Last Day In Coos Bay

Yep, all good things must come to an end—I never really liked that saying, why must all good things come to an end???  Ainslie and Beryl loaded us up in the big Ford truck and off we went on another adventure this morning—Bandon.  As we would miss the Friday and Saturday farmer’s market with our Sunday arrival in Bandon, we decided to go down today and enjoy some fish and chips in the bargain.  The morning started out overcast and gray but by noon it was sunny and beautiful in Bandon.  We grabbed some heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers and much to Michael’s dismay—a squash! 

We strolled around in some of the galleries and stores before settling down at an outside table for our fish and chips—Michael was the odd man out, he had a prawn basket!  Once again Emmi got to join us—she is getting used to this although today she had a dining companion who loudly voiced his displeasure at her arrival!

After our lunch we strolled around a little more before heading out toward home a round about way—Ainslie grew up near Bandon and makes a great tour guide.  On the way we came across this rock slide which had completely blocked one lane of the highway--Ainslie used his cellphone to call “911” and ask them to send someone out to direct traffic—as you can see the slide was kind of hidden by a curve.

Ainslie took us to the most interesting place—a woodworking studio located in an old general store building—the artist, Philip Clausen was there and allowed us to see some of his beautiful carvings.  Most of his work is done using a single tree and is all one piece.  There was the most beautiful table which stretched 17 feet, all carved in one piece from one tree—it was simply stunning!  This “mushroom” was attached to the side of the building and was massive.  An eight foot tall man could have laid down in this tub, the wood was so incredibly colorful and sanded so smoothly. 

We all loved these “mushroom” light fixtures.  An interesting man and interesting place.

Back at Beryl and Ainslie’s we enjoyed cocktails on the deck before heading out to dinner at the Mexican restaurant owned by friends of theirs.  After dinner we said our goodbyes with promises for not waiting so long to get together the next time. 

Ainslie and Beryl are adventuresome—we first met them when we traveled to Alamos, Sonora, Mexico—they were staying in the same RV park.  Ainslie and Beryl have ventured much farther south into Mexico to the state of Veracruz in recent years and will be going again this winter.  They take their truck and travel trailer, armed with their GPS and off they go. 

On to Bandon tomorrow—we are meeting up with Paul and Nina!