More of the Oregon Coast

This day was dedicated to the Oregon coast.  It started with breakfast at a unique cafe located in the historic section of Florence.  Rustic in decor and proud of their Christian beliefs, the owner and the servers displayed information regarding Christian book clubs, concerts, and church services.  These didn't seem overly aggressive as they were all print items in the style of the rest of the decor.  You didn't have to read them.  I ordered a raisin bran muffin and coffee while Roger had a piece of fresh picked, wild blackberry pie.  He believes it was the best blackberry pie he's ever had.  This was just our breakfast appetizer as we moved on to an organic restaurant (not really much of a distinction as most of the restuarants we ate at in Oregon served locally grown, organic products) for the main portion of our breakfast.  Unfortunately it was forgettable unlike the rustic, homey atmosphere of our first stop. 

We backtracked a bit to see the Sea Lion Caves, a worthwhile stop even though the sea lions were all in the water and not in the cave.  We were able to see them floating in a group, just lazing in the water.  An occasional bark let us know where to look.

Roger at the entrance to the elevator that takes us down into the cave.

Not sure, but I think this is the entrance to the cave.

Hard to see in this picture but near the middle there are several sea lions basking in the water.

This banana slug was making its way across the walkway at the Sea Lions Cave.

I couldn't pass this without getting a picture.  I regret we didn't go in.

The rest of this day was filled with scenic turn-offs and parks and short walks, generally involving downhill first and up hill last.  One walk was through a sea captain's formal garden displaying the various plants he brought back from his travels.  Another allowed us to walk right down to the shore.  Most allowed wonderful vistas of the cliffs, rock formations, tide pools, and plant life.  When blackberries were within arm's reach, you can bet Roger helped himself.  Fragrant, wild dill was abundant at one stop.  An aggressive little squirrel demanded my attention as I tried to get a picture of him.  I'm pretty sure I was the more skittish.

The farther south we got, the greater the difference in terrain and vegetation.  Less a wet wonderland, less green.  The sea, however, was ever present.  We stopped in Crescent City, a working man's city.  When Roger asked the lady at the motel desk for a rustic place to eat, her response was, "Everything in this city is rusty."  Roger gently corrected her and she recomended three possibilities.  The first was perhaps a bit too rustic for our taste.  The second was too seafood oriented for Roger.  The third, was just right -- Harvest House.  After a large meal and good beer, we returned to settle in for the night. 

Climbed sand dunes to get these pictures, something we didn't find farther north.

The sea captain's garden was delightful but seemed out of place.  Such formality surrounded by nature's landscaping.

As you can see, we found sea lions.  At this stop any bit of rock sticking up in the sea was covered with them.  Barking was loud, numerous, and constant.  No sea lions chose to settle on shore, only on the little rock islands.