Saturday, October 8, 2016

The four of us (Kate, Mike, Joani and I) took a little drive down the coast.  South from Gold Beach along highway 101 was the Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor.  There were many overlooks and parking areas providing access to some of the most beautiful coastline. 

We started from Turtle Rock in some pretty dense fog but knew it could change within minutes.  Sure enough, just a few miles south we drove out of the fog.  There was still a pretty stiff wind and it was interesting watching the fog racing over the hills and beaches.

The parking area for Arch Rock gave us access to a loop trail through some nicely forested landscape.

Before we completed the half-mile loop the fog blew in and we found the forest magically transformed.

Another few miles south was a turn out for Natural Bridges.  We only walked 50 yards to an overlook for a few quick pictures.  The trail continued on.  Presumably, there was access to the beach below as well as a trail across the bridges.  I might be a little crazy but there is no way I would hike across that fragile looking ribbon of rock.

Just before we reached Brookings we stopped for some beach combing at Harris Beach State Park.  There were tide pools and pretty rocks (but still no agates) galore.

The fog was still racing along offshore weaving in between the rocks.