OREGON DUNES AND WATERFRONT DEPOT

Where we are parked is near the north end of the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Its interesting topography, with sand and wind formed plants. Low bushes looked carved; tough grasses sway with the wind and hold the soil. Swampy salt marshes mingle with dunes. Much of the area is over burdened with the invasive Scotch Broom. Here it is absolutely monstrous in spots, showing the effect it has on crowding  native plants. It doesn't detract from its beauty, though.

We hiked up to the top of one dune. Its still cold enough to discourage swimmers.

We drove to the South Jetty area and hiked out to watch a guy wind surfing.

By the time we got close enough to take a picture, he was out of the water with his loyal dog nearby.

Various views reminded me of picture post cards.

Then we went to town for an early dinner at the Waterfront Depot and the "promised" good food. Not disappointed. The crab encrusted halibut in a cream sauce with a caesar salad was every bit as wonderful as promised. The sauce wasn't overly rich and dependent on gobs of butter. It had a slight tang and sweetness that was new to me. For appetizers Jim and I shared steamer clams and mussels in a garlic butter broth with bits of fresh tomato and parsley. Again, the butter was reserved rather than overpowering. They have an extensive wine list, and good beers as well. Desert lovers praised deserts here and our waiter tempted us with a thin slice of a Mexican chocolate cake, but we managed to resist. 

The menu changes depending on what fish is in season, but I saw an order of ossa busso come out of the kitchen and regretted that we would not be spending another night here. The entire menu, by the way, is on the chalk board. You can click on it to enlarge it.

From our window seat in the restaurant, we could see these kids playing in the sand and water. The cold never daunts kids. They just go for it. In a sense, that is what I'm doing with my life right now. Seeking nature, and changing places. I'm  glad I'm not sitting in front of a television in my warm comfortable house cursing the news.
I took 35 pictures that can be seen at:https://picasaweb.google.com/106530979158681190260/201159DunesWaterfrontDepot#