Gores on the Road

Glacier Point, Yosemite National Park, California

Jim Gore — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 22:45:00 GMT

The view from Glacier Point has to be one of the most spectacular views I have ever seen.   This is our first time being in the Park in the fall. A day before we arrive, the Park got a 3 inch rain and a lot of snow down to the 6,000 foot elevation.   We waited a day before going sight seeing. The Falls and streams were running great with the run off from the rain and snow.

The road out to Glacier Point is generally open early June till late October.

It does not take long till we come across this large black bear.

Then, there is the Valley.   The large waterfall at the top is Nevada Falls. The lower one is Vernal Falls.

Nevada Falls, close up.

Vernal Falls

Upper and Lower Yosemite Falls.

And...Then there is Half Dome.

This is just the beginning. To see more, visit my Picasa Albums.    Large Photos      small photos

Cape Blanco Lighthouse, Port Orford, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 23:13:00 GMT

September 2009

The Cape Blanco Lighthouse is the oldest and is located on the westernmost point in Oregon. The 59 foot light sits on a 245 cliff jutting a mile and a half into the Pacific. The Light is in the Camp Blanco State Park just a few miles north of Port Orford, OR.

The light was commissioned in 1870.

Looking north from the lighthouse.

A view of the Lighthouse from the ocean side.

Looking south from the lighthouse.

Looking north at the Cape and the lighthouse.

Looking south at the driftwood.

Visit my Picasa album for some Larger Pictures

This is the last of the 9 lighthouses on the Oregon coast.

It also concludes our southern trek down the coast.

Coquille River Lighthouse, Bandon, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 23:12:00 GMT

September, 2009

The Coquille River Lighthouse is located on the north shore of the Coquille River in Bullards Beach State Park. This is across the river from Bandon, OR. The Light is no longer in use.

Looking at the Lighthouse and out to the Pacific.

Looking at the North Jetty.

Just some of the driftwood washes ashore north of the jetty.

I am curious if this just "happened" or, if the hugh log was placed on the rock.

Looking at the Lighthouse from across the river.

Another unusual piece of driftwood.

There are several rock formations along the shore line south of the River. This one is called "Face Rock" Can you make out the "face"?

To see more of the Lighthouse and shoreline visit my Picasa Albums. Large Pics small pics

Cape Arago Lighthouse, Coos Bay, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:17:00 GMT

The Cape Arago Lighthouse is located about 12 miles southwest of Coos Bay. The lighthouse is not open to the public. It sits on a small island about a half mile off shore.

The 44 foot light sits on a 100 foot high island.

A view of the coast line near the Light.

One of the huge rocks just off shore.

During high tide and with a strong wind, the coast takes a pounding.

A close view of the Lighthouse.

Visit my Picasa album to see some larger pictures of the Lighthouse and shoreline.

Umpqua River Lighthouse, Reedsport, Oregon Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 02:45:00 GMT

The Umpqua River Lighthouse is located just a few miles from downtown Reedsport where the Umpqua River empties into the Pacific Ocean. The light sits in an active US Coast Guard facility and is hard to photograph.

This is a telephoto view from several hundred yards away.

This is a street view of the Light and the living quarters for the Coast Guardsmen.

A close up view of the light.

I have some Larger Pictures in my Picasa Albums.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area, Central Oregon Coast Sept 2009

Jim Gore — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 01:51:00 GMT

The Cape Perpetua Scenic Area of the Siuslaw National Forest is located about 22 miles north of Florence, Oregon. The drive up to the "Cape" is about 2 miles off US 101. The parking area is the highest point on the Oregon coast that you can drive to. 803 feet in elevation. From here you can see miles and miles of the coast line.

This stone overlook was built by the CCC during the depression area.

The Overlook was used as a lookout during the WW 2 war.

Looking south from the Overlook.

A close look in the center will show the "puff" of the spouting horn.

Back down to sea level. When the tide is coming up and the waves crashing ashore, the water is pushed up through a hole.

A good wave can cause a spout over 50 feet high.

One of the many "churns" in the area.

One of the numerous bridges along the Oregon Coast.

To see more of the Cape area, visit my Picasa Albums. Large Pictures small pictures

Heceta Head Lighthouse, Florence, OR Sept 2009

Jim Gore — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 03:14:00 GMT

Heceta Head Lighthouse Is located about 12 miles north of Florence, OR.   It is claimed to be the most visited Lighthouse in the US.   The 56 foot tower sits on a 205 foot bluff overlooking the Pacific.

Traveling north on US 101, this is the first view of the lighthouse.

A little closer view....with the zoom lens

There is a 1/2 mile trail up to the Lighthouse. This is the first view from the trail.

About halfway up the trail you come upon the Light keepers quarters. It is now a Bread and Breakfast.   The entrance is by a private road off the highway.

Looking at the Lighthouse from the bluff to the rear.

Heceta Head Lighthouse.

