We spent the past week camping near Bandon, on the Southern Oregon coast. Before sunrise one morning, we started to walk the environs of shore and town.
High above the streets, a town light keeps an eye on things.
On a bluff overlooking the Pacific, the first light of morning greets a giant Puffin. The environmental group, “WashedAshore.org,” created him solely from debris found in the ocean and on the beach.
Like many towns up and down the West Coast, Bandon was once an active center for commercial fishing and shipping of logs and lumber.
What lived on top of these pilings? Was it part of a cannery? How many people worked here? What was life like for their families?
What was the function of this rusted iron pretzel?
Nowadays, Bandon thrives on tourism… Awaiting nearby is camping, boating, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and world class golfing. For all those active people, the town shares a smorgasbord of lodging, restaurants, and specialty shops.
One end of this business is a restaurant that sells seafood platters. On this end, they sell dreams: “With this stuff, I could catch Dungeness crab on my own.” To top it off, if you’re successful, they’ll even boil your catch for you at the end of the day.
If you prefer an organized fishing trip, this Captain obviously has a sense of humor. Of course, we’re in the middle of the crabbing season, so be prepared for some heavy lifting. Oh, and watch out for those claws!
The Coquille River Light, known as the Bandon Lighthouse, was built in 1895. It has witnessed so many seasons of change in Bandon. It will witness many more to come.
Thanks for joining me!
I hope you’ll join me again for my morning glimpses. I promise to fill them with beauty and to keep the narrative blessedly short.
Until the next time…
Grace and peace to you,
Art Mills
Morning Glimpses 
Thanks for sharing. We look forward to going to Bandon with abandon!
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The only way to see Bandon! : )
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glorious post, Art!
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Thanks, Doug!
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Delightful and full of wonder about things past, present and future. Thank you for you’re lovely reflections 😌
Bob
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Bandon is a goldmine for photos and reflections, eh?
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Love the puffin. Thanks. Judy
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Glad you like it! They have made several different sculptures… all with only the original materials… Art
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Thank you Art.
Best to you both.
Be safe out there.
Tim
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Thanks Tim! I just keep walking and shooting (photos, of course). All the best to you both as well.
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Thank you! Just seeing the beautiful coast through your lens is uplifting to these sequestered Marinites. It’s been a very long week here, with HOT temperatures (108 -degrees yesterday) and no wind. We are accustomed to taking daily walks in the area, but the weather and smoke have greatly curtailed outdoor activity. Normally we would have appeared in Oregon sometime during the spring / summer, but concern about travel with COVID around has made us reluctant. Aren’t you glad you have a camper?!
While reading the NYTimes yesterday (the WHOLE Sunday paper — that’s what happens when you can’t get out) I came across an article that you should read — maybe you have. It’s in a special section called “Unsung History” commemorating the 75th anniversary of the official end of World War II. The headline: “After Internment, Housing Injustices Continued for Japanese-Americans. In 1945, thousands were released from the camps. But they coulln’t return to the world they had left”. It’s well done, as is the whole section. If you don’t have it and can’t find it at the Bookstore, I’d be happy to send it to you.
Stay cool and keep meandering and shooting pictures. We need to see scenes of your lovely environs! We’d love to come North if it’s ever possible.
Take care!
Sallyanne & Jack
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Thanks, Sallyanne! It is such a pleasurable, peaceful thing to walk with my Canon and telephoto lens. Sorry that you guys are experiencing that heat wave! It’s been hot up here, but nothing like in California. Would love to see you two when you venture back up North!!!
As for the article… I haven’t seen it yet. I’ll check at the book store tomorrow morning to see if they still have the section. I’d really like to read it.
Say Hi to Jack.
Grace and peace,
Art
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Art, We have been following the terrible fire news about your neighbors to the north with anguish — and trust you and Thea are staying safe. We complain about the smoke that keeps us indoors but have to reflect that the smoke represents the homes and lives of so many from California to Washington. Your Morning Glimpses have lifted our spirits, keep them coming! Love Jack and Sallyanne
John W. (Jack) Wilson (415) 461-1330 (415) 328-5780 (cell) jwwrite@yahoo.com
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Jack and Sallyanne, thanks so much for your note. The loss of homes has been devastating. I don’t know the total number, but it’s over 1,000,. On top of that, there are many small businesses that were destroyed. The air quality in Oregon resulting from the fires has been awful. Ashland is presently at 453 on the AQI. Worst of all, there have been deaths as of yet undetermined. Thanks for your kind words about my Morning Glimpses. This week, I’m taking a vacation because of the air. With my asthma, I can’t really be out in it, even with an N-95 mask. Art
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