself in to some place for a whole day rest, do some laundry, take some hikes, see the beaches, whatever can break up the trip.

Wind today! Just like yesterday. And boy, does it cause some great waves that crash into the rocks. But first I had to solve the problem of the cold weather. A local thrift store had the solution and then some. Their prices are based on the size of a bag. $5 per bag (unless you only purchase a small item that can be separately priced)

So my $5 purchased a great London Fog jacket with a zip out warm liner, a beanie cap, and a beautiful warm scarf to keep my neck warm where the jacket and helmet meet. Such an organized thrift store! They were remarking that they also feed meals each day and that there has been a rise in the number of attendees from 24 to 40 in the last several weeks: economic times are hard in Oregon.

Odometer reading 4538 miles (7303 kilometers)!

So off we go, warm as toast in the 55F, windy, moist weather. 

First I left Gold Beach over a beautiful arched bridge. There are so many bridges along this coast line.

This is a great shot of a typical Oregon Coastline.

Highway 101 is the western most US highway in the United States. Odd numbered roads go North and South. Even numbered roads go East and West. Highway 1 is on the East Coast and thus 101 is on the Western side. This road runs through most of California (it has been consumed by some Interstate sections in southern California) through Oregon and Washington. It has the characteristic of going 'through' towns and not around them like the Interstate system.

It has 2 lane, 3 lane, and 4 lanes at times. It is divided, separated, and subject to cross traffic all along its path. Average speed is much slower than the Interstate system which often parallels it, however, you get to see the sights, read the signs, and take in the surroundings much better.

5/8 of a pizza for lunch at Coos Bay

The sea lion caves just north of Florence, Oregon are the largest in the world. I didn't go to them but there were some 'free' seals that did not like caves and were in viewing range along the highway just north of the caves. They looked a bit lazy in the sun, just barking and taking in the sunshine.
Here is the link for the caves if you wish to go there sometime, or learn more.
http://sealioncaves.com/home/

This is what the well dressed motorcyclist looks like. Warm is the word!

Stopped at Depoe Bay about 200 miles for today. Great views of the wind stirred ocean, beaches and 'water meets rocks' at the beach called the 'Boiler Bay' just North of the town.

3/8 of a microwaved pizza for dinner!
Great day of sun, twistys, minimum of traffic.