Day 7: Oregon Coast

First, a correction to a previous post. As Arah has correctly pointed out, the Salem Mall dowtown has a number of chain stores like Nordstoms, JC Penney, etc. I didn't even know there was a mall but I walked a little further north today and there it was. Also there are at least TWO Starbucks downtown.

Sally was in her conference all day so I took off by myself for the coast. I took Route 22 West through rolling hills then over the small coastal range mountains down to the coastal highway. I decided to turn north and head for the quiet little town of Pacific instead of turning south toward the tourist mecca of Lincoln.

My first view of the ocean was from an overlook just south of Pacific. Having grown up a few hours from the Atlantic, I've had a lot of ocean experiences which are nearly all good so seeing, hearing, and smelling the ocean again is like coming home. (Sorry, MN lakes including Lake Superior are not like the ocean.) Near Pacific I turned on the scenic highway that runs close to the shore.

I drove to the first access point for Pacific beach, about one quarter mile south of the main Pacific parking area. I struggled over a dune to get to the beach and was blasted by a very cold wind. I walked into the wind for a while, took a few pictures, then turned and ran back to the car to get warm.

I continued driving south looking for a good coastal place to explore. I decided to try Sand Lake Recreation Area. Not knowing the park, I turned into the East Day User Area which I discovered was a staging area for ATVs. BUZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ. Okay, I suppose there's a place for loud smelly vehicles on a beautiful beach but is there really space for hundreds of them? Ridiculous.

I quickly left the East Day Use Area and went back to the entrance to see if I had other options at that park. I decided to try the Fishermans Day Access Area. That area turned out to be a very pretty tidal area where I could walk around some pools and also go out to a no-ATV beach. This place was fairly sheltered from the wind and the sun was out now so it was much more comfortable than earlier.

I drove back to Pacific and had a salad and a Stout (average) at the brew pub. After I finished eating I went down to the beach and wandered, taking pictures. There was a good crowd in this area doing amusing things like playing volleyball with their legs buried in the sand or climbing an extremely large sand dune and then sliding down.

I headed back to Salem around five. I had a couple of slice of "New York style" pizza and then met Sally when she finished her meeting. We explored the riverside park and then looked through the historic Reed building and walked by some other historic spots.

We returned to the hotel room and discussed what do to on Friday. Mount Hood? Portland? Wineries? We haven't make a decision yet.