April and May are great times to see mother and calves Pacific Grey whales, resting in protected coves close to shore on the Oregon Coast. We see this quite often from the Whale Center based out of Depoe Bay. The locations on the map below are great viewing spots.

After a day of whale watching, why not relax in one our of oceanfront guest units.  Newly renovated, The Coho Oceanfront Lodge, a newly transformed oceanfront lodge offers warm comforts of home away from home, and understated luxuries of a distinguished boutique hotel.

Folks who enjoy genuine Thai food are in for a real treat at the Andaman Thai restaurant in Lincoln City, Oregon.  The couple who own it are personable and friendly and the wife is from Thailand so the food is absolutely authentic.

If you choose to indulge at the Andaman, please be patient.  Food is not pre-prepared.  There is about a 30 minute wait between the time you order and the food’s arrival at your table.  It is worth every second.

My Lady and I very rarely go out to eat because we love getting into the kitchen together and dinking around.  She grows her own herbs and we delight in experimentation so going out to eat is not the same for us as it is for other people.  Because we go out so rarely, we tend to be in a rut when it comes to ordering.  My Lady usually orders either the Pad Kee Mao with Shrimp or the Garlic Prawns.  I am very much in a rut; I enjoy the Panang Seafood and Salmon Curry so much that I don’t even bother with looking at the menu anymore.

For those with trepidations, when your waitress asks you if you want mild or medium, go for the medium; the mild is truly mild.  I am a firm believer that “there is no such thing as spicy food – only weak people” so I always ask for “Wild & Crazy” and sometimes even get extra peppers and sauce on the side depending on my mood.
Like most restaurants in Lincoln City, you will find the portions to be more than adequate but for folks with a real trencherman’s appetite, order the “Oh My God” appetizer to relish while waiting for your entrée.

The Inn at Wecoma (http://www.innatwecoma.com),and The Coho Oceanfront Lodge (http://www.thecoholodge.com),  would like to recommend Andaman Thai of Lincoln City, Oregon to all travelers.

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• Low-flow sink aerators and low-flow showerheads
• 1.6 gpm toilet or toilet adaptations
• Fluorescent energy-saving lighting   
• Amenities - 100% natural, soy-based ink, vegetable-oil base, and dye-free
• Paper products - recycled, biodegradable; No Styrofoam usage
• Cleaning products and laundry detergents - nontoxic, phosphate-free, biodegradable and recycled packaging
• Hot water - 125-130 degrees F (52-55 degrees C)
• Linens changed between guests or on request only (towels on floor or in tub)
• Bamboo-blended towels - natural antibacterial and moisture-wicking qualities 
• Extra blankets - room can be kept colder on winter nights if guests prefer
• Recycling program in place; Recycling notice for guest involvement
• Glass water glasses (not plastic)
• Cloth laundry bags (retired sheets)
• Digital heating thermometers
• Hydronic heating system 

Although travelling to and exploring new places and cultures is a positive endeavor, the potential harmful effects of tourism can have both local and global reaches. Travelling green is an important and essential way to care for the places you love to stay, preserving them for others to enjoy for years to come. As an added bonus, reducing your travelling footprint often makes for a more satisfying and authentic experience. With a mindful approach to travel, you are able to form deeper connections with the people and places you visit.

As part of this endeavor, before travelling, research your choices available for Eco-friendly lodging. “Green” hotels are environmentally-friendly properties whose managers are eager to institute programs that save water, save energy and reduce solid waste.  At The Coho Oceanfront Lodge on the beautiful Oregon Coast, we are committed to do our part and make a small difference in making this a better, greener planet. 

Please click to read Part 1 & Part 2

So, how did this happen?
It's thought that these trees were killed between two and four thousand years ago; it would have taken a dramatic event- the ground level dropped 25 feet! So, an earthquake, for example, hits the coast, the ground drops, and then water and silt/sand rush in and bury the trees.  This action deprived the wood of oxygen, which is why they are still here today for us to marvel at.

Another bonus to these beauties are the incredible mixtures of textures that appear

Neskowin Ghost Forest

Wood, Rocks & Waves

Snoopy Stump!

