The Rascal Diaries: 7/12/14 To the Abyss and Back

A cold and foggy morning misted our way out of Newport after Jules attempted to wipe down Rascal and save her from the brine. Bundled in leather with seat heat on high, we faced the elements and it was worth it.

Enamored by the craggy shoreline of Oregon, I felt like a sea bird flying out over the cliffs high above the ocean. At times the fog snatched the view and I shivered as we leaned into a seemingly endless abyss. Mist dotted our windshield and each curve threatened to be blanked out by the clouds that were our constant companions. Snuggling in behind Jules, I put my trust in him and our dragon. I have seen too many movies filmed on this road that did not end well!

Then The Dunes! Who knew that Oregon had the largest expanse of coastal dunes in North America. For forty miles, the dunes cover the coast, some reaching an elevation of 500'. All sorts of sport takes place here - off road riding, sand boarding ( yes - like snow boarding) hiking and camping. We watched dune buggies buzz across the hills like ants. Our lunch was accompanied by their music.

California immediately greeted us with majestic redwoods. The first we have seen on this trip, they amazed us as always. It seems that they stand sentinel to the state line to acknowledge your entrance into their home. In an attempt to warm ourselves, we decided to head inland to a hotel we had visited before in Gasquet on the Smith River. Along the river we saw signs of a raft race that we had missed by minutes. Mostly about dressing up in costume and consuming alcohol, it is a widely known, crazy event sponsored by the American Legion.

At the Patrick Creek Inn along the Smith River, we revisited an old friend. Still welcoming and warmly snuggled in Six Rivers National Forest, this hidden gem also gave us our first warming sun of the day. But, change is imminent. The older couple that owns the inn is selling it and prospective buyers don't cherish the history here. This will probably be our last visit.

An after dinner stroll along the creek took us back to the roots of this area as moss covered stone foundations grew up out of the undergrowth. Happy to walk in the sun, we ended our day with the calming whispers of the creek.

From the powerful stone crushing waters of the Pacific to the gentle sighing of a clear mountain brook, we rode the water all day. Bridges that we crossed and winding ocean and river roads tell our tale. Ethereal fog and friendly sun guided us as we were immersed in the wonder of this coast.