Horse Camp On The Oregon Coast

I took a tip from fellow campers that there is a free campsite along the Oregon coast.  Not only was it free, it was one of the best campsites I've ever been to.  The perfect combination!  About 10 miles north of Florence in the Siuslaw National Forest, you turn East on Forest Service road 58 for about 3.5 miles.  There are 15 sites and each one comes with your own horse stable!

When Max and I arrived, we were thrilled about the space and availability.  It's nestled in the forest and at night you can hear the ocean breezes rustle through the trees.

Not only did we like the spot, we enjoyed talking to our camping neighbor, Sandy.  Sandy came to camp a few nights with some friends and her horses Hank and Hoss.  She's been riding for over 35 years and resides in Cheshire, Oregon.  We starting chatting about horses, traveling and camping and after a while, I knew she would be a perfect fit for the "sisters on the fly" group.  I asked her if she's ever heard of them and her eyes lit up.  She is so excited because she's been eyeing a trailer to fix up and decorate the way the sisters do best.  Be on the lookout for a new sister coming your way!  As for me, I am a sister number #1416.

I enjoy taking portraits of people I come across on my travels so be on the lookout if I run into you and ask to take your picture.  It's been great that eveyone has agreed to let me snap away, even a police woman that I came across in Oregon.  More on that story to come.

For now, Max and I are grateful to the campers who told us about this free site and to Sandy who was very friendly to chat with me about her life and her horses, Hank and Hoss.  I look forward to the adventures to come.

The Oregon Coast

After exploring the Redwood Forest, Max and I took a drive up highway 101 to the Oregon coastline.  This has been by far the most beautiful drive.  Through all of the twists and turns, we came across some of the most amazing views and beaches that stretch for miles.

I talked to some campers from Colorado at the last campsite that gave me a tip to a free campsite just outside highway 101 that sounded nice so we were going to head in that direction next.  In the meantime, we took a leisurely drive along the coast and stopped at a beach to enjoy the day and watch some people doing the same.

Max loves being on the sand and really, what's not to love?  The beaches here are so calm and the smell of salt water in the air is one of my favorite scents.  This trip so far has been so different from the last two.  For the most part, I have talked to more people in the first few days than I have in the last two trips combined.  For some reason, I just went along my way and didn't really engage with anyone.  Sometimes you will get the best tips from locals in the area and you never know how the direction will change if you decide to take in the advice and do something you wouldn't have normally done without the exchange.

So we are planning on the unplanned.  It's not going to be perfect, but it will be an adventure and I look forward to while seeing and exploring places I wouldn't have thought of if I didn't take the time to listen and take advantage of a new experience.

For today, we are enjoying all of the beauty of the Oregon coastline.  It is an incredible sight to see.

People Of Venice Beach

Yesterday I took a stroll on the Venice Beach boardwalk with several other people doing the same.  I wanted to take some photographs of the locals in the area and practice approaching strangers with a smile and asking permission to take their photograph as well as having them sign a release to use the photograph.

I find it easy to hide behind the lens and be a watcher of sorts to the surroundings around me.
I find it more interesting to capture people in a relaxed state doing what comes nature to them.  Approaching strangers to pose can be a little daunting.  However, I approach it as challenging and fun.  You never know what will happen when you start a conversation, since the moment might disappear once they are fully aware that I am taking their photograph.  I am really low key in general and I hope that lends to a relaxed model.

I strolled the strip and when I saw someone I thought looked interesting, I approached them and started a conversation.  Some wanted money, some didn't care, I was rejected once and overall it was a great learning experience.  I look forward to doing this more on the road and I have a few personal projects that I look forward to sharing with you.  Here are some of my favorite models of the day living their life and crossing my path in Venice beach.  To see more portraits, click HERE.