Today was my last day of work on the overlook.
The morning started out cloudy and raining, but this is the way I choose to remember Bird/Goat Island. I knew the biologist from the Bandon NWR was coming to pick up my equipment this morning, so I only set up the scope…nothing more.
That’s when I began to take stock of my summer spent on the Oregon coast. What an experience it has been. I could never forget the grandeur of the Redwoods, and the joy I experienced from friends and family that I visited with. Not the least of which was the saga of the Apache tear stone.
And there’s not much you can say about the scenic Oregon coast except spectacularly wonderful! I spent many an hour absorbing the beauty and drama of life that many folks don’t even know exists along this coastline.
Wildlife is abundant if you take the time to stop and look. While I couldn’t get many photos of the nesting seabirds, spending twenty some hours a week watching their lives taught me a lot. I think I did a good job of introducing others to these wonders as well.
And then there was the people watching from my post on high. From school groups, to families playing in the sand, to scuba fishermen, and even a wedding on the beach; it really never was boring.
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Of course there was the very common fog. It took me some time to adjust to that, along with the windy and cold conditions on the overlook, but overall I’m glad I spent this summer on the Oregon coast. I’ll certainly never forget it.
I’ve spent the last week or so slowly getting things packed up and ready to go for my next assignment. Tomorrow I’ll finish things up and head out on Sunday for the dreaded drive on Hwy 199 to Grants Pass. I’m not looking forward to that, but I’m hoping traveling on a Sunday will mean few to no logging trucks to encounter. It’s a winding twisty road through the mountains on two lanes, but only about twenty miles of it should give me heartburn.
In the meantime, I have to figure out if I really want to climb up on top of the rig tomorrow to sweep off what I’m sure is a vast accumulation of pine needles on the roof and slide out awnings. It really should be done, but I’m just not crazy about going up the ladder to get on top. I’d feel better if someone was steadying the ladder for me. Sometimes, it sucks to get old.
THE END!! Goodbye Oregon Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Harris Beach State Park!
Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later, Judy
Miss Judy, it was a pleasure to be apart of your experience.
ReplyDeleteHow'd the wrench work??
As you end one adventure, the next begins. Aren't you glad you are not sitting in the same sticks and bricks season after season and year after year. So many memories to be had!
ReplyDeleteIt sure was a beautiful place and I enjoyed seeing it through your pictues I think you did a fantastic job.
ReplyDeleteSafe travels
A lovely recap of your Oregon Coast adventure! Safe travels to your next destination!!
ReplyDeleteTravel safely to your next adventure. Be careful on the roof:)
ReplyDeleteSounds like you might say you were lucky to have had this experience. For sure, we are lucky to have had you to describe it to us so well.
ReplyDeleteThank you for the inspiration you have shared through your experiences on the Oregon Coast. We are now going to spend some time there ourselves in the next couple months. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteLoved travelling along with you ready for the next adventure.
ReplyDeleteWell I reckon the weather was so-so during your stay..lots of fog? But your family & friends visits were fun - hope the folks you worked with created fun & memorable moments for you. ..I am awaiting your next adventure. ..lesalp.blogspot.com.au
ReplyDeleteWell I reckon the weather was so-so during your stay..lots of fog? But your family & friends visits were fun - hope the folks you worked with created fun & memorable moments for you. ..I am awaiting your next adventure. ..lesalp.blogspot.com.au
ReplyDeleteWell I reckon the weather was so-so during your stay..lots of fog? But your family & friends visits were fun - hope the folks you worked with created fun & memorable moments for you. ..I am awaiting your next adventure. ..lesalp.blogspot.com.au
ReplyDeleteI've enjoyed reading your blogs from the Oregon coast this summer and seeing your photos! May the trip to Grants Pass be uneventful!!
ReplyDeleteOh, and please don't get on the roof!
ReplyDeleteWonderful memories to take along. I know we have certainly enjoyed your Oregon stay...
ReplyDeleteSafe travels Sunday! Looking forward to the next chapter!
Wish we were close so I could sweep your roof. Safe travels. Looking forward to reading about your next adventure.
