a wee bit o' Scotland

Todd and I were recently in Oregon for the Christmas holidays, and we were able to squeeze in one of my favorite things...a trip to the coast.  It doesn't matter if it's cold (it always is), or raining (it always is).  I spent my summers in Seattle growing up, and have developed a real love of the Pacific Northwest coastline. 

I much prefer it to the smooth, tame beaches of the east coast. 

Here is Haystack Rock, a famous landmark:

But there are lots of smaller rock formations, just as nice.

No matter what the weather, people bring their dogs to play fetch in the surf.

I get such a kick out of watching them play.

When the tide goes out, beautiful sand formations are left behind:

Of course, some are man-made.   Beam me up, Scotty!

The Pacific Northwest coastline has lots of beautiful rock formations in lovely deep colors.

Sea caves, carved out by the surf:

Barnacles and mussels grow on every available surface:

I joked to Todd that these long white things were "Neptune's fingers", but they are really gooseneck barnacles.

As much as I love the popular coastline...

...Todd introduced me to a new place several years ago that seems almost magical to me.  It's Cape Meares, an estuary on the northern coast (an estuary is a place where salt water and fresh water merge).  It reminds me so much of Scotland:

Lots of boggy ground covered with thick tufts of grass...

...that lay flat after the tide goes out.

All sorts of little birds gather here, and deer, too, I see:

If you take the long road, a nice 1 1/2 mile walk, to the coast, you'll pass these boggy lands on your right.  You'll eventually come to a forested path...

...which leads up a steep hill, through thick sea grasses...

...to a lovely beach.

It's almost always completely deserted, because I think most people drive past this to get to the Cape Meares lighthouse.  But we aren't interested in lighthouses.  We'd rather take a long walk at the water's edge. 

We're always cold and wet after our day at the coast, but it's part of the whole experience for us.  We're already looking forward to our next coastal trip. 

Have a great week!