Day 31 July 13 2010

Today we are taking a trip inland to see the covered bridges, well some of Oregon bridges. They have a lot of them. The ones we saw were around the town of Cottage Grove, which has a lot of history and unique things to do besides the bridges. On the way we first stopped at the David Dewett Veterans Memorial on Hwy 101 just before you cross over into North Bend. We then went back to one more lighthouse Umpqua Lighthouse and took in Lake Marie on the drive there. After seeing the lighthouse we took hwy. 38 east and first spotted some Elk in one of their favorite areas. We stopped at the Elkton Butterfly Pavilion some of the prettiest butterflies and flowers. Many of the flowers are the same as what we have in Texas just a lot more vibrant and lush. We then headed on to our mission. We had a map of all the covered bridges, so we followed it and did very well until towards the end. Oh yes we could actually drive across one of them but all the others George had to get out and take pics of. Really neat to see. Had to ask directions on the last three and we found two of them but could not find the railroad one so led us back into the town of Cottage Grove. Went to the info center, what a unique idea LOL and the little lady there gave us the answer it was getting ready to tumble so they numbered every piece and dismantled it this spring, no wonder we could not find it. One of the workers heard us and she had a magnet with a pic of it and gave it to us. Very nice gesture. The little info lady talked to us about a half hour about all the history(including the terrible flood they had a number of years ago that brought over two feet of water into townand it destroyed a lot of the historic places) and gave us a bundle of stuff to do, we could not take it in because we were about 65 miles from base and it was already getting late in the afternoon but kept all of it if we ever get back. As you can see they are very big on murals on buildings in this area inland and along the coast and also hanging baskets on all the light post. Going back our Elk were up and moving, which made George happy for photos.


A Memorial for Veteran's along the highway North of North Bend OR.
Very nice and thoughtful.

Then another lighthouse to see.

But first we came upon this small lake in the park.

The Lake.

Information on the lighthouse.

The Umpqua River Lighthouse.

Info on the Whales.

What a jaw bone.

One of the Coast Guard Cutters that are stationed here out practicing.

Then we saw some Elk.

And More.

This is an area that the Elk hang out at.

more Elk seems to be leaving the area due to some controlled burning.

Nice controlled burn today.

We then continued on to see the sights today.

This reminded me of a picture I have seen somewhere before.

We came upon a Butterfly Garden we stopped at for a leg stretch.

What a nice stop this was.

We got a lesson on the Butterfly plus got to see some nice flowers also.

Pat loves flowers and was impressed.

Just no way to get them all back home with us.

They are beautiful.

Another old barn we saw along highway 38.

Welcome to Drain OR.

more of this small town.

Then Cottage Grove.

Nice murals on the buildings in this town.

Another one.

This is Currin Bridge the first one we saw.

Next is Mosby Creek Bridge.

Now they tell us.

Here is Stewart Bridge.

Here is Dorena Bridge.

A creek that runs under this bridge.

Up stream from the bridge.

Another view of The Dorena Bridge as we were driving off.

The next one is Centennial Bridge in Cottage Grove.

In front of the above bridge is a Veterans Memorial .

This bridge is listed with all the covered bridges but it is not covered. I walked across this bridge and it swings. The name of this one is Swinging Bridge.

Another picture of this bridge.

Another mural on a building.

This is a neat old house.

A BIG Elk.

One walking away.

Another Elk.

Now we are back where we started today.