Gold Beach, Oregon

Starving after our hike, we stopped in Gold Beach, a regional hub on the southern coast. Not all that much to say about the town, except that it had a few more stores/motels/seafood themed restaurants than most of the others.

Stopped at a 76 station for a bit of gas while LVL used her Yelp iPhone app to look for a restaurant. I forgot that Oregon does not allow self-service gas pumping (despite having gone through the same thing yesterday), and thus endured an awkward exchange with the attendant: “This is Oregon, man, where we think you’re special.”

The gas attendant himself was about 22, heavily tatted, and carried himself in a way very similar to a kid you might see riding his skateboard downtown. He struck me as someone who might dabble occasionally in meth/petty crime, but who was his high school teacher’s favorite student. His friendly-but-very-smart-ass rap was well received in our car, as was his hustle between cars. His completely earnest, super duper excited response to our $2 tip was so great. As was the fact that he “made sure we got a $2 bill” as part of our $3 in change.

From the gas station to the Barnacle Bistro for lunch. “Great reviews,” said LVL. She was right, Gold Beach Yelpers were right. Very enjoyable meal. Kobe beef burger for me, huge side salad (with a very tasty carrot-ginger dressing) and world class fish and chips for LVL. Two pints of Ninkasi Tricerahops. Won’t soon forget the friendly host guy from Lake Tahoe (despite his Red Sox visor) or the two 60s/70s sisters from Mississippi who are traveling the country together. From GB up the OR coast and into Alaska. “We don’t have a deadline,” the older of the two said. With a van like theirs (complete with jerry-rigged AC unit in the back window to plug in on real hot nights), I’d go forever too.

Took in several beautiful, but quick roadside vista stops after Gold Beach. More giant’s fingers/toes, more incredible views. Never fear: We are not getting jaded or tired of them at all (in fact, there is at least one audible, “Wow!,” “Jesus,” “Oh!,” or “Now that’s the best view of the trip” every time we encounter a new sight). If it were up to me, I’d stop at every state park and designated scenic spot.

On our crappy guidebook’s recommendation, we stopped at Samuel Boardman State Park. With a beautiful beachside hike promised ("Don't be surprised if an exploratory hike unexpectedly ends at an intimate seaside cove."), we put on shoes and started in, but not before taking pictures for a young, motorcycle-riding couple from Brigham City, UT, a city we recognize from our jaunt through Salt Lake.

After 15 mins or so through the trail’s thick plants and trees, with little to no beach view (and def no "intimate coves") we turned around. Still a fun stop, but not quite what I bargained for.

Drove quickly through Brookings on our way to the California border. Great ocean views, trees, and bridges (all per usual) along the way.