Cape Lookout to Waldport, Oregon

August 6th, 2004

Last night was bit rough on everyone at the Cape Lookout Campground. Around 2am a storm hit, a true storm. We aren’t talking hurricane or anything but rain and high wind, yes. The tenters in the meadow area were particularly hard hit and once the sun rose the meadow had taken on the look of a shanty town after an earthquake. Even the port-a-potties had been blown over! We faired much better in the camper, just a bit sleep deprived from all the ruckus. Also Dan’s kayak paddle had been blown about 10 feet from where it was last night.



Cape Lookout Campground and Beach.



Today the torrent continued shrouding much of the coastline from our view. The fog banks made for a very Lord of the Rings-esque drive through the forested sections of the road. We made two stops en route to our camp. The first was in Pacific City, which we had heard had good surfing. Well as soon as I got out of the truck the skies unleashed and I was instantly soaked.


It was right about the time that I was thinking no one should be out in this when I heard an air horn. And not just any old air horn, no, no, this one signaled time’s over for a surfer competing in a surf-off of sorts.


Go figure, the surfing must go on. I am not that hardy so the impulse to go rent a board and enter the competition was squashed early on.


I am fascinated by lighthouses. I just think they are so cool and I have photographed every one I have ever passed. You can imagine that the chance to go into one was compelling for me.
Rachel: “Hey Dan, that sign says lighthouse tours”
Dan: “Yeah so?”
Rachel: “So I have never been in one, I wanna go.”
Dan: “But it costs.”
Rachel: “If you love me you’ll stop.”
This is how we came to tour the Yaquim Light House.


The lighthouse.


This is all the light that the bulb omits, the rest of the work is done by the lens. Neither of us can remember for sure, but we think they said the light can be seen from 11 nautical miles away.


The lens.


The view from the light house.


Memorial to lost sailors.

Tonight we are camped in a Passport America campground outside of Waldport.


The campground is located on the Alsea River, about 4 miles from where it lets out into the ocean.


Before dinner we walked out on the pier right off of our campsite and we saw a seal not 5 feet from us. This and a full hookup for $11! We are staying for two nights.

Parting sunset shots.