Transcending Space & Time – Cape Blanco, OR
There are some places that seem to transcend space and time. You know what I mean, right? You go there and it feels like you’ve entered a 5th dimension, some kind of parallel universe where everything you know is left behind.
Things are completely different there. Life seems to spin at it’s own rate, the petty worries of man become irrelevant and Mother Nature takes over as Ultimate Master. You go there and you feel yourself undergoing a physical and mental shift, edging away from regular life and merging into a universal flow that follows the waves and tides of the ocean.
But these places will also test you.
Mother Nature at her very edge is neither soft nor easy. She will send the winds of a thousand storms to your doorstep, thrashing you around like a wildcat playing with her prey. She will tease you with rays of sunshine and then callously pellet you with torrential rain. She will comfort you in the most beautiful sunset you ever imagined, only to darken the next and remind you that she can never fully be trusted. And it’s all either something you love or you absolutely hate.
For me these places re-invigorate my soul. My senses alight and my vision clears, much like awakening from a delicious slumber, and I sense color and depth in an almost psychedelic way. Some people take drugs for this kind of experience. I go to Cape Blanco State Park.
I can honestly say that there’s no place we’ve been in our 7 years of travel that’s impacted me quite so deeply. When I come here I typically end up writing philosophical babble multiple times, as each hike in nature overwhelms me with thoughts and insights that I didn’t expect. There’s no place that’s inspired me to become so introspective, no place that’s urged me to compose poetry, and certainly no place that has prompted me to do so not just once, but over months and years of coming back!
Those of you who’ve followed the blog for many years already know Cape Blanco very well. This majestic Cape jutting 6 miles out to sea, the Westernmost point in Oregon, the windiest point in Oregon, with her gorgeous 146-year old lighthouse and miles of untamed beach & trails is like no-where else I know. It was one of the very first places we volunteered as lighthouse hosts in 2012, and it’s lured us back almost every year since.
Everytime we return I think I can’t possibly write or photograph anything new. After all how many times can you wax poetic about the same bleeding Cape? But then we arrive, and the forest envelops me in her silence, and the soft rays of light filter through and I transport to a place beyond this world, and I am gone.
But not everyone “gets” this place. The Cape sits so far out to sea that it composes it’s very own weather system. It’s often horribly cold, foggy & windy when the land just 6 miles in is sunny and calm. And when the wind blows, oh my Poseidon does it blow! With ~4000 miles of open sea to fuel it, the wind crashes against the Cape like Thor’s hammer in a wild rage. It’s not unusual for winds to blow 25-30 mph just on a normal day, and we’ve seen 94 mph when the “big” storms come in. In winter it gets even crazier.
Most folks who come here just stay a few days, either because of the insane weather or because there’s really nothing much to do except hike around and visit the Lighthouse (and Hughes House). I mean how many wind-and-view photos can you really take?
But whenever we come we always want to stay for as long as we can.
I like to think the Cape speaks to the wild side of me. Her moods speak to mine, bringing forth thoughts and feelings I didn’t know I could express. And despite all the time we’ve spent together she never fails to make me feel this way. She takes me someplace else, and when I walk into her land I willingly submerge to her majesty.
When I’m here I go to a place beyond places, a time beyond time, and I transcend it all. She feeds my soul, and when I leave she always leaves me longing to come back for more.
Until next time, my crazy, beautiful Cape.
Cape Blanco – Related Posts:
- SP Campground Review – Cape Blanco State Park, OR
- A Rock N’Roll Goodbye – Cape Blanco, OR
- Daily Life At Cape Blanco
- Sun, Wind, Fog & Love – A Week In Living Pictures, Cape Blanco OR
- Pure Poetry, Baby – Cape Blanco, OR
- Moods & Views Of the Cape
- Infinite Love
- Simply….A Day
Volunteering at Cape Blanco Lighthouse – Related Posts:
- Volunteer Hosting at Cape Blanco Lighthouse, OR
- New Digs, New Job & New Gear – Cape Blanco, OR
- Back At “Work” – Lighthouse Hosting At Cape Blanco Lighthouse, OR
- Changing Of The Guard – Cape Blanco, OR
- Fired Up For Fresnel -> The Lens That Changed The World Of Light
- Top 10 FAQ -> Lighthouse Volunteering/Hosting
As is my norm with your posts, I always first scroll down thru to check out all of the pictures.
The pictures reflect your love and enjoyment of this piece of coastline. Then reading your posts, the pictures primary message is reinforced.
Happy for you, Paul, and other critters with paws – to be in a place you enjoy so much.
Thanks for sharing,
Smitty
Thanks! We’re VERY happy we got the chance to stop here despite our change in travel plans for the summer. This was a very welcome downtime.
Nina
Nina, your photos are just amazing! It is through you that we’ve learned how beautiful this place is. Thank you!
Thank you! And I’m so happy you learned of this place.
Nina
Are you there for the summer…already?
No, we’re just passing through. We’re headed to Portland so Paul can fly home to take care of some family business.
Nina
On both of our expeditions up coastal Oregon, we drove right by the Cape Blanco area without stopping! After reading this impassioned post, we will not do so again.
Oh most definitely you must stop next time!!
Nina
You ARE a poet, Nina, and the landscape seems to not just feed you but reflect your soul…
It sure does Hanna. When I’m in places like this I get inspired to write and photograph. It’s so interesting how one feeds the other.
Nina
I totally get it! We have only been there once, last year with our grandkids, but I was transfixed. Unfortunately, we couldn’t go up into the lighthouse due to something breaking. I forget what it was. Look forward to visiting again and even better, perhaps volunteering there when we begin our full time RVing. Love your writing!
Last summer the lighthouse tower was closed due to a break. It’s been re-opened this summer, so tours are happening again.
Nina
I guess that I am different. I always read the comments on the post first, then scroll back to the top to look at the pictures and read the captions. I enjoy the pictures as well.
Different? My family and friends point out that a much shorter word to describe me is ‘odd’:)! And every once and awhile, you’ll find someone that can write in such away that they are painting a picture with their words.
As seen by the post in this one Nina Update, many see that she has the ability to paint a picture with her words…
I admit I’m a visual kind of guy. I do like reading. I do like music. I do like birds chirping. But watch a sunset in person, or seeing the pictures that she is able to pull and reflect what she has seen with her eye’s, heart, digitally – well, that is a gift of Nina.
Now, if we could just work on her choice of music – you know, move on beyond ABBA – I’m sure Paul will thank the collective:)!
Smitty
(Actually, her how to drive video into Fort Bragg, did have some good tunes!!)
Lovely photos! I’m happy you have such a beautiful special place.
I am anxiously awaiting your first book! I know it would take away from these posts which I really do not want to do. But what a beautiful writer you are and fabulous photographer. Absolutely loved reading this post and seeing the pictures. Thank you so much!
Carolyn
Thank you much for the lovely comment. One day maybe I’ll get the burst of energy (and time) to write a book. It would be a fun (and stressful I’m sure) undertaking, but also very satisfying too.
Nina
Nothing like a place that awakens you to show you senses you didn’t even know you had, Nina. Your posts sing when you arrive at the Cape. 🙂
Freaking awesome. I feel you.
We were fortunate to see her on a bright sunny day last summer. We were staying further north on the coast but I had to visit after reading all your posts. One visit and we both agreed we would stay there next time we’re on that route – and plan to stay for as long as we can. Thank you for sharing your magical words and photos.
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed your visit. When it’s sunny the Cape is spectacular!
Nina
It’s such a gift to return time and again to a place that nourishes one’s soul. The places that call to us are as individual as we are. But I think anyone would be struck by the beauty that you’ve captured in your photos of Cape Blanco.
It’s most definitely a gift! I feel most lucky to have found a place I feel like this about…and then to be able to return there over and over. Definitely a gift!
Nina
Your photos are just exquisite and I enjoy your philosophizing. Just saying…
My brother Mark and his wife Jen met you folks there some years back…They said they want to do the same as you when they retire…..Not sure if that is still in their plans, but they do remember you.
I keep them posted when you are up here on our coasts…
David
How fun! I love it when we meet folks who know folks who read the blog. It’s those 6 degrees of separation. The world is sometimes much closer than we imagine.
Nina
We’re heading south tomorrow and looing forward to the tranquility of Port Orford. You failed to mention the Port Orford Lifeboat Museum in your list of the limited things to do in the Cape Blanco area. It’s a nice little museum, free (donations accepted) , and the trails around the headlands are easy walks with spectacular views. Like you, this is one of my favorite places. I’m looking forward to fish at The Crazy Norwegian.
Very true. The Lifeboat Museum in Port Orford is lovely. Plus we enjoy Red Fish restaurant and the Crazy Norwegian.
Nina
We’re looking forward to hosting at Cape Blanco in September. Your posts and photos are inspirational.
Oh September is our FAV month here! Hope you love it as much as we do. Say “hi” to Greg from us.
Nina
Great pictures, as usual. I would enjoy that stop along the way, maybe my next time going north. I’m staying on Oregon’s eastern side this year on my way home to Montana.
We’ve still got lots of the Eastern side of Oregon which we’ve got to explore. Haven’t been to the Steens yet (which was been on our list for years) and I’m sure there’s a bunch more stuff we’ve missed. One day we’ll spend more time on that side of the State.
Nina
Oh, the emotions and memories this place evokes for me. Thank you for taking me back (I write this with a lighthouse view out my window in Halifax, and thinking of you guys.)
Definitely lots of great memories with you guys here. Some of our favorite time together, for sure!
Nina
while I too love the Oregon coast, I still find it way too cold/chilly and foggy for my liking for a lengthy stay… none the less I always long to revisit the area…
It’s definitely not for everyone up here. Most of summer the PNW Coast stays cool, and it’s often foggy too. In fact the very first year we volunteered at Cape Blanco we wore long underwear the entire month…of June!! Still we just love it here, as you can tell. I’d rather be too chilly than too hot in summer.
Nina
love it when the Great Dane activates psycho babble mode. beautiful. babble away dear Nina!
Thank you Great Cuban 🙂
Nina
How wonderful to have even one place on Earth that impacts you so! Introspection, “psycho-babble,” poetry…all expressions of the soul… I live vicariously through you, until our RV time comes…
As a photographer myself, I have to say I love the feel of your images. They have an emotional quality that comes through clearly…
We, too, loved Cape Blanco, although we were very lucky in that during our week stay we only had a couple of cloudy, foggy days. We did get to experience that crazy wind, though! Looking at your photos has me rethinking our plans to stay away from the coast when we get to Oregon this summer…
I love being in the PNW Coast in summer. I just wish the State Parks didn’t get so full. There’s only 2 SPs along the OR coast that are first-come-first-serve year round. The rest go to reservations in summer and they get heavily booked. Still, we love it here!
Nina
Nina: Can you please tell me the route you used from Ft. Bragg up to the Oregon coast? Did you back across Highway 20 to the 101 and back over to the coast? Or straight up Highway 1. We have taken Highway 1 from Ft. Bragg into Oregon on our motorcycles, but I think I’d be scared to death to do it in our Class A – there were lots of turns next to cliffs and lots of logging trucks. We are planning an RV trip this summer similar to your route, but you didn’t mention that portion of the route. Thanks so much!!
We took your first route. We went back on Hwy 20 to 101 and then took 101 all the way north. I definitely would NOT want to take 1 from Fort Bragg. Too narrow and windy for us.
Nina
Thanks so much!!
Lovely write up and photos. We’ve been there and enjoy it, also. Have you ever considered talking to the Oregon State Park folks about a gig touring the parks and doing photos for them? It would right down your alley. Paul could do the videos and Polly an ‘extra’ on the set!
Honestly have never approached any of the tourism or State Park guys. I think it would be fun, but it would certainly change our travel plans. Maybe one day…
Nina
The comment earlier about ABBA reminded me of something. We watched the movie “The Martian” recently. “Waterloo” was featured prominently. Thought you would like to know. Maybe rent the movie while Paul is away.
Oh I LOVED the Martian, both the book (which I read first) and the movie…and ABBA only made it better (of course) 🙂
Nina
So glad you were able to go back to a place that feeds you like Cape Blanco. I never tire of your prose or your photos of this wild area.
Nina-We too love the Oregon Coast with all of it’s charms. The weather is not for everyone but the winter storms are something to experience! We spent the last winter in Newport on our lot and watched the incredible waves and spindrifts all day. At night the roar of the ocean was overwhelming at times. We are a lucky few who get to experience this magnificent show by Mother Nature. Unfortunately we are selling our spot but we will be back. I put a description on my last post if you would like to take a look.
Wow! What a spot! I bet that lot will sell very quickly indeed. Yaquina Head is a pretty lighthouse, and the downtown area there is lovely.
Nina
We were in the area last fall and blew by this spot. We stayed north near Yachats and south at Brookings but missed this. We’ve only been out two years and just getting to to the spot we should be. We’re now slowing down a little to enjoy all that an area offers. We won’t miss it next time, Thanks guys.
What kind of reception are you guys getting from your wireless at this campground?
I’ve got all those details in the written campground review (linked above), but basically we get stable 2 bars of Verizon LTE, and somewhat variable ATT LTE (can be stabilized with a booster). There’s a tower on the Cape (right next to the lighthouse), so cell signal is very decent. Here’s the full written review again:
https://www.wheelingit.us/2012/08/29/sp-campground-review-cape-blanco-state-park-cape-blanco-or/
Nina
Awesome, thanks Nina!
Came across your blog by accident. This is the reason I live here now. Nothing like the Cape and the Southern Oregon coast. It definitely transcends time.
One of our fav places in the world. We may well end up here ourselves one day.
Nina