With less than a week to go in Waldport, Oregon, I can’t help but look back fondly on my stay here. While I can’t really say I’ve stayed anywhere so far that wasn’t good, this place has been the best. If you ever need a place to camp on the central Oregon coast, I highly recommend a stay at Chinook RV Park. Not only is it a great campground with level sites, clean restrooms, and a great doggie play area, but it’s a natural wonder as well. Right on the Alsea River, just a few miles from downtown Waldport, there is more wildlife to be seen here than at some National Wildlife Refuges I’ve been.

The surrounding area is dense with legendary scenery, which is why I picked this location to begin with. There is much, much more here than can been seen even in a month, and I’ve discovered some scenic surprises while I’ve been here.

Of course, I’ve also photographed some familiar locations. All, while working in or around the rain, which is pretty much the norm here this time of year. Over the years I’ve found that rain can make for some unexpectedly wonderful photo ops.

But the most pleasant surprise at this particular location has been the multitude of creatures. Like this harbor seal I spied swimming in the Devil’s Churn at high tide. At first I thought the poor thing must have gotten lost or been washed into the crevice by a strong wave. But, after watching for a while, it became clear that the seal was there because it wanted to be, and it was probably finding something to eat.

And, I don’t even have to get in my car to see wildlife. I can walk a couple hundred yards from my front door and see things like this.

I like it here so much, I considered asking my hosts about staying on for another week or two. But, after some thought, I realized that I’m ready to move on to new sights and new experiences. A month is long enough and now it’s time for me to fly.

And I also realized that in all my time living in Yreka, I never went on a road trip to Bandon. So next week I will say a fond farewell to Waldport and when you hear from me again I will be in Bandon by the Sea. Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by.