Create successful ePaper yourself
Turn your PDF publications into a flip-book with our unique Google optimized e-Paper software.
Lincoln County. Each quest is unique<br />
in content, with some focused on<br />
nature while others have an emphasis<br />
on history or architecture.<br />
An informational tsunami quest based<br />
out of the Hatfield Marine Science<br />
Center is not only educational, but<br />
practical. “It is fun with family while<br />
talking and learning about a scary<br />
topic,” said Goodwin. “It’s like having a<br />
fire drill. We think we know something<br />
but haven’t practiced it. This allows<br />
you to think about things ahead of<br />
time and that starts a conversation. It’s<br />
empowering.”<br />
There is also a historic cemetery quest<br />
in Lincoln County. “People have<br />
preconceived notions about cemeteries,”<br />
said Goodwin. “And people don’t<br />
usually recreate there. But there is so<br />
much to learn about math and history.<br />
And it has incredible views and plants.”<br />
Avery Chandler, an area seventh grader,<br />
has participated in all Lincoln County<br />
quests and said he loves each one of<br />
them. “They are all so fun, but there<br />
are four that really stand out to me,”<br />
Chandler said. “I like the South Beach<br />
quest and the HMSC quest because you<br />
get to explore different habitats, and<br />
you learn a lot about the ecosystem.” He<br />
also counts the Eureka Cemetery quest<br />
and the Bayfront quest as favorites.<br />
Chandler said participants learn all<br />
kinds of facts about the history of the<br />
place where the quest is. “In the Eureka<br />
Cemetery quest, you get to visit Sam<br />
Case’s grave and get to learn about all<br />
of the amazing things he did, including<br />
building Sam Case Elementary School,”<br />
he explained. “Also, you usually get to<br />
hike and walk in some really cool areas.”<br />
About 1,000 people participate in<br />
<strong>Oregon</strong> quests each year. Chandler<br />
said anyone who might be hesitant<br />
about trying a quest should just try<br />
one. “I don’t know any single person<br />
that has done a quest and not enjoyed<br />
it,” Chandler said. “They are fun, take<br />
an hour at most, and you learn a lot.<br />
And start off doing a simple one, like<br />
the HMSC Nature Trail quest. It’s fun,<br />
short and sweet.”<br />
Goodwin suggests that anyone setting<br />
out on a quest check their website at<br />
seagrant.oregonstate.edu/education/<br />
quests for the latest information. “We<br />
have volunteers up and down the coast<br />
which is super helpful,” said Goodwin.<br />
“If there is something that we can’t<br />
correct immediately, such as a sidewalk<br />
repair, that will be noted online.”<br />
The maps and directions needed to<br />
go on a quest are found in the <strong>Oregon</strong><br />
<strong>Coast</strong> Quest guidebook, available at<br />
bookstores around the region. The<br />
newest guidebook costs $10 and has<br />
directions for all 27 hunts. The list<br />
of retailers can also be found on their<br />
website.<br />
The introduction to the quest guidebook<br />
includes the approximate time of<br />
the journey, the approximate time to<br />
complete, the terrain, accessibility,<br />
whether there are any parking fees and<br />
whether you can bring a dog.<br />
Chandler’s mother, Leigh Chandler,<br />
said the quests are a wonderful way to<br />
spend an afternoon. “Every time I have<br />
done one, I see a new place or learn<br />
something new about my community,”<br />
she said. “We always have fun together<br />
too, laughing and discussing the<br />
challenges, trying to find our way.<br />
It’s like an escape room, but free and<br />
outdoors. I just wish there were more!”<br />
For more information about quests<br />
or to see the latest updates on specific<br />
quests, go to seagrant.oregonstate.edu/<br />
education/quests or contact Goodwin<br />
at 541-961-0968.
Change language