This is an aerial view of Heceta Head and the Lighthouse, courtesy of the US Coast Guard.

To see more pictures of the Lighthouse and area visit my Picasa Albums.

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Otter Rock and Devils Punchbowl State Park, near Newport, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:22:00 GMT

Otter Rock and Devil's Punchbowl State Park is just a few miles north of Newport, OR.    This is a great spot to view whales.

This is Otter Rock.   We did not see any otters, but we did see whales.    I don't have pictures. You will just have to take my word.

the Devil's Punchbowl.

During a real high tide, the water gushes and foams inside the punchbowl. It is stated that the punchbowl was probably created by the collapse of the roof over a sea cave.

Looking far south, you can see the Yaquina Head Lighthouse.

Looking north at the rugged coast.

This is a wider view of the Punchbowl.   The "bowl" will the in the upper right.

If you look real close, the little black specks are people that are surf boarding.   The water is real cold so they have to wear wet suits.

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Yaquina Bay Lighthouse, Newport, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 02:03:00 GMT

Yaquina Bay Lighthouse is located on a bluff overlooking the mouth Yaquina River as it empties into the Pacific. It is unique in that the light is on top of the light keeper's house.

Looking west where the Yaquina River empties into the Pacific Ocean.

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Yaquina Head Lighthouse, Newport, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Sun, 20 Sep 2009 01:32:00 GMT

Yaquina Head Lighthouse is located about 3 miles north of Newport, OR. At 162 feet, it is the tallest lighthouse on the Oregon coast.

It was real foggy on our first visit.

The next day was clear and sunny.

One of the many hugh rock formations just off shore.

It is hard to see, but there is a tunnel through the center of the rock.

Looking at the electric light bulb that powers the light. In the beginning, the light was fueled by melted lard. Latter to kerosene, then to electric.

I have posted more pictures of the Lighthouse and coast line in my Picasa Albums .

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Cape Meares Lighthouse & Scenic Loop Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:24:00 GMT

The Cape Meares Lighthouse is about 10 miles west of Tillamook, OR. Although it is only 38 feet high, it sits on a bluff and it's over all height is 217 feet above the ocean. The Cape is also a great place to view the whales during their migration up and down the coast. Of course, we are early for the south bound winter migration.

The Lighthouse is just a short walk from the parking area. This is the first view that you see of the light.

Here, you can see how short the Lighthouse is.

Also in the area, is the Octopus Tree

All along the Scenic Loop are these huge rock formations just off shore. A lot of them have a "hole" through them.

One of the many beautiful sandy beaches.

This is just one of the many beautiful drives along the Oregon Coast.

To see more of the Lighthouse and Scenic Loop Drive, visit my Picasa Albums. Large pics small pics

Cannon Beach, Oregon Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 05:55:00 GMT

We are staying in Seaside, Oregon. Cannon Beach is just a few miles south. One of the noted features of the area is Haystack Rock. It is a huge rock (235 feet tall) right on the Beach.

At low tide you can get real close. It is a protected Marine Garden, so you cannot climb on it.

There are other rocks nearby.

Looking south from a view point on a bluff in Ecloa State Park.

Looking at Seal Rocks in Ecola State Park. There is a hole through the rock. The "light spot" in the center.

Tillamook Rock Lighthouse sits a mile off shore.

An aerial view of the Light from the US Coast Guard.

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Youngs River Falls, Olney, OR Sept. 2009

Jim Gore — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 05:40:00 GMT

Not too far from Astoria, OR is a real pretty water fall. The Youngs River falls are about 60 feet tall. Although we are here in the "dry" season, there is still a good amount of water coming over the falls.

The day was calm and I was able to get this from a rock in the middle of the stream.

A wider view of the Falls

Note the fisherman at the base of the falls. I don't know how he got there or if he was catching any fish.

You can see some larger pictures of the Falls in my Picasa Albums

Astoria, Oregon Sept 2009

Jim Gore — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 05:03:00 GMT

We have move south across the Columbia River into Oregon. Our first stop was Astoria located on the south bank of the river. Our first stop was to visit the Astoria Column. The Column sits on top of a 600 foot hill. The Column is 125 feet high. The climb to the top is by a spiral staircase.

Looking at the Columbia River from the top of the Column.

Astoria, Or and part of the 4 mile long bridge we crossed from Washington State.

Looking East from the Column. On a clear day you can see the snow cap of Mt. Rainer 105 miles away.

A fun thing to do in Astoria is to ride the Trolley along the river front.

The Bowpicker gets rave reviews for their Albacore Tuna fish and Chips. We decided to give it a try. It was delicious.

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Cape Disappointment Lighthouse

Jim Gore — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 02:11:00 GMT

August 2009

The Cape lighthouse is in Cape Disappointment State Park, WA. Cape Disappointment is located at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.

From the parking area, it is a moderate to strenuous half mile hike to the Light.

