My own private America

Something about a trip like this on my own results in a sense of discovery and exploration about where I end up. I choose the paths and go out of my way to avoid the main routes but even so, it's striking how few people I come across enjoying this part of the world.

Even on what you'd think should be tourist hotspots like Bandon beach in summer season, there sheer lack of people about is puzzling. The day I was there, there were maybe 4 cars in the car park and no more than 10 people scattered across the sand - even then concentrated near the car park.

Maybe it's that this country is just so big, there aren't enough people about to fill it? You might think that I'm atypical, deliberately avoiding hotspots, but even in what should be world-class destinations like the Redwood state parks, the scarcity was surprising.

All of which results in a sense that I'm enjoying my own private America, a personal tour with the stunning landscape on show just for me. It gets sometimes that when I do encounter people, they almost feel wrong and out of place, cluttering up my personal edification of this amazing place. I do wonder how much of the mystery people are missing out on though by obeying the Sat Nav and sticking to tourist traps. Live a little, get lost.

More photos from Willamette Forest