Bandon, Oregon

Once again in keeping with our plan the drive to Bandon is about 5hrs along Hwy 101. And again, a really nice drive. The Oregon coast is really scenic and it seems there are rest stops and viewing areas every couple of miles. Certainly no shortage of opportunities to stop and smell the salt water.

Our home for those two days was the Lighthouse B&B located right on the harbor. We had the “Sunset” room and was looking forward to relaxing for the next two days. Driving can get a little tiring so a two-day break was welcome.

We arrived early so we decided to try one of the local restaurants on the harbor called “the Wheelhouse”. Just for a snack rather than a large lunch so our order was light, crab cakes (who would’a thunk it) bread and of course, a bottle of wine. Now to get to our B&B.

Shirley, the owner, and her daughter Charlene greeted us and showed us to our room. We’ve stayed at quite a few B&B’s over the years and this one was more on the lines of a home, unlike most of today’s B&B’s that are really just hotels. Our room was located down the main hall and had a queen size bed and an ensuite bath. It also had a view of the bay but only from the edge of the bed so not the most comfortable way to watch the sunset. There was a large main room located at the opposite end of the home from our room that was attached to the dining and kitchen areas. This room was surrounded with windows so sunset and ocean viewing was much better here. The historic Coquille lighthouse could be seen from this room as well as the many fishing and crab boats working the harbor. Outside there was a nice sandy beach area where the owner often found fossils and agates. Sounds cute, huh! Shirley also pointed out that there was wine in the kitchen, help yourself. I don’t think she knew my reputation for wine. This could cost her a lot!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

So, we checked in and headed off, where else, to eat silly! It had probably been 2-3 hours since our last meal so it definitely was time. Just a short walk into town and the Edgewater restaurant. It was getting close to 5pm so dinner time! Collette chose the fired oyster dish and I chose a pasta alfredo, both were quite good. After dinner we took a stroll around the wharf and town district (not all that big but a good walk) to check out the other shops and restaurants in the area.

Bandon has most of what you would expect, tourist shops with souvenirs, tee shirts, wind chimes and pieces of driftwood carved in the likeness of a turtle (with teeth!), octopus, seals and what appears to be a cherub fishing. There are also a couple of nice coffee shops and a good variety of restaurants. Tomorrow we will try Angelo’s Italy for dinner, they have live music.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The next morning we got up to a wonderful breakfast. Shirley had made an egg casserole with sausage and veggies, and had lots of fresh fruit, bread and coffee. She and Charlene joined the guests for breakfast and a little conversation. After a few minutes, there was a knock on the patio door. Seems Shirley has adopted a couple of seagulls who like to have breakfast about the same time as the guests. One gull, Miss Olivia, has a habit of knocking on the door when she would like to eat, while her mate sits patiently on the railing for his breakfast. I wonder where the hell a seagull learns patience?????

 After a day of exploring the old lighthouse and the Farmer’s Market, time to hit Angelo’s for dinner. We had heard from another couple at the B&B there was live music at Angelo’s, the owner’s wife and their son played and sang for the patrons. Sounded like a cool time.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dinner was good Italian cuisine. The entertainment was already in swing so we just had our meal and enjoyed the tunes. The only problem was that the owner’s son is a jazz guitarist and basically turned every melody into a jazz rendition of your favorite song. The mother plays violin so some tunes came out pretty interesting, others – could have passed.

After a good dinner we walked back to the B&B and called it a night. Tomorrow we’re off to see Jerry and Linda Brown, good friends we haven’t seen for many (too many) years.