The day dawned foggy, as usual, but with not a breath of wind. This was the first time since we got to Newport on Saturday that the wind wasn't blowing. It was also the first time we weren't able to hear the sea lions barking on the other side of the bay so it shows just how much difference the wind makes to the way sound carries. The sea lions hadn't been quiet for half a minute since we arrived so we seriously doubt the lack of barking was due to their finally taking a break.
Newport Marina with water like a mirror, thanks to the sudden lack of wind.
At the appointed time we got back on Hwy 101 heading south. The drive today was the same mileage as coming to Newport from Warrenton on Saturday (130 miles), but it took almost an hour less. There were a number of areas of construction on the road, but traffic was light so the drive was practically stress-free.....except for the fog.
Fog was still doing its thing right on the water but the highway was enough to the east in most places that fog wasn't a problem. That is, until we got to the area around the Sea Lion Caves where the road is on a cliff right over the beach. We suddenly came upon an extremely thick fog bank which, at one point, gave us the visibility of maybe 20 feet. Luckily there weren't any other vehicles around us and we got through it without hitting anyone.
To the right of the wall is a big drop-off to the ocean.
The yellow dots in the center of the road were much appreciated.
Yet another fog bank.
After the fog, we made it the rest of the way to Bandon in good order. The total time was 3 1/4 hours. I'm very glad I hadn't set us up for more mileage between stops along this coast because I had no idea traveling Hwy 101 would be so slow. It's been quite an experience.
After lunch we went over to Face Rock Viewpoint which isn't far from our campground. The fog bank was finally far enough off shore that it didn't obscure the view.
This is the Face Rock of Coquille Indian legend. She was Ewauna, the daughter of a Siskiyou chief from the mountains. She swam out into the ocean and was grasped by Seatka, the evil spirit the coast tribes believed lived there but about whom the mountain tribes knew nothing. She kept looking at the moon, refusing to succumb to Seatka, until she eventually turned to stone.
These rocks are the Cat and Kittens which belonged to Ewauna. They, too, turned to stone. There is nothing even remotely resembling a cat or kittens in these rocks, but they are part of the legend so they must be out there somewhere.
Rocks and beach on the south side of Face Rock. The house on top of the cliff to the left is completely exposed to the elements. It must take a tremendous beating in winter storms. It seems to us like a foolhardy place to build.
We finally got to walk on the beach this afternoon. The wind was still whipping so 55 degrees was pretty chilly. My hood was up only so I wouldn't have to chase my hat down the beach, not because I really needed it for warmth. Our jackets were definitely needed though.
We went out for dinner to an Irish pub in Bandon. No seafood this time, just good, hearty, meatloaf and shepherd's pie. No trouble parking either as there were hardly any people in town. This little town must be really be deserted in the winter when the tourists are gone. It looks like 99% of the businesses are tourist-related.
Tomorrow we'll go back up the coast a few miles to explore the state parks and beaches we couldn't see on our way down today.
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