GO WEST YOUNG MAN!

Posted by KAREN RAMM of FORESTHILL, CA / January 15, 2010

In 1985, my parents fled the Gulf Coast after experiencing too many near-disasters, the final being Hurricane Katrina. They found a safe haven in Canyonville, Oregon but still longed for the ocean. So they headed west and ended up in the lovely town of Bandon. Their hearts soared as they took in the beauty of the rocky coastline, walked along the beaches collecting the local treasures (agates), and dined on magnificent, fresh clam chowder in a seaside restaurant. As they shared their story with the family, I learned that my husband’s parents had been vacationing in that same town for many years, usually renting a beach house for the week. They would (and still do) make the 10 hour drive from the San Francisco bay area to Bandon. Why go that far when there are so many places to stay along the California coast? Is the appeal watching the storms from a vista high above the crashing waves? Spending hours just meandering through the small shops and galleries in Old Town? Or the nice central location from which to start a day long driving tour exploring new sites north or south? I don’t know, but their stories have drawn the children and grandchildren to this lovely area, building fond memories with each delightful day!