Monday off subject.

 Hi everyone and a good Monday Morning. It's not that I forgot to finish our trip to Coos Bay, you can see the beginning here, it's just I haven't been able to get to it. Now I am. First you have to go through North Bend to get to Coos Bay.

To me North Bend and Coos Bay are one city. Don't say that to the people that live there LOL😁

Here we go. 

After leaving the ship yard on the Smith River by Reedsport

 

 We drive over another bridge. 

Oregon has the most covered bridges in the US. We used to have 54 I think we lost 2 old covered bridges. However, Lane county, the county I live in, has more covered bridges than any other state west of the Mississippi. This particular bridge is unique because it is a swing span to allow ships through. It's another bridge designed by Conde B. McCullough between 1934-36 and is 2,200 feet long.

 

Here is how it opens. It unlocks and swings to allow large ships to go through. We actually saw this in person one day. The swinging part is quite slow. But so cool to actually see. 

This photo is from google 

Once across the river, BTW this is the Umpqua River, you are entering Reedsport,  

There is a lot of history in this part of Oregon. As in many of now states not the best history.  When Europeans arrived here in the 1850s it was home to Siuslaw and Lower Umpqua (also known as Kuitsh) Native American tribes. By 1861 the tribes were moved by the US 
Army and relocated in Alsea, which is about 85-100 miles north/east. 

Reedsport did thrive in those early days with fishing, logging and then the railroad. All of these things have failed in the last few decades and Reedsport is now just another hard hit coastal town. It, like so many other towns, relies on tourism. 

This is main street Hwy 101 

There really isn't much to see here just driving through.

If you turn left coming into Reedpsport you will be on Route 38.

This is what they call their, "Old Town". Many events during the summer are held here, including the worlds largest Chain saw carving event. Artist from all over the world come here to show off their art. The top winner receives $2,000.00. I used to be a vendor at this event and made more than 2 grand in sales. The art is amazing and this year was the 25th.

Brittany was the winner.

More photos

This guy is from Australia, I don't know his name but he is BKCarving on instagram. Want to see some mind blowing art check this guy out.

 

 

It all starts with logs

 

Then getting started 

 

Then the wood comes to life 

  

This is Mark Colp  from Canada.

If you want to see more of this art just google Reedsport chainsaw contest.

Also on Route 38 is the art gallery where I was featured for about 5 years. I will have to find some photos of those days.

Well as you see I got off subject and we aren't anywhere near Coos Bay. LOL

In any event, I hope you enjoyed a bit about Reedsport, Oregon.

Have a great Monday. 

 Nicole