Thoughts about Oregon...

 The last time I posted I was at the public library in Newport Oregon. They only allowed 45 minute sessions for guest passes on their computers, so I was quite rushed to get everything uploaded and published to the site. My last post with the coastline pictures was just thrown up there because I had run out of time, so I’ll try to fill in the blanks with this post…

About the Oregon coast pics...

One of the things I really wanted to do was to travel up the coast of Oregon to see the ocean and the shoreline, and it was even better than I anticipated. I only had one sunny day, the day I snapped the pics, but I traveled along the coastline on the cloudy days that followed, and the lack of sunshine didn’t tarnish the joy or the beauty of my experience, so if you ever get the chance to drive up the coast, take it, it’s worth it!

The photogenic Seagull...

It was really windy and cool that day when I took the photos of the lighthouse and the seagull.  The seagull had settled down into the slight depression at the center of the stone pillar, so it had a bit of a break from the wind and it was also probably enjoying the heat from the sun and warmed rocks underneath...

I thought when I got closer the gull would fly, but it didn’t seem anxious to move, so I was able to get within within a couple of feet to snap that shot and it didn’t seem to mind, it was very content to be there.  I was fortunate enough to make this journey along the coast during the early spring when the hillside came to life with bright drapes of color from the wildflowers and fresh green foliage...

explanation in video...

A few other things I thought of about Oregon that were interesting.  The speed limits are usually lower, often 55 is the max, except on major highways, which usually are posted as 65mph.  It was very noticeable that most  drivers weren’t interested in speeding ahead or in driving over the posted limit and they were also very courteous...    

Several times I got caught in the wrong lane, as you do when you’re not familiar with the area, but just as soon as I turned on my signal to change lanes, more often than not, drivers immediately slowed down and signaled me into their lane, even on the expressways, and they hardly ever road up on your rear bumper, they just kept a safe driving distance behind you, even when I was driving slower than speed limit...

Another factor that comes into play here, is that the use of mobile devices while driving is prohibited.  Not only is texting prohibited, but using the phone as well, and I don’t remember seeing anybody on their phone while driving in Oregon.  I think they’re onto something, because there didn’t seem to be anyone much that was rushing around and drivers seemed more laid back and attentive...