Our next stop, Eureka, CA with the Eel River flowing partway along beside us was a slow journey. It was a narrow Redwood tree lined road that snaked through the mountains and emptied out into the valley of Elks, but nary an Elk was to be seen.

Eureka Elks Lodge was exceptionally welcoming. Close to the freeway but free from noise, roomy and 50 amp, the perfect spot for exploring the area. Avenue of the Giants was at the top of my list, actually the only thing on it, so we woke early, packed KatieBug into the car and were on the road just after breakfast.

Old growth Redwoods, during the “save the Redwood groves” movement decades ago, were purchased by patrons of the Giants to insure their safety from the greed of the State of California, and are arising once again particularly now that the state is genuinely destitute. I am truly grateful for the generosity of those men and women who purchased and donated the soil in which these enormous Sequoias thrive.

The beauty of these interconnecting Giants and the forests where they reside is incredible. Realizing that these stately Redwood Sequoias are taller than any other living thing, reaching heights of over 300 feet, is amazing in itself. To stretch your neck back far enough to see the tops is to realize that these Giants, living as long as two thousand years, are irreplaceable treasures.

Winding around the Giants on spongy leaf packed forest floors, the cool misty fog trapped among the enormous branches, is as peaceful an afternoon as one could imagine. I had to concentrate to keep my mind from wandering into daydreams of Bigfoot stomping through the grounds or thoughts of a strange noise being the Wicked Witch of the West’s flying monkey’s swooping down.

Woodpecker taps echo and bounce between the gigantic trunks, enormous slugs slime their way over the fallen ones making you mindful of where you put your hands.

If these Giants don’t grow in your back yard, you will be immensely impressed no matter what your age. The wonder of their stature stays in your memory long after you have left the area.

Next stop, Crescent City for a bowl of thick creamy clam chowder while sitting suspended over the ocean watching seals and sea lions frolic in the bay.

One has to be careful entering and exiting this restaurant as the humongous fishy smelling mammals hog the sidewalk and bark should you wander to near. Those razor sharp teeth are not to be ignored and sea lions can run as fast as a grown man, if only for short spurts. We kept our distance as neither of us were willing to test the claim.

Arrived at Brookings Elks Lodge in time to get the one and only 50 amp. Fully set up and family visiting commenced, in-between a little exploring on our own.

Loleta Cheese Factory looked inviting so we stopped to sample dozens of flavors before purchasing enough to last us until we return to Texas.

Bakery By The Sea has had our sweet tooth devotion for many years so we chitchatted with the passionately creative bakery Chef Luke and his neighbor, paid for our selections and left with our bag of goodies. His scones are heaven, his bran muffins are divine and he popped in an extra gratis Saint Patty’s Day treat.

Had to laugh and take a picture of our favorite dog groomers window sign. The two that own this shop are typical Oregonians, quirky but humorous and really nice folks.

Harris Beach, just up the street from Dad’s house, is KatieBug’s favorite boogie area. No cars and far below the road, allows her full-on race track speed and usually no other dogs, especially on cold March afternoons.

Closed out our day watching an eerily hazy sun set.

Our three day hiatus at the Brookings Elks Lodge RV park to visit family ended with a pizza parlor dinner party then desert at our cousin’s breathtaking seaside rental before driving back to LilyPad to pack up for the next day’s continuation up the Oregon coast.

On the road the following morning, a quick stop in Bandon for an outstanding crab sandwich and clam chowder for lunch and sweet cranberry treats.

Bandon has two colors that are outstanding in their fields. One is the bright golden widespread Gorse, an oily plant that was imported from Ireland by Lord George Bennett founder of the town of Bandon. It is one of the most feared plants in Oregon, not for its prickles but for its love of fire. It is happiest in an environment that burns fiercely every few decades and in 1936 it burnt down the city of Bandon.

The other color is cranberry and their bogs surge across the flat lands in the outskirts of Bandon. Most of the striking crimson orbs are turned into Ocean Spray products but the town has candy shops that totally rock the sweetly tart flavor, transforming it into fudge, jelly’s, gummies and chocolate covered creams and it is a considerably difficult choice to make between them all.

Another notable is the overabundance of artistic creations. You can turn in almost any direction along the wharf, stretch out your finger and poke a piece, or sit down on one. I adore sea creature sculptures and the walk down the wharf is jam-packed with natural and man-made exquisiteness.

Arrived in Florence OR at the largest Elks RV park that we have been so far. Cold weather and early in the season is keeping everyone away. We have a huge site with only the park hosts as our neighbors in the 34 site park.

Darlingtonia Wayside was our first stop after setting up camp. The insect eating Darlingtonia Californica lives protected in the damp forest surrounded Wayside and we have not yet been when they are eating. With the count of “heads” appearing to be in the hundreds, I don’t want to be walking along that wooden board walk with what must take thousands of bugs crawling and flying around to sustain them all.

Flat, low tide, Heceta Beach was KatieBugs local race track as the sun set. She ran in circles and along the water’s edge for such extended periods that she drew a crowd to the window of the beachside hotel restaurant. Patrons watched her antics until the sun was gone and we left the beach. A quick stop at nearby RiteAid brought a stranger up to us asking if we were the people on the beach with the little “go dog go”. He told us KatieBug had the attention of everyone dining. We have added “entertainer” to KatieBug’s resume.

After viewing remarkable stained glass windows in the local breakfast café, I found the originals and photographed each one. The stained glass version is an artistically genius representation.

The Port of Siuslaw in Florence

Art Deco 1936 Siuslaw River Bridge

Heceta Head Lighthouse

Traveling down Oregon highways, one thing is very apparent.  Collaged scenery from trees being cut to the ground. As hard as it is to see them being cut, it becomes relief when you realize that the law requires them to replant and you can see the scenic greenery reemerge in levels when driving through the mountains.

Time again to pull in the slides and roll on down the road, headed for Tillamook, named after the American Native tribe but best known for their outstanding cheese.