Monday - 7/22/19 - Hillsboro to Gold Beach, Oregon
Joe, John (JJ) and I packed a few things - mostly snacks and water and took off for Gold Beach. We took the 5 freeway down to Eugene and then over to the coast on the 126 to explore Oregon’s southern beaches.
When you arrive at the 101 and turn south you almost immediately run into sand dunes. They are huge - they are everywhere and they are a big attraction for dune buggy enthusiasts. We stopped at Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area and I have to admit - it is a struggle to climb up and over those dunes to get to the ocean. It is totally worth it when you do!
We stopped at Winchester Bay and saw a beautiful lighthouse - wondering what good it could possibly be so far from the ocean??? This is also supposed to be the very best place on the coast to spot grey whales - maybe the coast has moved???
We made a number of stops at gorgeous beaches, quaint and charming towns and finally arrived at Gold Beach and our hotel about 4:00 pm in the afternoon. Turns out JJ was in the Old Rustic Irish Motel next door and we soon determined it was too old, rustic etc....and got him moved to a room in our ocean front Gold Beach Inn. We had a great time beach combing, using the hot tubs and walking the grounds - deciding to get some sleep before our river adventure the following morning.
Gabi
