CHECKING OUT THE EDGE OF NORTH AMERICA

While I know I have said it before, I will say it again, "The south coast of Oregon is so obscenely beautiful it will hurt your eyes." There, I said it again. Right now the wild flowers add to the Pacific's beauty with profusion found in dewy and wet climates. So, prepare for a brisk breeze, a bit of dampness and knock-your-socks-off beauty when you visit.  Since it will seem like you are the only one on the highway (101), you can actually pull off and on at will, unlike the northern half of the state's coastal route. Take advantage of the sparse population and revel in the beauty at every pull-out and prepared stop. The state highway department (ODOT) has done a fine job of providing enough of these places so that you won't miss a thing.

From Brookings to Port Orford you will find opportunities a dozen times to pull over and just take a deep breath. When you plan your trip to this special locale, plan to spend a day on just that stretch of road so that you can really drink it in. Don't miss Cape Blanco. The wind there will strip your clothes off and send them (back) to China. But, the view from the Cape should not be missed. Google it for more info. Even on a stormy or blustery day, it is worth the extra few miles out to the Cape just to feel the edge of the world, as we know it, here in North America; to see as far as a human eye can see in south, west and northerly directions. Whew! Hope you get there soon!

THESE LITTLE DARLINGS EAT SKEEDS!

Have you visited the Darlingtonia Wayside? It's a wonderful botanical garden on Highway 101 just north of Florence, Oregon. You get one sign directing you so pay attention or you will surely miss it. This walk over a marshy bog is not to be missed. Actually, the walk begins with a paved trail leading through mossy, dense woods lined with multiple Pacific Coast plant species, not the least of which is my favorite: Skunk Cabbage. Your feet soon encounter a boardwalk with a railing. This keeps your feet out of the bog and off these wonderful little mosquito eaters, among other insects.

The dark red round nut-like part with the delicate green petals is the flower. The bulbous leaf with the red split tongue is the insect trap. This plant is Darlingtonia californica, commonly known as Cobra-lily, Cobra-orchid, or Pitcher Plant. Curious insects climb up the lily "stem", into the bulb and viola'-- into digestive juices which eats the insect thereby providing nutrition to the plant. 

It is a perfect spot to take a break from Hwy. 101. There are picnic tables and a clean potty. But, the best part is viewing these perfect plants. Spring is the best time to see the flower at it's peak. I hope you don't miss it. Also, look on your travel map. It should be noted since it is part of the State Park property. You can see Hwy. 101 from the small parking lot so once you note the road sign, you can't miss it.

MAY DAY ON MARY'S PEAK

Traveling up to the top of Mary's Peak on May Day is a double edge sword. Crisp, breezy air produced clear vistas of surf breaking on the Pacific shore on one side and snowy coated Cascades on the other. The down side, were there to be one, was the lack of wildflowers and butterflies. A few weeks of May will bring riotous clouds of both. Though, today there were a few small ground huggers blooming among the rocks.

The tree in the mid-pix stands at the top of the path giving a breath-taking contrast with the blue sky. Mt. Jefferson hosted some fluffy clouds for most of the day lending a softness to the Cascade Range. Not pictured are the ghosts of Mt. St. Helens, Mt. Rainier, Mt. Adams. Clearly Mt. Hood loomed large with sun blasting it's snowy side. The Three Sisters stood sentinel to Mt. Washington and Three Fingered Jack. Mt. Batchelor was not to be outdone in the south by Diamond. All in all, it was a juicy sight to behold, not only because the wind was watering my eyes, but because a sight like that is rare. 

The west held a wobbly white line we all debated about until we zoomed in with lenses able to prove it was, indeed the Pacific surf. Wow! is all I can say about that!