Heceta Head Lighthouse

(+8 insets!) From William Tugman State Park to Heceta Head RV Park We'd planned to stay at William Tugman State Park for a full 14 days if it was possible, but unfortunately, we had to leave and come back after four days. Steve's sister would be staying at Tugman the next week so we needed to find a place to stay for a couple of days. Though we looked high and low for reservations at nearby state parks, nothing was available so we gritted our teeth and booked two days at the Heceta RV Park. It was reasonable enough but private campgrounds are almost always glorified parking lots that make visitors feel like a sardine in a can. Windy, foggy and cold, the trees would whip back and forth each morning when I looked out, condensation on the branches dropping noisily onto the roof of our RV. My frigid walks were only around the packed grounds and though I did see some nice flowers in planters, I couldn't bring myself to take any pictures there. Happily, the sun came out by late morning and one day we decided to go for a drive and visit a famous lighthouse in the area. However, upon pulling into the packed parking lot we realized it may have been a mistake to visit a popular landmark… Heceta Head Lighthouse and Horrible People Even though it was July, I hadn't been around people since Covid hit--Steve had made all of the shopping trips since the virus changed everything. Climbing out of the truck and donning my mask, I was about to be in for a total shock. There was a lovely winding road that led up through coastal forest, past a historic guest house and out to the light house. This turned out to be a popular walk--too popular. Whenever we encountered people--which was often--we slipped on our masks, but to our amazement, most didn't wear them and stated their opinion by staring rudely as if we were space aliens. People often didn't observe distancing and dropped snarky comments in reply to Steve's remarks about reasonable precautions. I couldn't believe it! Steve had told me about the many situations he'd had in stores but to find the same thing out here…I was stunned! The lighthouse was really cool, and so was the guesthouse. I really enjoyed seeing flocks of cormorants and common murres covering one of the prominent rocks that rose out of the sea next to the lighthouse, and the views up and down the coast were breathtaking. Before leaving, we walked out to take a look at the beach below the lighthouse which was another pretty sight. However, by the time we got back to the truck I was totally fried by the experience of callous, unprotected people and fairly dove into the protective safety of the car. I was amazed that Steve had to deal with this every time he went out. I mean, it was one thing to imagine it. But being immersed was totally different and I sat there as we drove away, trying to get a grip on myself again. Part of me felt like such a baby because I was so freaked-out by this but on the other hand, it was the first time since Covid hit that I'd been around any strangers. I had a right to be jittery. But as I sat thinking, all of it made me feeling very reflective and uncomfortable about the average American and how they seemed to view the virus. Were most people truly that stupid? Before we left the area, we pulled over to take pictures of the lighthouse and guesthouse from afar, with the jutting coastline and beautiful beach. What a view!! Today's Pictures My main picture was the iconic view from the pullout--what a pretty sight that was! I'm also including a view of the forest on the walk up the road and another one showing the lighthouse. I have a picture that shows the beach below the lighthouse--both from the road and the beach itself. There's also an image of the bird-covered rock and a couple of close-ups to see the colonies of birds and finally, a funny-looking cormorant as it was landing. (I'm also including another trip map so you can see where we were on our trip.) I'll have one more set of pictures to share of this place, since there were just too many to share in one presentation! I hope everyone is having--or had--a very nice weekend! Stay safe and here's hoping you get your vaccine soon! Explored on 3/6/21; highest placement #2.

(+7 insets) Learning a Lesson About Popular Destinations During Covid Steve and I figured tourist spots had plenty of visitors but we weren't prepared for the zoo of crazy idiots out there at Heceta Head Lighthouse. However, in the end it turned out fine. I got a real eye-opener for what Steve went through every time he did our errands and shopping and we got the reward of seeing this cool lighthouse and awesome coastline. We even got to see colonies of cormorants and common murres hanging out on their huge rock! Today's Picture As we drove away from the "plague zone", we made sure to pull off at the lookout which showed the lighthouse and guesthouse seated in their beautiful settings nestled along the magnificent coastline. Looking north showed the view I shared a couple of days ago, and looking south is the view I'm showing today. What a jaw-dropping scene! There's even a peek at a little lake just inland from the coast, which has a loop hike for those who are interested. Us? We were ready to get back to our home on wheels, though we did stop at the grocery store on the way back. (I decided to go into the store to see what that was like …not recommended! Scary people being rude and stupid! :D However, I wanted to know what Steve went through and came out of the store with even more respect for what he does for us every time we need supplies.) Today's Insets The first picture is another view north that shows the lighthouse and guesthouse off in the distance but this shot shows a secluded beach without anyone on it. I thought that was interesting because the beach closer to the lighthouse is just around the next outcropping and there were people everywhere! Goes to show--no matter how crowded an area may be, if you add any challenge, only the most resolute will go. In this case it was zero! The next three insets show the guesthouse, which was originally one of a pair of lighthouse keeper's quarters. Built in 1900 to house the lightkeepers, the second house was razed in the '30's when only one keeper was needed. The last keeper moved away in 1963 when the lighthouse became automated, and from 1973-95, the house became a satellite campus for nearby Lane College. The U.S. Forestry Service then decided to turn the house into a bed-and-breakfast as a way to incorporate tourism and also generate funds for the ongoing upkeep of this historical landmark. I'm also including another picture of the beautiful forested road up to the lighthouse and its pretty fencing There's an image of the pair of giant rocks jutting from the sea, and isn't it interesting that one rock was packed with birds and the other was not? Finally, while snapping away with my Sony, zoomed in as close as I could, I managed to get a fun picture of a Common Murre flying in with a fish for its hungry family! I'd like to apologize that I've fallen behind in my commenting--projects abound as we get closer to leaving on our next trip! However, I really appreciated every one of your comments and favorites! I hope all is well with everyone. Spring is showing its face around here with greenery popping up everywhere and the season's first blossoms! Please stay safe, dry and warm! Explored on 3/8/21; highest placement #2.