Oregon, June 2014: A Trip to the Ocean

Saturday, June 21st.

Today we wanted to see the ocean.  As long as we are this far west, we might as well dip our toes in the Pacific Ocean.  Cory and Molly thought that Coos Bay to Cape Arago and on to Bandon would be a doable day trip, so off we went.

First stop was Coos Bay.  Coos Bay has a working harbor.  In fact, from about 1940 to 1970, Coos Bay was the largest lumber shipping harbor in the world.  There is an interpretive center and a boardwalk along the harbor.

Next, we drove to Cape Arago State Park,  From Cape Arago, there are great views of the ocean.  We happened upon some volunteers who had spotting scopes set up to show us Stellar sea lions, harbor seals, and elephant seals.  The outer point of the Cape has a stunning view of the ocean.

Look hard, and there are Stellar sea lions sunning on the sand.

View from Cape Arago Point.

From Cape Arago, we headed south to Bullards Beach State Park at Bandon.  Here the beach broadens into a wide and open sand beach.  We spend some time walking the beach, dipping out feet in the ocean, and searching for shells.  

One of our finds was a mysterious blue jellyfish type organism.  Come to find out, it is a Velella velella, as it is technically called.  More commonly it is referred to as "By the Wind Sailor" or "Sea Raft". This is a fascinating organism that has no means of propulsion, it can only move by the wind catching the tiny "sail like" structure.  It lives in colonies, and cannot exist as a single individual.  It is well worth clicking on the Velella velella link above and learning more about it.

"By the Wind Sailor" washed up on the beach.

We ended our day at the ocean consuming seafood dinners at the Wheelhouse Restaurant in Bandon.  It was a great day at the ocean.  Tomorrow we check out the college town of Eugene.  Monday we will spend some time in Portland prior to catching a red eye flight home that night.