Wed, May 18, 2011

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

There is a slight possibility that I could pass a drug test today. – Donna Downey

I’m being very brave today and decided to start the day without the help of muscle relaxers.  Of course, it helped that we didn’t really start the day until about noon.  Charles was up early, well actually Dodger and Paris make sure he doesn’t sleep too long every morning.  But after their morning walk everyone came back to bed and we enjoyed a cozy morning snuggled down in “grandma’s bed”.  I’m not even sure what time we finally crawled out of the bed but it was much later than normal.  Charles made a pot of coffee and I headed for the shower. 

With a cup of coffee in hand and a view of the ocean, and gratefully without any cramping back muscles, I sat down to work on my journal and pictures.  If there were a more perfect morning I can’t remember it now.  Another pot of coffee later I made the decision to head out without the assistance of any drugs.  Of course my supplier assured me he had whatever I needed so off we went.

We made it only around the corner from the motel to the Coquille Point Wildlife Refuge.  The Point overlooks a myriad of offshore rock formations of various shapes and sizes that provide habitat for a diverse wildlife.  There is a small paved trail that winds along the cliffs overlooking the beach and rocks below.  We spent the rest of the morning there enjoying the mild weather.

One of the large rocks is called Face Rock and has an intricate Indian story behind it.  The short version of this legend is that Chief Siskiyou and his tribe was meeting in the area with other tribes and was in the midst of a great feast.  After the great feast while all were sleeping the Chief’s beautiful daughter Princess Ewuana snuck away and swam out into the ocean.  The Indians believed the sea to be inhabited by an evil spirit named Seatka. Seatka captured the beautiful princess.  Although he tried to get her to look into his eyes, she refused to look away from the full moon.  So there in the ocean in stone is her beautiful face looking skyward – Face Rock.  

We did start down Highway 101 but then realized is was time for lunch and so returned to Bandon and had a good lunch at the Bandon harbor. After a walk around the harbor we headed out again to points south.

Today was very similar to yesterday, great weather, great scenery, unbelievable flowers, a nice visit at the Cape Blanco Lighthouse, windsurfers, and great places for puppy playtime. 

We arrived at our destination of Brookings, Oregon just about suppertime.  After another meal of fresh halibut we have settled into our room at the Best Western. For the third night in a row we have a view of the Pacific from our room.  I could definitely get used to this.  As I sit down to write and pick some photos to share, Charles has gone to do some laundry.  Paris and Dodger are sitting in the sliding door waiting for the occasional dog to pass on its way to a jaunt on the beach with human in tow.

Other than a few twinges when I tried to handle the large lens today, the back feels really good.  Charles, Paris and Dodger appear to be very well tonight and we hope that y’all are too.

Peace, Hope & Love,

Donna, Charles, Paris & Dodger