While my husband communed with the DA in Coquille, I communed with the dead in Bandon. The dead seals, that is, found on the beaches. Upon excitedly reporting my photographic ventures to him he responded with a laconic “Ah, Heuer heaven!” It’s nice to know, 37 years on, you’ve married the right guy.

Heuer heaven it was, starting with the evening light when we arrived late the day before. In the morning, there was fog that made the air undulate in soft waves, light that was a shimmery veil, and temps that allowed me to breathe again after the heat during the drive down.

The rocks along this stretch of coast are spectacular.

As are the formations of wood, drift or otherwise, almost petrified.

So are the fields of wildflowers covering the steep cliffs descending to the beaches.

It is also by all reports a birder’s paradise during migration season. For me, in that regard it was slim pickings. Seagulls, a few adventurous crows, an unidentified seabird, and plenty of vultures.

First I thought they were waiting for him,

but then realized they feasted on the dead seals.

I soon turned my attention to the live ones…..

Bandon is a city in Coos County, Oregon, United States, on the south side of the mouth of the Coquille River. It sports about 3000 inhabitants, and on its list of attractions you find: Bandon Bait and Tackle, Tony’s Crab Shack and a variety of guide services for deep water fishing, Rogue river rafting, and estuary paddling.

Old town is a hotchpotch of stores hat supply the fishermen and process the catch, as well as venues that offer touristy kitsch. There is a working marina, plenty of eateries, and a pleasant boardwalk.

And then there is Henry the Fish, reminding us with detailed whim about what we’re doing to the oceans.

Yup, Heuer heaven.

Made even better with a rare piece of music by one all but forgotten: