So, you have to GO to the coast to enjoy this fun... but, you quickly leave the coast and head inland!!
We went to Gold Beach to play at the edge of the surf and to take a ride on Jerry's Rogue Jets. A fantastic tourist fun thing to do - a jet boat ride up the Rogue River!! This just might be my all time favorite touristy thing to do. In fact, Pops & I have gone on a jet boat tour all three summers that we have lived in Oregon!
We decided to go on the morning run for the 80+ mile trip which takes ya past the town of Agness for a few passes of the rapids. A boat that leaves at 8:15 or so, means you have to get the baby up and ready to go earlier than his normal sleeping in kind of self is used to. It wasn't long before those droopy eyes were closed as the boat rocked and glided its way upstream!
It is a good thing that this little "sprite" was sitting by Grandpa who had to hang onto her as we got into warmer weather inland! She was reaching her arm out the side of the boat trying to get a bit of spray to cool off... and just to get wet, I suspect!
The fog was thick close to the coast, and it made for a COOL morning! We saw plenty of wildlife, though - cold or not! Crane, Blue Heron, osprey, numerous ducks, loons, and other smaller birds that I cannot even begin to recall all of their names.
Not to be left out... the strange looking turkey vultures! Strange creatures they seem.
Very exciting to see many bald eagles this trip! This one is givin' the "what for" to an osprey who was in his territory. The osprey had a fish in its talons, and Mr. Eagle, here, saw to it that flying through his territory cost him his breakfast...
Mr. Eagle flew at Mr. Osprey (my picture of THAT was not very good - I was so shocked it was happening and that there was not a government official standing guard over the bullying that was going on, here... I'm sure it will happen before too long, don't worry!! {side note: I do not condone childhood or adult bullying, I just think that more parents should teach their children manners instead of asking teachers/school administrators to do a parent's job. But, I digress, and I will step off of my soap box now, thank you very much.}) and somehow caused Mr. Osprey to drop his fish, which Mr. Eagle promptly picked up (notice fish in talons) and flew off with!
Whew. Wiping the sweat of my brow. Let's just enjoy this young adolescent bald eagle for a moment! I like how you can tell how old the younger eagles are by their coloring. Full disclosure: If I would have been rafting down the river by myself (which is NEVER going to happen, but let's just say I was) I would have never guessed that this was a bald eagle! Where is the tell tale white feathered head!?!! Well, not until it is several years old will a bald eagle have that beautiful white head contrasting with its dark body!
He was done being the object of the paparazzi and flew off to find some privacy!
We had a great time spinning around, getting a bit wet, eating great fried chicken for lunch in Agness and in general being together to try something fun and see some awesome beauty of our country! If you have the opportunity to get to Gold Beach, OR and have some time to spend on a jet boat... you will not be disappointed!
What Beautiful sights to see! And the Bald Eagles! We don't see too many of them here in Ohio. However, there is a stretch of highway by my house that is surrounded by woods called the "headlands", and there is a giant bald eagle nest. They've had to have state rangers camp out there a lot because people want to come and see them, so they A) Hold up traffic by parking on the side of the road and B) try and get close and they are afraid the eagles will leave their nest and therefore their babies!!
ReplyDeleteYes, it was great fun!! And I do believe Blossom might have slipped out while trying to get to the water!! She does like thrill-seeking fun! Was a beautiful area. Love, G.
ReplyDeleteelm, gorgeous pix!
ReplyDelete