Along the way is this active Coast Guard Station. It is located in a cove on the Columbia River, just a short distance to the open waters of the Pacific.

This is Dead Man's Cove. The trail down is very steep, but to get the pictures I wanted, I took the challenge.

The Lighthouse.....It was worth the effort.

The Lighthouse to closed to the public.

A view of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center from the Cape Lighthouse.

This is a telephoto view of the Lighthouse taken from the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

A view of the Lighthouse from the North Jetty. This is a popular picnic area.

To see more of the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse, visit my Picasa Albums. Large small

North Head Lighthouse, Cape Disappointment, WA.

Jim Gore — Sun, 30 Aug 2009 01:26:00 GMT

August, 2009

The North Head Lighthouse is located in Cape Disappointment State Park, WA. The Cape is located at the confluence of the Columbia River and the Pacific Ocean.

The Lighthouse is just a short hike from the parking lot.

Alone the way, you get great views of Benson beach at the State Park. There is a great campground just off the beach.

One of the two buildings that housed the men of Coast Guard before the Light went automated.

Another view of Benson beach and the Pacific.

The North Head Light

The Lighthouse is open for tours.

The Light...

Looking at the Lighthouse from Benson beach.

You can see more pictures of the Lighthouse in my Picasa Albums. Large small

Grays Harbor (Westport) Lighthouse, Washington

Jim Gore — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 01:45:00 GMT

The Grays Harbor Lighthouse is less than 5 miles across the Bay from Ocean Shores, WA. By road it's almost 50 miles. There is a passenger ferry across the Bay, but it's still several miles to the Lighthouse. Too far to walk, so we drove over. It was one of those common overcast Washington coast days. Not a really good day for picture taking.

The Westport light house is the tallest in Washington State. 107 feet tall.

When built in 1898, the lighthouse was only 400' from high tide. Due to silt and sand being deposited by by a jetty built in later years, it is now over 3000' from high tide.

The lighthouse is open so you can climb to the top.

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Olympic National Park, Quainault Rain Forest

Jim Gore — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 15:07:00 GMT

We chose a day when it was not raining and drove up to the Quainault Rain Forest. OK...I know, it is suppose to rain in a rain forest. It has rained some each day we have been on the Washington coast and we wanted a break.

We start on the South Shore drive around Quinault Lake. This part of the Loop drive is about 15 miles. We then cross the Quinault River and drive the North Shore loop back out.

In just a short time we come upon the World's largest Sitka Spruce tree. 191 feet tall and 58 feet and 11 inches in circumference. It's age is estimated to be over 1000 years old.

Merriman Falls. This is the "dry" season so there is not much water coming over the falls.

Of course, the reason to visit a rain forest is to see the moss and green vegetation.

And moss there was......

Even more moss.....

Near the end of the South Loop drive is Bunch Falls. We then cross the Quinault river and take the North Shore loop out.

Near the end of the North loop drive we exit the Olympic National Park and enter the Quinault Indian Reservation. Here I take a hike to the Quinault Cedar tree. It is huge, but no measurements are given.

The terrain around the tree is dense and there is not enough of a clearing to take a good picture of the tree. This is looking from the bottom up.

We had a beautiful day. Around mid afternoon the clouds starting dropping real low and it looked like it might rain, but did not.

To see more pictures of the Quinault Rain Forest, visit my Picasa albums. Large Pictures small pictures

Cape Flattery, Washington

Jim Gore — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:58:00 GMT

Cape Flattery is the most Northwestern point in the contiguous United States. It is on the tip of the Olympic Peninsula on the Makah Indian Reservation.
The trail out to the point is about three fourths of a mile.

The trail is heavily used and is well maintained. It is mostly gravel with board walks over the wet areas.

One of the unusual trees along the trail. Notice also, the trail consists of a lot of stairs.

One of the "sea stacks" at the Cape.

The coast and more "sea stacks"

The Cape Flattery Lighthouse is on Tatoosh Island about a half-mile off Cape Flattery.

Cape Flattery Lighthouse was built in 1854. Its first light was displayed in 1857 and was Washington Territory's third lighthouse.

You can see more pictures of this trail in my Picasa Albums. Large photos or small photos.

Olympic National Park, Elwha Valley

Jim Gore — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 04:07:00 GMT

The road up the Elwha Valley to the Lake is a pretty drive along the Elwha river to the Elwha Dam and the lake behind it. The Park Service is in the planning stages to remove all the dams on the river to restore it's natural salmon run.

Along the trail to Madison Falls is this stump that is over 10 feet in diameter

Madison Falls. This is the dry season and very little water is coming over the falls.

Elwha Lake

The Park Service has plans to remove all the dams on the Elwha River and restore it to it's former natural state.
Before damming, the river was a salmon spawning run.

As the Pacific Madrone grows, the red bark splits reveling the inter bark. This inturns turns red and the process
continues.

The Valley road.

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