6.14.2011

a coast post

We made our way to Jeff and Karen's Saturday morning and packed up the car to head to Cannon Beach. Josh's grandparents were also along for the weekend, and this trip coincided perfectly with Karen's birthday celebration! After stops at the outlet mall and Quizno's for lunch, we were on our way to the Oregon coast, and I couldn't have been more excited.

When we arrived we unpacked and promptly made our way down to the beach to enjoy the clear sky and 70-something-degree weather. (We stayed in Josh's aunt and uncle's beachfront property, so the beach was a three-minute walk away!)


While I walked around barefoot and took pictures and dozed and read my book, Josh spent three full hours flying a kite.


I found this display of boyishness completely invigorating.


That night we all went to Mo's for dinner. Josh requested some crayons so he could enjoy the kids' place mat he'd also requested.


The sun stayed out until 9:00 or 9:30, and we all stopped what we were doing to watch the sunset. Then we ate birthday cake. Obviously. (I can't believe I forgot to get a picture of the chocolate angel food cake I made for the occasion.)


Sunday morning we walked along the beach for a hour or so and this time enjoyed a chillier, cloudy coast.


What I loved most about this coast is that it reminds me strikingly of the mountains. The Oregon coast is just that—a coast. Not a beach. You don't find boardwalks, bikinis, or Sno-Cone machines here. Instead you find washed up kelp, driftwood, and sea-smoothed rocks.


The constant ebbing of the tides and the slate gray ocean expanse contrast beautifully with rocky cliffs and forest. It's so wild. It's that wildness that reminds me so vividly of the Rocky Mountains. The briny air is clear and crisp and cleansing. We saw whale spouts, seals flipping out of the water, and faraway fishing boats.


On our walk Sunday morning, I made my way to some mussel-covered rocks hiding pools of anemones. At one point I stared transfixed at the tidal dynamics directing the water crashing on the rocks. I felt suspended in the liminality between what's familiar and all that I don't know. I felt removed from my comfort zone and placed on the edge of untamed, beautiful, wild nature.

We finished up the weekend with napping, movies, card games, and more birthday cake. The Oregon coast is one of my new favorite places, and I'm pretty sure that we'll be planning many more coastal excursions.

10 comments:

A Mitton said...

See, this is why I love the Oregon coast. If you think you're going to the beach then go to another state. But the rocks and the tide pools and the sand dunes, oh man. And it's always windy and you usually need a jacket, and you will never tan. I miss it.

Also, Mo's! I hope you loved Mo's. Where did you guys stay?

Jill said...

I have never experienced the coast but feel like my soul is craving it!

m.estelle said...

looks so fun! i sure miss you guys!! cannot even WAIT for disneyland!

michelle said...

I love Cannon Beach! And Mo's. And tide pools. I think you described it all perfectly. The first time I went to the Oregon Coast, I was really taken aback. I had never seen anything like it.

Add in movies, card games, and cake, and it sounds pretty much perfect.

emily said...

I love your descriptions . Your trip sounds lovely! I want to see the coast soon. :)

Denise said...

This all sounds quite wonderful! The perfect vacation/weekend getaway.

I was, however, looking forward to seeing a photo of your cake. STUPID.

jt said...

Yeah, STUPID.
How did the cake turn out? I love that cake so much. I bet it was splendid and impressive, like you.
I wish I could see the Oregon coast! We are gearing up for our annual Carolina beach trip next month, however.

Hannah Holt said...

Mmmm. Mo's.

Hannah Holt said...

PS- thanks for the pictures. Brings back memories. :)

Marisa said...

Glad you hit Mo's! A trip to the Oregon coast is not complete without some Mo's chowder. Your photos make me feel like I'm right there.

Man, I really need a trip to the coast. :)

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