The Mill Casino RV Park in Coos Bay, Oregon

Coos Bay, Oregon:  My Driver and I did not venture too far up the coast today. Again, the weather was just outstanding on the Oregon Coast and we did not want to leave Gold Beach... but we went a few miles north to Coos Bay to check-out the new RV Park at The Mill Casino.

Along the way we had a very interesting encounter with a small herd of elk returning from the beach at Humbug Mountain State Park. The herd could not decide if they actually wanted to cross the road or ... maybe not. There was some attempt, with a visit to the middle of the road and a return to the safety of the shrubbery... then one elk crossed the road, then another, and finally the rest of the group followed. Amazing meeting so up-close with these wondrous creatures. DT commented on how strange that we visit Elk Prairie Park - known for hundreds of elk - and see a large herd of elk on the beach in Oregon. Not a mystery to me. Oregonian Elk know a good beach day is a rare thing and they take opportunity same as the rest of us mere mammals.

DT and I stopped to make day camp where the Coquille River meets the sea, in Bandon, Oregon. Here we enjoyed the sunny afternoon and dined on a bowl of home-made chicken soup. Life is extremely good on the Oregon Coast.

DT at Bullard's Beach State Park in Bandon, Oregon

Our drive continued north, but not too much north. We stopped in Coos Bay to rate the new Mill Casino RV Park. It is pretty nice and they have a shuttle to carry you on over to the smoky casino. DT and I checked out the casino and can say we are ten dollars ahead for the venture, though all our clothes did have to go into the wash. How is it that you can't smoke anywhere in Oregon... except your own house... or an Indian casino?

Our dinner tonight was enjoyed at the legally-smoke-free Benetti's - one of my Dad's favorite Coos Bay restaurants. DT and I had very traditional Italian meals - complete with soup, salad and garlic bread - and good service. Benetti's is a very popular spot and is usually very busy. If you are not with children, you can get a table upstairs in their "adult only" dining room. One of the interesting features of the restaurant is a fountain in the entry, made from wine bottles.

The wine bottle water feature at Benetti's in Coos Bay

RV Park: Mill Casino RV Park