ReplyDeleteI've sure enjoyed your Oregon adventures.... your recap of them is just perfect! Now... on to the next one... what fun!
ReplyDeleteOnce again, you've done an outstanding job of volunteering. I'm glad you are taking with you so many happy memories, you've certainly earned them. Thank you for all you do, both volunteering and sharing the wonders of nature with us! :c)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great experience! Favorite gig yet?
ReplyDeleteI still get on top our rig to scrub it...but I am sure it's not as high as yours. I always start by putting our 6 ft step ladder up to the rig's ladder and step from there....It's a much easier first step..Not a fan of the rig's ladder, and the worst part is hoisting my butt up on top from the ladder...and then getting back on the ladder to go down..I'm sure it's not a pretty sight from the ground...I feel your pain.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your visit there. I almost felt like I was there with you.
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a good time. I tell everyone to get to the Oregon Coast at least one time. Have a safe travel over to the next one.
ReplyDeleteIf I was there, I'd do the roof sweeping for you - surely someone there could have helped? Or even done it for you. Or... maybe they will all blow off while you're tooling down the road. That would be good. I went through Grant's Pass a long time ago and spend one night there. I loved that area. I hope it will be a good time for you, too. :)
ReplyDeleteI hope you enjoy the little bit of time you will be at your next stop. And I certainly hope you go back to Oregon next summer. My schedule this year prevented me from getting up that way, but I hope I can plan on it next year. I love the Pacific coast, as cold and foggy as it often gets. I don't think I'd want to live there permanently, but at least you haven't been sweltering, and you sure can't beat the scenery! Safe travels. I don't think you should have any problems navigating that road - just keep reminding yourself of all the things you've been successful at, and while we slow down with age we don't lose our talents. If I could convince myself to drive into the L.A. area, and then back out of it, and i'm older and more feeble than you, then you can do anything, girl! The power of positive thinking absolutely works!
ReplyDeleteWe were all privileged to come along vicariously with you to the Oregon coast. I'm so glad you went. It's definitely on my bucket list now. Someday. I wish I was there, I'd climb up on your roof and sweep it off. Maybe give you some help with the drive...but all I can do is wish you safe travels. Let us know when you've settled on Sunday night so we know you're safe. Onward!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great closing picture Judy. You really did have some fantastic experiences and I so enjoyed seeing them with you. Safe travels to your next assignment. Maybe you could get one of the hapless campers that have been around all the time to spot you going up the ladder.
ReplyDeleteOh and I want to encourage you not discourage you from getting up on the roof. I do it all the time and we aren't much apart in age. We have to do all that we can while we can. Wish I were there to steady the ladder for you or perhaps we'd let David do it and we'd both go up on the roof......wasn't there a song by that name? LOL
DeleteWhen was the last time you had a popsicle.....and what flavor was it..Root Beer????
ReplyDeleteSafe Travels..I've driven that road..no big deal...20yrs. ago.
Upriverdavid
We sure have enjoyed following along on your adventure with the Oregon coast. It has been a beauty.
ReplyDeletePrayers for safe travels today. That Grants Pass can be a bummer.
Ditto Sherry. Find a camper to spot your ladder and you will be fine. And maybe only worry about the slide and not the rest of the roof. You know darn well there won't be a thing left by the time you get to Grants Pass on that roof. Just a thought. So glad to see Harris Beach through your summer eyes since we only had the fall and winter versions of the park. Nope, we won't be visiting in summer, and from what I hear next winter either while they work on the park and have it closed. Every time I drive to Klamath Falls I keep checking all the birds that are along 140 past Doak Mountain. I know you will be driving the big rig, but you still will see how many more have come since you traveled to the refuge to check it out. And yes, sometimes we can see the Mountain and sometimes we can't. I'll be wishing for you a clear day to see Mt Shasta as you travel to the refuge. See you at Valley of the Rogue this evening!
ReplyDeleteKnowing you, I'm SURE you got a lot of people excited about birds. Happy Trails.
ReplyDeleteYour posts about your summer observations have been wonderful to read. Thank you!
ReplyDelete