I hope you've enjoyed learning about these fascinating features of the Oregon Coast.  Next step would be to call us at (541)994-3684 or to visit our Website to set up a reservation!  We're perfectly located to be able to explore the Oregon Coast to the Norht & South, if you pay attention while strolling the beaches, you just might find a new ghost forest being exposed.  We look forward to seeing you, Your Friends at the Coho Oceanfront Lodge

Photos & Text by Liza Carlson

Travelers will first appreciate the freshly ground, free coffee and a just-baked cookie at the front desk. But the most popular item is the free, hearty continental breakfast that goes beyond coffee, juice and rolls to include freshly made waffles, biscuits and gravy, oatmeal, fresh fruit, hard boiled eggs, pastries and muffins.

The Coho, located in the heart of Lincoln City at 1635 N.W. Harbor, also has added a second complimentary wine reception so that travelers wishing to relax after a long drive can enjoy a glass of red or white Northwest wine on both Wednesdays and Fridays. Also on Fridays, hotel guests are further pampered with chair massages.

Unlike big city hotels, The Coho Oceanfront Lodge does not charge for parking nor for wireless Internet service. Kids and adults both will enjoy free use of board games and binoculars which let guests scan the horizon of the vast Pacific Ocean. Weather permitting, adults also may request free use of gas fire pits, all the better to set a romantic mood on the Oregon Coast. Canadian visitors also will receive a free, crisp $10 American bill, subject to requirements.

In addition to the freebies, many of the hotel's packages will be well worth the extra fee. For example, an extra $49 will get you the Beach Bonfire Package that includes firewood, roasting sticks for hot dogs, graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for s 'mores, a beach mat and beach bag.

The Kids' Beach Package is just $25 and includes two kiddy kites, beach toys, snacks, a beach ball, beach towel, family guide with a list of local and family friendly destinations, unlimited DVD rentals and unlimited use of board games. For more information on the hotel, rates, availability and additional packages, please call 541-994-3684.

Getting there: Head north from Lincoln City on US 101. Take the Neskowin ramp (left) at the junction of Hwy 18 and US 101. Continue north for about 3.5 miles. Turn west (left) onto unpaved Road 1861, stay left at the fork about 2.6 miles to stay on 1861 for another 1.9 miles. This will bring you to a sign marking the beginning of Harts Cove Trail.

To protect endangered butterflies and fragile wildflowers on the headland, the access road gate is closed from January 1st to July 15th. Be aware that after persistent rains, the Harts Cove Trail can be muddy; wear appropriate footgear, not sneakers and definitely not flip-flops. Also, some places along the trail are more vulnerable to the coastal winds.

The Hart’s Cove Trail is a 5.2 mile RT hike (moderately difficult due to the 1000ft elevation change) that starts out by switch-backing downhill through a young coastal forest. Railroad tie steps here help make footing better. Very little light reaches the forest floor and undergrowth is sparse. Don’t despair, you are not just in another piece of the coastal rain forest; you will reach your goal before much longer. After about half a mile, you’ll cross Cliff Creek Bridge and begin climbing a varied, moderate grade. Another mile brings you to a bench where you will get a glimpse of the headland. Do not go down the side trail here that takes off to the left thinking you will get a better view. You will be disappointed and simply have to climb back up. Half a mile further and you will be able to hear the sea lions and seals that make the other side of the cove their hangout. Once you reach the gorgeous meadow that was once part of the Taggard homestead, take the left-most path down the grassy bluff to the cliff-edge view point overlooking the cove for a marvelous vista of the Cove and Chitwood Creek Falls. The seals and sea lions you are hearing are out of sight around the promontory.

For the adventurous (not recommended for children), climb back up about 50 yards to a junction and head seaward. A challenging scramble down this trail leads down to the edge of this lava rock headland. The waves alternately display and hide barnacles, sea stars and sea palms. Remember, wherever you climb down, you will have to climb back up.

After a nice long hike, why not relax at The Coho Oceanfront Lodge?  Our newly renovated hotel features a luxurios indoor heated pool, jacuzzi and sauna, as well as a selection of spa services.  For more information, visit http://www.thecoholodge.com.