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Bandon Beach Oregon is a beautiful setting of sea stacks surrounded by a gently sloping beach of fine sand. The waves were pretty tame this day but I can imagine the burst of energy when a heavy surf slams against the sea stacks. During low tide it’s easy to spot colorful starfish and sea anemones, just watch for a slowly sinking tripod while shooting in the water soaked sands.
About half way down the Oregon coast there is this place informally named Thor’s well, it’s umm, a hole. It’s not your ordinary hole, this one doesn’t fill up, so it must have a drain, but looking at it a drain would be below sea level and therefore defy the laws of physics. The mesmerizing ebb and flow of water into the hole takes place during a very rough surf and nearly high tide. In between shots you have to clean the lens of ocean spray while balancing in a strong wind on very sharp rocks. It can be dangerous and it’s perfectly clear to me that if the current pulls you into that hole you are not coming out alive.
The Yaquina Lighthouse is worth a visit, it has a great view and lots of wildlife. I highly recommend taking a hike down the steps to the shoreline if for nothing else but to listen to the sound. The beach consists of pebbles and every wave that crashes causes a sound much like applause. It’s unique and worth the cardio-walk back to the parking area. At the lighthouse The National Park Lady was very nice and pointed out all kinds of birds and one visitor swore he saw a pod of Orca’s.
A cool breeze at Cape Kiwanda, was a chilly yet refreshing change from the 100F temps I had just left at the east coast. Just before sunset families and couples dashed onto the beach for a quick last minute walk. I’m not sure if it was me but everyone seemed a little rushed, perhaps it was a response to the strong cool wind. We were treated to a nice sunset so we shot and we shot until the cold became to much to handle. The next morning the sunrise was pretty clogged up with heavy clouds, hiking to the top of the peninsula was the best choice for finding interesting compositions.
One of the most incredible trips I’ve taken and my only regret is that it wasn’t longer. It is nice to leave with the feeling I want more, to see more, to drive more and to experience more of Oregon. Now I have a good reason to go back next year. The people I met were amazing, photographers are great people to hang with and travel with. Photographers have an appreciation for the fabulous as well as the simple. And what photographer doesn’t mutter everyday, “where the hell did I put my lens cap?” Portland, Oregon is a beautiful city, it’s clean, and friendly. Terri from Salem gave the visiting photographers an enthusiastic and emphatic urging, “You must go shoot at the Esplanade at sunset, it’s beautiful.” Well we did and it was B E A U T I F U L. Thank you Terri. This is a 5 image HDR tonemapped in Photomatix with Compressor. I used a single image to blend a sharp image of the man in the bottom left.
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I came across your website and would like to inquire how much it will cost to purchase the “Thor’s Welll” photo?
Thank you!