Left the Benbow about 10:30 yesterday morning and pulled into Bandon at about 4:30. Another beautiful drive up 101 – the California/Oregon coast is as beautiful and dramatic as any I’ve ever seen. Sadly, as soon as we transitioned from inland to coast the temperature dropped about 30 degrees. We stayed at the Bandon Inn last night, a nice three-level motel overlooking the town and harbor. Walked down a footpath to the Crow’s Nest bar and had a nice meal (fresh halibut). The woman who ownsIn other news - the weather is fabulous in Juneau. Hiking is the order of the week - except today I've got some post-hole digging and fence repair at the elders. Ugh!
the bar (and the restaurant downstairs) is a member at Bandon Dunes and she told us with great enthusiasm how wonderful golf is there. (She also gave us the bad news: $275 per round; although she said if we come back in the winter she’ll take us out for $35). She also suggested that we stop there and climb the hill to the viewing area, which we did this morning. It is a spectacular course, and reminds me of the courses in Scotland that I’ve seen in books and on television. But it was about 50 degrees and at $275 we took a pass.
From there we made our way up 101 to Florence, stopping at various scenic viewpoints to admire the coast. After settling in to our room at the Three Rivers Hotel/Casino, we started to explore the area. First stop: Sand Dunes Frontier, what appears to be family operation specializing in dune buggy rides. Alison and I put on goggles and strapped into a five-seat dune buggy. Our driver (who, for legal reasons, I’ll refer to as “Delbert” – not his real name) then asked whether we wanted the slow and easy or more exciting ride. As she began to respond, Delbert mumbled something about “facing your fears” and off we went, roaring up and down (and sideways) over some SERIOUS sand dunes. At one point we stopped for pictures and Alison asked Delbert if she could take one of him. He responded that it would be okay as long as she didn’t send it to America’s Most Wanted. I think he was only half-kidding (and hours later I’m still hearing banjo music in my head). But it was fun, and the dunes are something to see.
Back in Florence, we stopped in Old Town and walked the gallery walk.Alison became enamored of a Raku fish sculpture which she is having shipped back to Juneau. Florence seems tonier than Bandon or the other towns we passed through on the way here. We came across a restaurant named the Sidestreet Bistro that looks very good, dinner there tomorrow night. Tomorrow it’s golf at Sandpines and more exploration. On Wednesday we’ll restart the trek north. The room here at Three Rivers is nice and roomy, and a good rate. Haven’t been to the casino yet, but I suspect we’ll mosey on down before too long.
Later gang.
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