Sightseeing in Florence!

Yesterday we visited the Oregon Dunes, about a mile down the road from our campground.  The dunes are so large you can't even see the ocean!  At the end of the road is the inlet to the Suislaw River and about 4 miles east is the bridge and Old Town Florence.  50 years ago European Beachgrass was introduced to help keep the sand from blowing away.  Unfortunately, it takes over and is hard to get rid of.  They can't dig it out, it grows back.  They can't burn or flood it out.  No animals like to eat it and it is impervius to bugs!  It is keeping the sand in place however, and there were people out enjoying the dunes with ATV's and dune buggies!

Then we drove north up the coast of Oregon to see the Heceta Head Lighthouse.  Pronounced “Ha – SEE – Ta” by most, “HECK – ah – Ta” by others, yet everyone agrees Heceta Head is one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the world. The Heceta Head Lighthouse and Light Keeper’s house are circa 1894. Both are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  The lighthouse is closed for a year or two to visitors for rennovations but is still a working lighthouse.  It is 205 feet above the ocean and casts a beam some 21 miles out to sea, the brightest light on the Oregon coast. 

It is a beautiful drive along the coast.  As we came back in town Ted noticed the Hot Rod Grill!  Had to take a picture!  Have no idea if the food is any good, but it sure is fun!

Seeing the "light of the seas"..."Ain't Life Grand!"