We decided to head down the coast for our 34th anniversary. Our trips are always memorable and fun. But our country, at least the states on the Pacific Ocean, is currently unstable, and we wanted to take our handguns. However, we were going into California and our concealed carry is only for Oregon. So we left them at home. In hindsight, I wish we hadn't. A border collie isn't the best protection.
The viewpoints and rest areas along the coast have spectacular views, as you can see in my photos. They are also magnets for homelessness and crime. When we stopped for lunch in Gold Beach there was a picture of a beautiful arch on my beer can. It was not too far safe, and we pulled into the Arch Cape viewpoint. Kevin wouldn't let me get out of the car. He didn't like the pickup that was parked there. I thought he was overreacting. And I was mad because I really wanted a photo there.
We drove on. He explained that not only was the pickup sketchy, but it also had no license plate and had pulled back in when we arrived. It wasn't just one thing - sure it was dented and rusty and had a tarp over the back, but he had a bad feeling about it and we were the only ones there.
I apologized. I wasn't thinking or being aware of my surroundings. It was all about the photo, and not about common sense. I was reminded of the man who fell off the rock overlook and died while taking a selfie. Brenda Padget and I were heading home from a photo trip and he was lying in the middle of the road. His girlfriend was sobbing and screaming, "Where's the ambulance?" Then there were the photographers who almost fell into the hole at Devil's Churn when a big wave hit. It was scary to watch and it happens all the time. Kevin was right.
There were more people at the next rest area, but it was still creepy. The woman in the car next to us had no teeth and was obviously high on something. The pit bull in her car didn't help my unease, and there was no license plate on their car. There were some nice cars, but the rest were homeless and camping. Plus there was poop all over the place - no one was cleaning up their messes. Driving to our hotel, I felt a sadness and fear that I don't usually feel in our country.
Our hotel in Brookings was right on the beach, and it was safe. I collected some beautiful rocks and watched the waves pound the shore. The next day we drove south to California. We had a great time walking through the Trees of Mystery. I was mindful at every viewpoint and rest area, though, and I had trouble relaxing.
Our anniversary dinner in Bandon was delicious. Honestly, that was why I wanted to go on this drive. I booked the restaurant the week before we left because I love Lord Bennetts. The food is amazing, and when you can see the rocks and sunset, so is the view! We even saw friends from Sherman County on the beach the next day!
The weather was foggy and drizzly most of the days, but that is the Oregon Coast. We headed for home and stopped at our other favorite restaurant for lunch in Reedsport: The Harbor Light. All in all, it was a great trip.
So why do I still have a sinking feeling in my stomach and an ache in my heart? Because our state no longer feels clean and safe. And the election we just had ensures another four years of homelessness, graffiti, and violence in Oregon. Governor Tina Kotek is supposed to be ten times worse than Kate Brown, so I am not encouraged by her policies or positions.