Florence

Yesterday we traveled north to the Florence area. We are at Jesse Honeyman State Park.....a tiny letdown because there is no ocean view. I am spoiled! This is the largest state park in Oregon, 160 sites.... we are one of only 5 campers here. It is weird for it to be so empty. The park host guesses that it is the fuel prices and chilly weather that are keeping campers at home.

This area is part of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, 47 miles of coastal dunes. Not what we expected to see....years ago they planted non-native grass on the dunes to keep the sand off of Highway 101. The grass took over and now most of the dunes are covered with the grass. There are many state campgrounds and hiking areas along the dunes.



The real treat of the day was the visit to the Heceta Head Lighthouse, about 12 miles north of Florence. Talk about a gorgeous bay, stunning. It is a 1/2 mile hike up to the lighthouse from the parking lot through an incredible forest, even has a small waterfall. Jack hiked ahead at his usual pace and delighted in scaring me from behind a tree. A park volunteer took us on an informative tour of the lighthouse, complete with climb to the top.




RE-ENACTMENT