August 19-23, 2015 - Charleston Marina, Coos Bay

 

We managed to run as far as Coos Bay, Oregon and stayed at the Charleston marina for a few days, until things settle down farther south (which looks like Saturday / Sunday departure).  Until then … exploring Coos Bay is our plan.

Charleston Marina in Coos Bay, is a working, fishing marina filled with fish boats of all shapes, sizes and “vintage”.  Some are beautiful.  Some have seen better days.  But they all go out and haul in fresh salmon, tuna and shellfish …. it’s hard work … We saw a number of fish boats out in the dark when we were en route ... and given the seas we were in, we appreciated how tough it would be to make a living fishing. 

 

 

We have certainly been enjoying the fruits of their labor over the last few days …. Fresh tuna and halibut for dinners !!  Awesome !!

Coos Bay has some very interesting folk … a bit like Duck Dynasty crossed with a ZZ Top Convention.   There are as many shapes, sizes and vintage of BEARDS, as fishing boats !!!

During the day, the docks are filled with families, sitting on their lawn chairs with crab traps and fishing poles out. Kids play … there are no iPads, no hand held video games … they just PLAY…

And at the end of the day, they gather up ALL their extensive paraphernalia and their catch, and head home.

 

  

One of the “fellers” came over when we were tying up and announced “We don’t get many shiny boats in here” …. And although we stick out like a sore thumb, we were made to feel very welcome !!!



 

Some of our neighbors ....

 

 

 

 

 

 To take advantage of NO water restrictions ( and really stand out in the marina !!)

we gave the boat a swish .....

 

 

We rented a car which allowed us to do some exploring of the area and this part of the Oregon Coastline is BEYOND STUNNING ….. The Cape Arago Hwy runs along the coast past Lighthouse Beach, Bastendorff Beach, Sunset Bay and ends at Simpson Reef (ALIVE with seals and sea lions) …. it is MAGNIFICENT. 

 

Brian beautifully captured the panorama ....

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sea Lions cover the rocks at Simpson Reef ....

 

 

 

 Rugged shoreline ....

 

 

Beautiful sandy beaches ....

 



  Life is good ....