Friday September 6, Port Orford

After a few gray days, the weather has cleared and the sun shone with temperatures up in the mid 20’s. After a drive around Reedsport, which wasn’t entirely inspiring, we were back on Route 101 headed south to Coos Bay and over a really neat old bridge and into town. Fueled up and did some basic shopping before heading out to Charleston near the mouth of Coos Bay. A really quaint fishing village, which a large marina for commercial as well as leisure boats. Lunched overlooking the boats before wondering down some of the jettys and chatting to locals, very relaxing in the warm sun.

Followed a scenic route west out to  Cape Arago, really enjoyed the drive as not too much traffic. Stopped at an overlook to a place called Simpson Reef and got a huge surprise with the really loud noise from thousand of seals and sea lions perched on rocks just off the shore. Absolutely fascinating watching them as huge waves pounded over them yet they hung on. Evidently the largest colony on the Oregon Coast.

After driving right out to the cape we took a loop road south which brought us back onto 101. This is quite a busy route and not the most relaxing as Ian likes to pull over when he can to let traffic pass, Ruakiwi is a little slower!

We didn’t stop at some of the towns as had been through here before, but headed back to Port Orford where we had stayed last time in a dry camp spot down by the wharf. This time we noticed four other campervans parked on a spot higher up overlooking the port, upon investigation found that it was Port Land and they allowed dry camping, just asked for donations for those overnighting. A perfect spot for us Kiwi’s, as we watch the commercial fishing boats coming into the port and being lifted up onto the wharf with huge cranes….I think they call them dolly’s! It is a bit windy but we are firmly anchored and with views out over the Pacific and the sun pouring down, life is perfect.

Wandered down the road to the wharf tonight and had a meal at a quirky little café, Grif’s on the Dock, which is nestled in amongst the fishing boats. We had fresh snapper..but not the variety we are used to in NZ, although did enjoy it especially as it was nice and fresh. Very pleasant way to end a good day wandering up the hill as the sun went down.

We are really getting our fix of the coast as once we start inland that will be the end of it, so sorry about all the coastal photos.