“In every outthrust headland, in every curving beach, in every grain of sand there is the story of the earth.” (Rachel Carson)
The term “cruising” in the informal sense refers to the casual act of driving a vehicle in an aimless manner most often at lesser speeds. The scenic drive along the western coasts of Oregon/Northern California thus appeared to have become the ideal route for a “cruising” adventure on this weekend’s leg of our road trip. Foregoing our U.S. east coast perceptions accustomed to congested beachfront housing and touristic business sprawl, we instead enjoyed a west coast adventure from Coos Bay, Oregon heading south to San Rafael, California amid wild nature relatively untouched by human intrusion.
Keep in mind that while Google Maps suggested that this north – south drive could be accomplished in a little over eight hours driving time, we opted to spend close to two full days of slower paced “cruising” to accomplish this task. Thus, the matter of making time and covering distance seemed relatively unimportant as I experienced enhanced sensory awareness of remote coastal beachfronts, cool highland forests, and lush river valleys. In the photograph set below, I thus reveal some personally enlightening observations about the essentials of “cruising” in west coast style. Stay healthy in July. USFMAN.
Feel the immense life energy of a Giant Redwood Forest.
Summertime blooming of wildflowers can cleanse the soul.
A lonely crag offshore can enthrall the imagination.
Pay attention to the large rock ahead for safety reasons.
The objects of interest along a lonely beach comprise much more than seashells and sand.
Stop frequently at designated road turnoffs for best scenic views.
Beware of sudden, natural event hazards.
Alternative health options abound in west coast settings.
Keep two hands on the wheel at all times .
Visiting a State/National Park can be an effective cure for “Covid -19” social isolation.
There’s no such phenomenon as a “Bridge Too Far” in cruising mode.
Lovely post! 🕊
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you for commenting.
LikeLiked by 2 people
The Oregon Coast is full of hidden beauty!
LikeLike
Yes in an unpretentious way.
LikeLike
Lovely… Thanks for sharing some awesome Pacific Coast magic! ❤
LikeLike
I guess it’s comparable to your Maine East coast magic. Happy 4th of July.
LikeLike
Great post and fantastic photos! I love trees and I love redwoods even more. The beautiful Pacific coast is one of those places I would love to visit one day, when it’s safe to do so, of course, so I can tilt my head in awe. Thanks for sharing and have a good day 😀 Aiva
LikeLike
With all the pure oxygen generated by these massive trees, I think here might be one of the the safest places on the planet to be. Stay well.
LikeLike
A glorious trek through Nature’s domain… her breath cascading into our memories. Delightfully beautiful!
LikeLike
I like your descriptive choice of words here, Lance. Stay well.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Greatly appreciated… thanks, you too!
LikeLike