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Borrego Springs, CA

Friday, May 15, 2015

A little preview of Harris Beach State Park, OR

I was packed up and on the road shortly before 8:00 yesterday morning, and headed south from Bandon to Brookings along scenic US 101.  At least I’ve been told it’s scenic.  There are enough curves and ups and downs that I could hardly enjoy the scenery.  I just had to pay attention to the driving.  I plan to do a portion of the drive again, but only in my car so I can easily visit all of the pull offs.

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A little after 10:00, I pulled into Harris Beach State Park and had to figure out where my site was.  The check in station was closed.  I knew I was assigned B4 as a site, but had no idea where that might be.  There are four different loops, and they all intersect with each other with several one way sections.  I finally just stopped dead in the middle of the road when I saw a man outside his rig.  Luckily, he had a map to show me where to go.  As it turned out, I ran into Angela, one of the state park rangers, and she led me around to my site.

The site is paved, but is certainly not level for a rig my size.  As you can see, we’re surrounded by huge trees, so my DISH on top of the rig has no chance of finding a signal.  Sad smile  The site does have a very private patio area which is good for Emma. 

Dawn, the volunteer coordinator for all six of the refuges in the complex, met me there just as I was backing into my site.  All I did was hook up the electric for the fridge, and then headed off for two hours of orientation about the park and my duties.

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After looking at the two possible locations for my outdoor station, I chose this one.  With the strong winds that can occur next to the ocean, this site is a little more protected than the other one.  I’ll be setting up a scope down near the picnic table and focus it on Bird/Goat Island that is across the bay.  That island is the largest one off of the Oregon coast and lots of sea birds nest on it. 

Today was spent orienting myself to the community of Brookings.  I drove down to Smith River in California to put in a wine order.  Prices for wine and other alcohol in California are almost half of what they are in Oregon, and it was only a drive of 11 miles.  I also got the toad washed.  It was a mess after being towed behind the rig’s exhaust pipes for a thousand miles.  Fred Myers is the grocery store in this neck of the woods, and I figured out where that is as well.

IMG_1927 On the way back from town, I stopped to get a few pics from the overlook I’ll be manning.  This is looking south.  It was hard to believe that people were out in the water swimming.  The wind was howling and I was chilly in my hoody and jeans.

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This is the view to the north.  A couple was out on the beach flying a kite.  I had heard that lots of folks come here to fly kites.  The winds were strong enough to lift the lady of the couple right up off of the ground.  She let out quite a shout as she became airborne for a moment.  It was fun to watch. 

I’ll be working both days of the weekend at the overlook.  My head is crammed with information about all the birds nesting on the island.  I have been warned though, that most folks stop here in hopes of seeing whales.  That’s okay.  I want to see whales too, and maybe I can introduce them to my avian friends.  Open-mouthed smile

Thanks for stopping by… talk to you later,  Judy

26 comments:

  1. So much fun to see you there. Bummer about the satellite. I had forgotten yours was roof mounted when we checked out your site. We have walked that cement railed pathway so many times, I can only imagine how much fun it will be to have you there. Also, glad you called it Bird/Goat Island...I never could figure out what the name was, Bird Island or Goat Island! Glad you were greeted by sunshine if a bit chilly. Can't wait to visit in June.

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  2. Judy, I know you have done some wonderful things, but if you do end up introducing a whale to your avian friends, please take a picture of the event. :-)

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  3. Beautiful place...just beautiful...and so interesting too. I for one would LOVE to have you show me all the birds...and perhaps a whale!

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  4. Sounds to me like you have your priorities straight... get that wine ordered so you can enjoy those evenings by the sea in comfort!

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  5. The coastline there is gorgeous, and you will see enough birds to keep you happy! I hope the wind lets up now and then.

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  6. Seabirds and whales ... what a great combination. Add that gorgeous beach scenery ... hard to beat. If we hadn't switched our summer plans from OR to CO/NM, would have been out there sharing all that with you.

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  7. Sunshine on the Oregon coast--cool beans!! I hope it all works out, and that you and Emma enjoy your Oregon visit!

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  8. Your pictures brought back some great memories. We walked that path and beach,creature watching for a couple of days. Wishing you a great "first weekend".

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  9. You are certainly in a beautiful place and I'm sure you will be taking a ton of pictures. I can't wait to see the whales!

    Sorry about the satellite. Do you have a portable one?

    What is the weather like, temperature wise?

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  10. What a little bit of heaven...I hope you see whales too with camera in hand!

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  11. As I sit in the rain at Ft. Stevens St Park, it was pure joy to see the photos of Harris Beach St. Park. I will be rolling in June 5. Thanks for including your site number and your viewing spot.

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  12. Yes, that area can be quite windy. Sounds like a fun summer.

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  13. Love Harris Beach! Unfortunately many of the back sites are quite small and uneven as you said. I'm surprised they give these to volunteers. The beach is lovely though. I've no doubt you're going to get a ton of social visits from blog readers.
    Nina

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  14. Good to hear you are settled in your new place. Emma has grass! Such pretty views there, I love the sounds of the Ocean but my husband hates it and the wind. Guess you will have to read books and drink wine in the evenings instead of watching TV. :(

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  15. I tired to swim in the ocean in Oregon, couldn't get in past my (quickly frozen) ankles. Yet there were kids swimming all around me. I guess I've become an old wimp! ;c)

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  16. The Fred Meyers in Brookings is huge. Plan a lot of time shopping on your first trip to that store.

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  17. Bummer to hear that the site isn't level. That's hard for extended stays. It's a wonder no one has complained about it in the past. But boy that's a beautiful place you are in. I will never tire of ocean pictures. We'd be out there to see you if the world was as it should be for us.

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  18. Whoops! I just lost my comment... Oh, well, was just saying I'm looking forward to photos of sea birds and whales. And also that in San Diego they have May Gray and June Gloom. Then summer arrives! So I'm sure you'll be getting some great weather there, too. Your site looks very small in comparison to others you've had, but very cozy. I'll bet you'll get used to it, and love it. Trees and grass. Nice! :)

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  19. What a wonderful spot for your station!...It sucks that your satellite signal is a NOT...Maybe there is a way you can figure out how to get one somehow..I would be lost without that...especially for an extended stay..I am a news freak...

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  20. I can hardly wait to see whale pictures.

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  21. Welcome to Oregon!! Shady, cool, grey, and absolutely awesome!

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  22. It looks like you're ready for the summer. Are the volunteer campsites set away from the "general" campsites, or are you in the midst of the other campers?

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  23. Hey! At least the day was sunny ... count that as a plus along the coast!

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  24. That is going to be a great place to spend some time!

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  25. I think you are going to have a great summer. . .this just looks fabulous. . .

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