We stayed overnight in the historic Jacksonville Inn and explored the town this morning. It was a big weekend in Jacksonville. Each year at this time the town conducts a celebration dubbed "A Taste of Summer", featuring wine tastings of vintages from local wineries, this being a region where grapes are grown and viniculture actively practiced. Food and crafts vendors also ply their wares and antique auto and classic camper trailer enthusiasts rally together to share their passion. The festive atmosphere of these rituals added excitement to our visit to this old gold rush outpost. We left Jacksonville before noon and visited a nearby covered bridge ( there were once many in this part of Oregon) and Applegate Lake, a scenic reservoir near the California border. Then we drove west to the Pacific Coast through progressively changing terrain. We arrived in Bandon about an hour ahead of Lee, Brad and Lisa, who were driving down from Portland. The house that Lee arranged could not have been better--right behind the coastal dunes with panoramic views of the ocean and dramatic offshore rock formations over which big waves crashed. Good job, Lee!
