Coming and going......in and out.......here, there and everywhere.......

We made arrangements with Krash and Karen to pick us up Monday morning around 9:30 so we could drive up to Coos Bay and basically spend their last day with us on the Oregon Coast before they begin their meander back to the midwest.  

The weather this past week since our friends arrived has been nothing short of spectacular, especially considering it is now October, and the weather Monday was probably the best of the last 7 days.  There was little, or no wind, and the temperatures were in the low 80's as we approached the southern boundaries of Coos Bay.

We found a parking spot near the 7 Devil's Brewery where we had intended to have lunch and sample some brews, but as it turns out they are closed on Mondays, so we walked around looking for a suitable restaurant.....something near the water, and with outdoor dining.  As it turns out there are only a few eateries near the water, and they either were not open, or they did not have outdoor dining.  The outdoor dining thing is necessary because of Krash and Karen's dog, Pipa.

Ultimately we opted to drive out toward the beach and state park area past Charleston to see if we could find a restaurant, and if not, at least make it to Cape Arago, and then traverse the scenic Seven Devils Road back to HWY 101.

 Sunset Beach

On our way we stopped at Sunset Beach to soak in the view for a few minutes and then we were off to Cape Arago State Park where you can view a large sea lion colony sunning themselves out on the reef.

There is an abandoned lighthouse at Cape Arago for which there is no access anymore.....the bridge connecting the mainland with the small rock island is gone, but if you are adventurous you can get close enough for a picture as our friend Cherie did the other day (see below).

Cape Arago Lighthouse - courtesy Cherie Ve Ard

Eventually we headed back towards Charleston to pick up Seven Devils Road back to Bandon arriving there just about 1:30......we headed directly to the most obvious lunch place, Tony's Crab Shack, which does have outdoor dining, and some of the best fish tacos I have ever eaten.

One down, two to go

The four of us enjoyed a nice, leisurely late lunch doing what we do best when together......talking, laughing and just plain enjoying each others company.  Of course our next move was to walk over to Face Rock Creamery for dessert, and a continuation of our ongoing conversation.  

Our friends dropped us off at our campsite shortly after 4 pm promising to return around 5:30 for our last campfire together, and our last sunset before we said our "until next times".

As the sun set over the Pacific Ocean one more time the sea was as smooth and glassy as I have seen it over the past 5 weeks......there was literally no wind.  As we bid each other adieu there was a hint of moisture rimming our eyes, and a little bit of quaver in our voices.

Thanks for stopping by Krash, Karen and Pipa......you will be missed, and in our thoughts most days until we meet again.