The first stop on our months long road trip began in coastal Florence, Oregon. The drive from Oakland to Florence was about a nine hour drive (straight up the 101 for all you Californians), crossing through some super gorgeous Northern California and Pacific Northwestern landscape. First through beautiful Sonoma County, shortly after through Mendocino County, which I definitely want to return to, and then through the giant redwoods and eventually up the coastline. Unfortunately we got a late start leaving, and didn’t have enough time to make any stops in Redwoods National Park to see any giant trees. We arrived in coastal Florence and began to settle in for a four week stay.
Our first morning in Oregon, Richard dove straight into remote work, while I took Bo for a morning stroll on the beach. Just a short five minute walk from our place, the walk to the beach was by way of a hidden path through a thicket and then traversing over pretty massive sand dunes before finally reaching the ocean. That first day, the fog was so unbelievably thick, I could barely see ten feet ahead of me, much less to have my bearings to make my way back to our new temporary home.
Many have asked how we choose the places we’re going to stay. Since we’re staying long-term, the accommodations reign supreme. While the location must be fabulous, the driver in choosing is really that the house itself is a ‘fit’. Workspaces for Richard and I, a yard for Bo, a full ready to use kitchen, no crappy futons, nicely adorned and not too much clutter. And of course, within budget and pet friendly. I utilize AirBNB to search statewide, use the map view, turn all my filters on and go from there. And yes, there are monthly rental discounts of up to and usually around 30-50%, so staying 4+ weeks is to be key.
Anyhow, back to Florence. So Florence is a coastal town in central Oregon:
Florence is a small city at the mouth of the Siuslaw River, on the Oregon coast. Its vast Sea Lion Caves are home to Steller sea lions. Nearby, trails around the restored 19th-century Heceta Head Lighthouse offer views of seabirds and migrating whales. Shops and galleries fill the city’s Historic Old Town district. Across the river are the towering sand mounds of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. ― Google
Thanks, Google. What struck me as most special was how Florence was a place where the forest meets a river meets the sea.
Downtown Florence was an adorable tiny tourist-centered town, one which we generally tended to avoid due to the plague. We did enjoy some crab chowder on the water, and I had a great time procuring Oregonian wines (Willamette Valley pinot, YUM) from the local bait shop. Yes, a wine and bait shop. So great.
Our second weekend in town we had an errand to run in nearby Eugene, a gorgeous hour and twenty minute drive inland through the woods along the Siuslaw River. We made the best of the day enjoying a gorgeous inland hike at Whittaker Creek Recreation site.
Sadly, coastal Oregon was not immune to the deadly fires that damaged the west. We were so thankful for the clear air on arrival in Oregon after weeks of smokey air in Oakland. But after a few weeks in town, inland fires and unseasonable winds brought lots of smoke west to Florence, with the air quality intensity and severity far exceeding even what we’d experienced in Oakland. We were so grateful when the smoke finally dissipated nearly a week later. Global warming is real, y’all. Our neighbor explained that in his 20+ years of coming to Florence, he’d never experienced anything like this.
The smoke cleared just in time for our sweet friend Kim and favorite travel companion to visit, road tripping solo all the way north from San Francisco. During her visit, we toured and hiked the local attractions including the Heceta Head Lighthouse, Cape Perpetua and the giant sand dunes.
Despite an unfortunate fire season, we were still able to enjoy much of Oregon’s nicest, sunniest and warmest weather month. We absolutely grew to love Florence, and would be thrilled to return another summer.
So what did I do to keep myself busy while Richard worked remote? Well, I continued with coursework and studying in pursuit of Project Management Professional certification, but I also began studying interior architecture and design at UC Berkeley Extension. In addition to having an interest in design, much of what I’ve learned applies to the events industry as well, which is a double-win for when the industry revives. And while I adored the beach-y home we stayed in, as pristine as it was, it most certainly could have used some updates from the brown, dated fabrics, bright paint colors and cheesy home decor of the early aughts. Here’s some inspiration for how I’d love to upgrade this beautiful beach home’s interior:
From Oregon we departed for a week-long trip to Montana, eventually landing in Colorado. More on that later! And on the way out, we passed through the Columbia River Gorge.
For now, thanks so much for reading!
—Shea
Photos / Sourcing - Kitchen
White Cabinetry: The Home Depot
White Oak Cabinetry: A Thoughtful Place / LSL Design Co.
Cabinet Hardware: Etsy
Concrete Countertops: IKEA
Textural Tile Backsplash: The Home Depot
White Oak Floors: The Home Depot
Copper Pots: Crate & Barrel
Washable Mat: Pottery Barn
Rattan Pendant Light: Pottery Barn
Paint Color: SW 7035 Aesthetic White
Photos / Sourcing - Living
Leather Sofa: Anthropologie
Accent Chairs: Anthropologie
Rug: One Kings Lane
Floor Lamp: Anthropologie
Coffee Table: West Elm
End Table: Pottery Barn
Photos / Sourcing - Dining
Buffet: Anthropologie
Dining Table: Anthropologie
Dining Chair: Anthropologie
Rug: Pottery Barn
Chandelier: Pottery Barn