3/25 Elk Valley Casino to Whaleshead Vista

3/25/10 Thursday Elk Valley Casino to Whaleshead Vista
Photos:  http://silverserenity.shutterfly.com/1865

On the road again at 10:30am. (No, I did not try the casino again.) Heading north on Hwy 101 we made Brookings, Oregon before stopping for gas at $2.79 per gallon. Another first for me – The Oregon Coastline.

A cold almost constant rain has set in. Outside of the fuel stop, no other stops because of the weather. The main focus was to not drive too long in this windy rainy weather, find a place to overnight. This spot was found at Whaleshead Vista Point. There were no signs saying no overnight parking and this is a beach access and access to the Coast trail. So we give it a shot. (Photo 4610)

We decide to take the hike down to the beach. Did you catch the word “down”? The weather has turned to on and off rain but with an almost constant wind and gusts. This requires the down coats and frog toggs rain gear. It took a while but we made it down without slipping on the slick trail.

The California coastline is wonderful but Oregon has it beat for the ruggedness and the waves that kiss her shores contain a wild ferociousness that is undeniable. Hiding behind a huge rock on the shore to block the wind, we took photos. Photo 4616 shows the mist being blown off the waves onto the distant shoreline. A lone elk had ventured onto the beach and left only its prints behind. (Photos 4624 & 4625)

Off to the left side of the beach was a cave. (Photo 4631-4634) The whole inside of the cave was a green rock. (Why is our geologist friend Ed back at home when we need some identification? “Not-to-worry” Ed we found plenty for you to identify when we get home again.) Towards the back of the cave is a hole out the upper side. Just guessing but this could be a blow hole for when the ocean comes in and fills the cave. Photos taken from the back of the cave looking outward made some interesting photos.

I found part of a sand dollar on the shore and then started looking for more. Then there on the shore was a small white circle. Surely not with the waves bashing the shore! But it was. A whole sand dollar. Well, if one survived maybe another? Shortly I found another larger one. It was truly amazing that twice something this fragile could have made it through the pounding surf and was placed gingerly upon the sand.

Time to head back up to the trailer and have something to eat. After eating and rest the Coast trail called to us. The rains had stopped and the wind died down some.

This section of the coast trail appears like a great place to hike. The forest has moss covered trees and ferns that were as tall as bushes. At the start of the trail on the post was a really large banana slug. We crossed a creek via a bridge. Skunk cabbage was blooming from it’s home in the water. There was a noticeable lack of wind in the forest. But as soon as the trail turned out and ventured onto the coast the breeze returned. Once again the trail turned into the woods. Water could be heard rushing along. A waterfall came into view. An offshoot trail took you down the cliff to where the whole waterfall could be seen as it flowed down toward the sea. On the main trail someone had carved a bench out of wood in the bank to view the waterfall. The trail continued on farther south along the coast but we didn’t go much farther. It was getting dark and cooler. Time to back track.

Rain showers could be seen building out on the ocean. But we had to stop and view the sun making its way out from behind the clouds. Rays of sunshine burst out and lit up a small area of the sea. As the sun set the golden spot moved toward the shore. In this tunnel of brightness birds could be seen flying in the circle no doubt looking for their last meal of the day. Rain made it to shore to the south of us and was moving our way. But we had to wait for the sun to finish its dance before heading very fast to the trailer.

Drying out and having a warm meal and a good night sleep was all that was left to another beautiful day.