Do you remember that wonderful Frank Sinatra song,
”
The Things We Did Last Summer?
”
Makes us remember absolutely marvelous summer experiences. And,
here’s one: a jewel on the Oregon coast.
Do you remember that wonderful Frank Sinatra song, “The Things We Did Last Summer?” Makes us remember absolutely marvelous summer experiences. And, here’s one: a jewel on the Oregon coast.
Just go over to U.S. 101 and head north some 540 miles and you will find a wonderful spot on this earth, “Bandon-by-the-Sea.” But, if you “quest” for directions on the internet, you will find a two mile shorter route. Also, you can fly in to Bandon State Airport, FAA Identifier SO5.
Nevertheless, after those 500 or so miles, you will find Bandon-by-the-Sea. A charming, scenic beauty with rich opportunities for relaxation and recreation. This little city, populated by 3,100 or so charming folks, will show you warmth and accommodation.
Located on the southern Oregon coast, Bandon is 90 miles north of the California border, where the Coquille River meets the Pacific Ocean. Bandon offers unparalleled birding, surfing, crabbing, fishing, mushroom picking and more. Here is the cranberry capital of Oregon and some of the finest beaches to be found anywhere.
Search it out on the Internet.
Bandon is home to three of the world’s premier golf courses, Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes and Bandon Trails. This is golfing in the dunes overlooking the Pacific.
Bandon’s newest 18-hole course is Bandon Crossing. In fact, this little gem of a town is quickly becoming known as Oregon’s Golf Coast.
Search out the golf courses on the Internet.
The beaches here are widely known. Stroll along them and find agates, petrified wood, jasper and tide pools. Even more spectacular are the great sea stacks jutting up out of the ocean. And, the beautiful sunsets.
And, the temperature: January averages slightly warmer than 50 degrees; July about 67 degrees.
For the past 25 years, my family has visited Bandon perhaps 10 times. For the past 10 years, we have stayed five times at the “Windermere-on-the-beach.”
From the “Windermere” brochure, this might tell you why:
“Windermere … a place to dream, to relax. A traveler’s delight and artists’ haven for over 70 years. Enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean from any one of our warm and rustic, cozy rooms, or perhaps slip on your shoes and walk out the door to the beach. There you can whale watch, fly a kite and work up an appetite. You may wish to dine at one of the fine restaurants nearby, or create a delicious meal of your own in one of our rooms that feature a well-equipped kitchen.”
Thirty years ago, a San Luis Obispo family bought the Windermere and remodeled the 16 traditional units. Eight have kitchens. (In August, we were there during the 30th anniversary.) Eight years ago, the owners built a four-unit “luxury” accommodation at the north end and another at the south end of the traditional units.
One room, the northern most room, second floor, with kitchen, fireplace and deck has been our only Windermere vacation spot in the last eight years.
To sit out on the deck and view the rolling dunes, broad beach, and sea stacks out in the ocean takes your breath away. And, hardly a soul on the beach. However, the sun may be hot. So, take an umbrella for the deck.
In August, our son-in-law, daughter, granddaughter, my wife and I, ended our vacation to Canada by returning to Bandon. We had several great days there, visiting old town and the seafood restaurants, but the outstanding event for our children was riding horses. Not far from the Windermere are the stables. Three or four times a day in the summer, riders rent horses and with a stable employee, who leads a three-mile trip up the beach then back to the stables.
Even a legend awaits you. At Face Rock Viewpoint off Beach Loop Drive, you may view the beautiful princess, Ewanua, of the Nah-So-Mah mountain tribe who came to visit the coastal tribes for a potlatch. Not knowing of the evil sea spirit, Seatka, the princess chose to dance on the beach then swim in the ocean. Suddenly, the fearsome spirit grabbed her. The evil Seatka tried to get Ewanua to look at him. Knowing that his power was in his eyes, she refused.
And, to this day, the beautiful Ewanua lies in the ocean, refusing to look at Seatka, who sits nearby.
You’ve just got to visit Bandon for the wonderful “things” to remember.
Burton Anderson, Purple Heart Korean War Marine, B.A., M.A. degrees, junior college instructor, 32 years in aerospace industry, retiring from contract negotiation in 1992. He can be reached at ba****@*ol.com.
