Sunshine in Florence (Oregon, that is!)

Several commenters requested information on making photo collages.  I will write about that later in the week and see if I can be of any assistance but today I need to write about yesterday before it becomes tomorrow and I forget what I did!!  Senior moments and all that, you know!!


Monday was another one of those beautiful faux spring days here in Oregon.  We knew we had to take advantage of it because weather like this does not happen often in Oregon in February.  It seems we always have just a few wonderful days in February but if you blink you’ll miss them.  So we took advantage of the sunshine and took ourselves off to the coast. 


It was one of the nicest days we have ever had on the coast. It was 62 degrees, sunny and bright, and no wind. There were no bugs buzzing about and no snakes or alligators either (grin). This day was truly a gift and we tore into it and squeezed everything we could out of it.


Florence is a sleepy little town about 55 miles west of Eugene.  Well it used to be a sleepy little town until the California (and other) retirees discovered it about 15 years ago.  Now it is a bustling little town with more gated communities than I can name and lots going on.  It even has its own hospital now.  It’s still a lovely town and Old Town is quaint and a wonderful place to walk from shop to shop.  However, Old Town was not on the agenda for today – another time perhaps.


BTW, have you ever noticed how the ocean has regional names?  On the east coast, you go to the shore.  In California you go to the beach.  In Oregon it’s the coast.  I wonder why that is?  What do you call it in Washington or in BC?  But I digress…


Our goal for today was Harbor Vista County Park in Florence, Oregon.  Luckily, Eugene is also in Lane County so with our senior county parks pass, we didn’t have any entrance fee.  Without the pass, I believe the day use fee is $5. 





This park is both a day use picnic area and a camp ground.  I love the camping area.  With the huge salal hedges between the campsites, you couldn’t ask for more privacy.  The sites are all paved and fairly level and have water and electric.   There is a dump-station at the entrance to the park - free to campers.  Campsites are $25 except for the three ocean view sites and those are $27.50.





In the day use area, there is a large deck overlooking the ocean.  The park itself is on a bluff above the ocean and so is sheltered from the wind.  There is a trail down to the beach but it is steep and the beach gets pretty wet at high tide!!  I am content to just enjoy the view and drive to a more accessible beach if I feel the need to fill my shoes with sand.  It’s all good.


I couldn’t decide which pictures to use so here’s a little slideshow of the campground.



After our explorations here, we found a Subway Sandwich shop and purchased a ready made picnic.  Did I mention I LOVE $5 foot long specials??  We took our lunch to Honeyman State Park and had a wonderful picnic.  I ‘ll write about that tomorrow.