Alone

On a tip from a friend we did some exploration.  There is a nine mile dead end road that runs up from Langlois into the hills east of Hwy 101.  It's a steep climb at first then levels off once it achieves the top.  The land was once covered with timber until the 1950's.  All that remain are a few scattered trees that were left to reseed the area.  However, the wind and sheep and pigs have prevented a forest from coming back and this tree is left alone.

Wind

This is the Oregon coast.  The wind is a factor here.  It is always a part of the equation that makes up the weather that thousands of folks came to enjoy.  We are in our third week here now and have had experienced the extremes of wind.  Tuesday, for example, was one of wind.  We woke up to the sound of wind through the trees and as the day continued that sound increased.  By mid-day the wind velocity was approaching 30mph with higher gusts.  Late afternoon, saw the wind remain at 32-33 mph and gusts to 40mph.  Luckily, the lighthouse is not open on Tuesday because it would have been difficult for the public and the volunteers to cope with them.
   Wednesday was totally different.  We woke up to silence.  No wind in the trees.  During the day, it was almost non-existant.  It makes me think of the song, "What a difference a day makes....."

Cape Blanco Campground

   Cape Blanco State Park has a great campground.  There are 50 sites, all with electricity and water at the site.  Unfortunately, there is a problem with the drain field and the fix is expensive so the dump station is closed and has been for several years. 
   The campsites are large and most of them are surrounded by thick bushes so are quite private.  I make the walk around the comapfround several times each day as I am walking Mollie so I keep tabs on which sites have changed occupants and what new or unusual rig has pulled in.  I sure would love to have a tour of some of them .   Walking with Mollie this morning we saw eveything from campers who sleep in their van, to small tents, to van campers, to pickup campers, to travel and fifth wheel trailers, to large motorhomes.  Lots of variety and lots of folks having fun. 
   Yesterday was day one of our three day week.  I was up in the lantern room and R and our grand daughter E was in the work room down stairs.  E helped gramma to explain the duties of the keepers in the workroom;  what tools they used and how the room was arranged.  She did very well I am told.  Today is our full day and we start in the lighthouse again.  R will be "up" and I will be in the workroom.  I am not sure if E will work up or down.  Then, in the afternoon, we will be greeting visitors outside the visitor center and telling them the story of life on the cape.  We talk about the weather, the housing arrangement, and the chores that the families had in addtion to keeping the light active.  They had a very busy life in this remote location.

Life with our Grand Daughter

   We are lucky enough to have our grand daughter with us for a few days.  She is a delight and we are having fun showing her the places around here during our days off.  Yesterday, we drove into Port Orford and obtained a temporary library card.  For twenty dollar deposit you can check out all the goodies offered.  When your is completed and you return the card, and your deposit is returned.  It is a good program.  Most towns, with the exception of Eugene, have people friendly library programs that encourage visitors, as well as residents, to use the facilities.
   Two books and three CDs later we were out of the Port Orford library and on the move.  During the day we; visited downtown Bandon area, including a toy store and a book store, picked seven pounds of fresh blue berries,  had cookies and hot chocolate in Langlois, checked out a couple of second hand stores, had toasted cheese paninis in the new Face Rock Creamery made with their own Montery Jack cheese.  Yumm!!  It was a good day. 

Cape Blanco - beginning July 31

We have arrived at our next location.  If someone ever told you "to go west young man", this is the place they meant.  It is about as "west" as you can go on the continent.  It is hard to find any place that equals it in beauty.
  R and I start our duty today, a day early.  The ranger called and asked if we could help out bacause one couple needed to leave early, so we agreed.  It will be fun to get back into the story.  There are many stories and much history in this spot.

Cape Blanco

We are now at Cape Blanco State Park.  This is the third time we have volunteered here, but the first time for the month of August.  We will see if there is any differences.  So far one thing has remained the same;  the wind.  After a couple of days on calm air, the wind has resumed.  It is still blowing even as I type this at 10pm.  The wind tires you out.  The wind is one reason that everyone does not live at the coast.  The views are the reason people do.

GoodbyeTallac

Wow, I can't believe that a month went by since I last posted.  Already it is July 26th and we spent the night in Klamath Falls.
  We left South Lake Tahoe Wednesday morning.  It was not easy saying good bye.  The ten weeks went very quickly.  Lots of work.  Lots of project accomplished.  Lots of friendly visitors met.  Lots of fun.  Lots of food eaten, at BBQs and get -togethers and Mondays night restaurant trips.  Lots and lots of laughter.  The fellow volunteers became family, good friends, all in one.  The part of leaving was made easier because we know that we will see them again next year.  Several of the group said that they will come to see us when they come up this way this year.  I hope they do.
  
We are getting close to being home owners again.  I have found a house in Canby, Oregon that will work for us and the process is nearly completed.  We have an appointment to sign the papers on Monday July 29th and the deal is scheduled to close on July 31.  The seller becomes the rented for August, which is fine because R and I are volunteering as light house docents at Cape Blanco State Park near Port Orford.  It is one of the beautiful places on the Oregon Coast.  We are looking forward to spending time at the coast again.  It has been too long.