Bandon, Oregon is well known among photographers for the many unique rock shapes and monoliths along its sandy beach.  The beach is named for the rock on the far left above.  Indian legend says this is Ewauna, the daughter of Chief Siskiyou.  Her partially submerged head can be seen with the face looking up to the right.

Face Rock Beach Oregon

The Boise Camera Club made a weekend field trip to Bandon, Oregon.  I decided to tie this trip into a circuitous route to Northern California where we were to begin our trip to Niagara Falls and New York City.  The tall rock on the far right is called Wizards Rock.  However, anyone from the Southwest clearly sees this as a howling coyote.

Much of the time I roamed this beach I failed to recognize the actual Face Rock.  After it was pointed out, the submerged rock very much looks like a face, even more so in the sunlight.  The Indian legend incorporates the moon into the story, making the photo below very appropriate for those locals who are familiar with the legend.

 

 

Bandon beach had large piles of kelp, the size of a living room couch, washed up on the beach.  These formed some very interesting designs.  While kelp does float, it must be only slightly lighter than water.  There was no way to even slightly budge such a mound of kelp.

 

 

 

Another evening along the Bandon Coast.

 

Circles in the Sand

How many photographers would continue to create their art if their photos were to disappear the very same day?  That is precisely what the Circles in the Sand group does.  On weekends a large intricate walking path is drawn into the sand by a team of twenty retirees and their rakes.  The lead architect, Denny Dyke, completed his first design in 2014.  He is joined by a detail artist, a lead groomer, a photographer and many circle groomers.  The design of the walking path is as intricate as it is clever.  All of it will be washed away with the next tide, providing a clean slate for the following day’s art.

 

Kelp seaweed served as a design element the day I walked the path.  Not too surprisingly, this free walk in the morning air is not just a simple walk.  Before beginning the walk, each participant is allowed to select a brightly colored polished rock from a leather bag of such gem stones.  While doing so, they are educated on labyrinth awareness, meditation, transformation, peace and healing.  Easing of social tensions is also woven into the dialogue.  I’ve since misplaced my rock…  Hopefully this is not a bad omen.

 

 

See some slightly silly scenic sea scenes sketched into the soggy sand as you stroll along segments of the striking seaside.  (Just checking if you really read this or just skim the photos.)

 

The amazing dedication of these artists in their time and effort for such temporary art is surprising.  Some tourist cities have sidewalk artists who draw art hoping for monetary donations to be dropped into their hat.  The Circles in the Sand group actively asks for public support and tax deductible donations on their website, but no money is requested or hinted for during the walk.  For more information, visit their website.

One Path – Circles in the Sand link

 

Yachats, Oregon Coast

While we did not encounter as colorful coast as in Bandon, the shades and tones were very pleasing and a great opportunity for capturing the tones and moods right in back of our hotel.

 

Thor’s Well

Photographers should never chase a particular photographic scene.  However, upon learning that ‘Thor’s Well’ was nearby I was very excited to photograph it.  While none of my photos lived up to what I hoped for or had seen on the internet, it is an exciting place to visit.  The constant pounding of the unrelenting waves produce a large bass sound that you can feel.  The urge to get closer and closer has resulted in more than one tourist being washed out to sea.

While I stood on the very rock as the photographer below, this is not me, I’m taking the movie.

 

Crater Lake National Park

Some national parks require a substantial amount of effort to see the amazing sights.  Others have the very best vistas next to the asphalt parking lots, allowing all tourists to see the best sights with minimal effort.  Crater Lake seems to fall into this later category.  Only a 40 yard hike up a small incline leads to this wonderful vista.

 

This waterfall was barely 20 feet off of the main road.

In our retirement quest to visit all 59 National Parks, we now have visited 42.  Our trip next year to Alaska should allow us to visit at least five of the seven national parks in that great state.

Next week, I hope to publish our visit to Niagara Falls.