Avenue of the Giants

Quite honestly, only the grandeur of the redwoods could have matched our incredible experience along the Oregon coast. Traveling into the Avenue of the Giants lives up to the hype without question. These enormous trees dwarf everything and the serenity and peace that ensues when entering this 30-mile scenic route is truly one of the most amazing feelings we've shared on this grand adventure.

The alternate route running parallel with Highway 101 offers a journey not to be missed. As we travel the quiet road, we are transported into awe inspiring bliss. Looking upward through the giant lined sky keeps us virtually silent as these wonders surround completely. We have read this is a special place and what an understatement as we explore.

Several stops ensue as we get up close and personal with these gorgeous beings. Periodic trails entice and the morning is full with soaking up the unsurpassed energy. The clear, sunny day adds completely to the grand scenery as we move every so slowly through this wonderous maze.

The ultimate tree hug!

Exiting this haven is most difficult. For anyone who wants to witness the magic of a redwood forest, the Avenue of the Giants is definitely the E-ticket!

A Rose By Any Other Name

Shore Acres continues to impress as we explore and peek into its beautiful gardens. We are not prepared for what we find. Victoria could easily be challenged by this perfectly manicured treasure.

The greenhouse is stocked and staged better than any we've seen.

And, the roses found in the display garden stand up to all the awards they evidently have won. It is just extraordinary.

The reflecting pond in the Japanese Garden is total serenity and we could spend much longer than time has allowed. This is one special, special place.

At each turn, we find more flowering wonders. And, between the cliffs, beach and magnifcent Pacific, we are hard pressed to find any fault. Ths place alone is worth living in Oregon.

The final path today retreating ouf of this bliss - have we sold everyone on Oregon by now!?

Crater

One must see on our journey has always been Crater Lake National Park and though it's a good detour from continuing our Oregon coast route, it is decidedly necessary. Oh, and are we right to take the extra time.

This place is nothing short of spectacular. The drive around the rim is just over a 30-mile drive and with highlighted overlooks, the guide suggests allowing several hours. We take that and more.

This is one of those places where words are not sufficient. Fortunately, we have some gorgeous photographs to give a pretty good representation.

I'm sure this just became a must for all of you, as well! Oregon just can't seem to get it wrong...

Strawberry and Rock

Since we are only a couple of miles from downtown Yachats, we take an early afternoon break from our natural wonders and grab lunch at an adorable little restaurant that's been highly recommended. The Drift Inn Pub is hopping and we take that as a good sign. It is. Celeste's Cobb Salad with homemade bleu cheese dressing is one of the best cobbs we've ever tasted. Loaded and lucious, there is not a morsel left at our lunch's end. I'm equally pleased with a Thai Beef Lettuce Wraps appetizer that actually turns out to be a substantial and delicious salad in it's own right. Service is amazingly good considering the bustling crowd. The full bar, eclectic menu and very warm ambiance complete with dangling parasols makes this a very good find for a small, quaint village such as Yachats. We are pleasantly surprised at our find.

Following our very successful lunch option, we continue on our coastal exploration. A few miles south of Perpetua is Strawberry State Park where harbor seals lounge in abundance and marine life flourishes.

The brief detour is well worth the side trip before we return for one last hike back in the National Forest. The Whispering Spruce Trail begins 800 feet above the Pacific coast and though the trail is less than a mile loop, it packs quite a punch. One stop is the historical rock shelter built in 1934 by the Civil Consevation Corps, boasting it provides one of the most spectacular views available along the Oregon coast. Alas, with today's fog, our view is limited, but still beautiful.