It is with a combination of relief and satisfaction that I have completed an update to my popular guidebook, “Out Our Back Door”.

The even-better news is that I am taking a long-overdue hiatus from my South Coast Shopper articles. I expect to get some good new material for my column and be back stronger than ever.

It’s been a lot of fun scouting out all the great places and things for us South Coast residents to enjoy, and there are already hints of things to come, such as a new trail at South Slough National Research Reserve near Charleston.

There are also new businesses, including guided tours—not to mention ambitious plans to increase access.

I will also delight in continuing to seek out and enjoy places literally out our back door here in the Bay Area, such as the Millicoma Marsh trails in Coos Bay’s Eastside district, and of course our crown jewel, Shore Acres, and the four parks out at Cape Arago.

Another thing I will miss is the ongoing positive feedback and often-informative emails from readers with suggestions.

So, while you might miss my column, remember that it is all available in my book.

As I frequently say, Happy Picnicking!

-Tom Baake

Tom’s book, “Out Our Back Door” is available in the Coos Bay Visitor Center, Books By the Bay in North Bend, the Pancake Mill in North Bend, and Chuck’s Seafood in Charleston.

No more deadlines!

‍