The waves of the sea help me get back to me. This I know is true.

I don’t need much convincing when people say that salt water is the cure for anything. Sweat. Tears. And ocean.

There have been many times when I feel the weight of society piling on my shoulders — times when sitting in an office, glued behind a screen for hours a day finally takes a toll on my spirit. And though I remain sane during the week by staying physically active, there are days when I don’t have the energy to even do that…

Such is life.

But for whatever reason, during the times that I am most mentally drained, I gravitate toward the ocean. Mountains bring me adventure and excitement, but Ocean, with all of its calming and cleansing abilities, never fails to restore my tired mind.

So during a long holiday weekend, I found myself ready to get lost among coastal landscapes. Oregon called my name.

BANDON, OREGON

We don’t normally travel this far south along the coast, but we had enough time, and we had enough reasons to want to disappear into the unknown :)

Our first stop was Bandon, Oregon.

I haven’t met many coasts that are as amazing as the Oregon coast. Seriously, Oregon. Stap.

Like a giant playground…

Sunny days are a gift in the Pacific Northwest. But the ocean’s touch remains chilly no matter how sunny it is…

PREHISTORIC GARDENS

One of my favorite things about road trips is stumbling upon the most unexpected places :) Road side attractions like this gem…

It wasn’t exactly made to entertain adults. But big kids with curious hearts were welcomed :)

SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN STATE PARK

We ended the day in this quiet little corner of the Oregon coast.

The most amazing little cove, if you ask me.

My favorite kind of nights are magical nights like these…

We woke up in a nearby campground, ready for another full day of coastin’.

OREGON REDWOODS

We decided on driving even further south toward the California border. Redwoods in Oregon? Who knew!

I had always wanted to meet a giant redwood tree. So I was especially excited! Of course, at the time I had no idea how to identify a redwood, and so I was snapping photos of every giant tree we came across. Mostly douglas firs :)

We were walking near a picnic table, when we heard some shuffling in the forest. We stopped. The shuffling sounded closer and closer, and my heart nearly stopped at the thought of a black bear lunging at us. I was so scared! We made loud noises to scare whatever animal it was, and it worked, but that was our cue to head back…

SAMUEL H. BOARDMAN SCENIC CORRIDOR

We drove back up the coast, this time stopping at the various trails and view points along Samuel H. Boardman State Park, or more appropriately labeled, scenic corridor.

Some trails were shorter than others. Some trails were steep AF. But every trail had a perfect view :)

This is not your average park. You’ll have to make several stops along Hwy 101, plan your hikes if you’re on a time crunch, and keep your eyes peeled for each marked (or unmarked) viewpoint off the highway.

Some hikes will lead you straight to the beach.

Other hikes will simply give you a pretty view from a distance. Natural Bridge Cove below…

We kept driving…

I’m not sure I will ever be as intrigued with other beaches as I am with the Oregon coast. Haystacks for days. Love!

Some people prefer to ease their mind with Beach and a side of Palm Trees. But, me — I prefer my Beach on the Rocks. Cheers!

Love & Adventure,

Denise

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Stay curious, wild hearts!

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