Sandland Adventures, Florence, OR

Thursday 6/28/2012

Our first day activity in Florence, OR. was the Sandland Adventure.

There are two different rides. a slow ride and a fast ride. If you have neck and back problems, the fast ride is not advised. Because I definitely have neck problems, we paid for the slow ride. There are two sand dune buggy ride business in Florence. We chose this business, because we didn't have to wait for 40 minutes, and got on a buggy right away.

We entered at the South Jetty of the Oregon Dunes National Recreational Area.

We sat at the very back with another couple. Every one else on the ride were a big group family.

The National Recreational Area stretches 40 miles from Coos Bay, OR. to Florence, OR. From the top of this dune we could see the Pacific.

Then we went through a sand road through the trees,

and crossed a stream.

On the other side of the stream we saw this RV and SUV. How he got there I do not know!

We took another sand road through sea grass to the ocean,

and then traveled 2 miles on the beach. I was glad it was only 2 miles because it was very cool that day, and the wind was very strong on the beach.

These guys and gals were dressed prepared, so it didn't seem to bother them much.

Most of us on the buggy were not as prepared.

Thank God we headed back inland, where it was warmer.

This sand road in was very bumpy.

There are so many roads in the recreational area, one could easily get lost. They do have road signs to help you find your way back.

We got back to the interior of the recreational area again.

You can also rent individual dune buggy.

Looked like a lot of fun, but more expensive and you needed to know what the heck you were doing.

Our first big hill we descended. Those were our tracks as we came down.

we got high enough for another ocean view.

Another down hill, this one was bigger then the last. All arms up!

When we headed down this hill, our driver was moving fast and I heard my husband say "Holy Cow" as we headed down.

We and the buggy were completely vertical.

Another ocean view,

before we descended once again.

I razed Joe saying, "How come you didn't say "Holy Cow" as we went down that one"? He said because I razed him to much for the first one. He will never hear the end of the, "Holy Cow shout out".  I still get a chuckle every time I think about that moment it happened!

Our ride was for an hour and it was a lot of fun.

On our last sand hilltop, we got a view of Florence and the river below.

I would highly recommend the sand dune buggy rides, but pick a warmer day!

We left the recreational area a different way.

The hour long ride cost $14 each. Well worth the money!