Summer Solstice 2016

The full moon shines on the bay, the berries are fragrantly ripe and this rare beauty arrives with the morning dew.

Abundance surrounds us on this Summer Solstice.

"Keep Netarts Weird"

Today, I am passing along this article written by a Netart native which talks about locals, tourists and travelers.  I share it with you so you understand when I post these silly blogs describing life on the Oregon Coast, I am not making it up...

http://www.tillamookcountypioneer.net/riprap-and-riffraff-and-other-common-tales-from-the-coast-tourists-versus-travelers/

Somehow the Coast's wild, untouched beauty makes up for the crazy human antics that cause me to shake my head in wonder.

It's Good to be Queen

Growing on a bluff next to the Cape Meares Lighthouse and overlooking miles of rocky coastline, the Pacific Ocean and migrating whales, this weed has found a perfect home.

Her official name, Queen Anne's Lace, seems well suited as she occupies her throne keeping a watchful eye on her kingdom and subjects far below.

Pelican Poetry

'Twas the morning before Labor Day, when all thro' the house,
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sandcastles danc'd in their heads,
And Bob in his 'kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a mid-summer's nap-
When out on the Bay there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters, and threw up the sash.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a flock of pelicans, so close and so clear,
More rapid than eagles those pelicans they came,
And I whistled, and shouted, and wished I knew them by name.

Okay, I do get extremely excited when the pelicans arrive each September.  There is nothing more fun than watching them filling up at this bountiful buffet before completing their migration to points south.  The pelicans are so awkward and gregarious as they dive for food.  Sometimes they float along with the tide and nod as they go by, giving the impression they are simply good-natured visitors who stopped by for a long holiday.

And then in November as if they heard a whistle,
Away they will all fly, like the down of a thistle:
But then I’ll exclaim, as they wing out of sight-
Happy Trails to all, and to all a good flight!



Note:  Thanks to Clement C. Moore who helped with this poem and the returning pelicans for inspiration.

Grace Under (High) Pressure

It's been a long, hot summer even on the Oregon Coast.  This graceful Lucifer plant doesn't seem a bit fazed.  Perhaps it is trying to set an example for my other whiny, thirsty garden dwellers.

Splash!

Credit: This refreshing pause in a long, hot summer brought to you by the Pacific Ocean.

Ahhhhhhhh...

That's just what I needed to replenish my soul.

Dog Days of Summer

After all, it is a dog's life!

Skippin' Sisters

There's nothing like a big sister to teach you how to skip a rock.  First, she picks out the perfect rock with a flat surface so it will bounce across the water.  Then, she shows you how to stand a little sideways and fling it just so until it skips 1, 2, 3, 4 and even 5 times before plopping to the bottom of the lake.  She patiently shows you again and again so you get it.

And then...your two-year old self picks up the biggest rock you can find and throws it directly at your big sister.  That will show her what rocks are for!

Beach Lily

The salt air, mist, and spotty sun breaks seem to make Calla Lilies spring forth everywhere at the Oregon Coast.  Their flowers embody grace and simple elegance.

Water Stars

As in the heavens, so it is here on Earth.  

Shiny, twinkling, sparkling light brought to you by Mother Nature to feed your soul.

That is One Dandy Lion

When I was little, I would carefully pick a dandelion as to not knock off any of the "wishes."  Then I would concentrate on a truly spectacular wish and blow, blow, blow until all the wishes were airborne.  I was very confident this ritual worked and still am.

Lucky for me I have a whole yard full of dandelions and can wish away whenever I want!

Rose Festival

Everywhere you look in the Pacific Northwest, roses are in bloom. 

Their blooms are so fragrant and graceful...a festival for the senses indeed!

Change of Seasons

The ocean is constantly changing, yet not changing at all as it comes ashore without fail, kissing the sand.

Each time I watch the waves they are different, colored by the wind, the weather, the sun...the seasons.  I now recognize the color and texture of the winter sea and how wildly beautiful it is perfectly offset by the color of the sky as a storm blows ashore.

The summer sea with it's jewel toned water of turquoises, emeralds, and blues is reminiscent of tropical waters far to the south.

As I learn to tell the seasons by the color of the sea,

I find myself in the rhythm of this most delightful planet.

Note: Taken from the exact same spot six months apart, these photos are perfect examples of Mother Nature's ever changing wardrobe. 

Summer at Poop Rock

Located in the channel between Tillamook Bay and the Pacific Ocean lies Poop Rock.  Every summer this little piece of real estate turns white thanks to it's popularity with sea birds (as seen here).  Every winter, the abundant rain washes it off and it returns to slate grey.

It may have a more beautiful name, but it will always be Poop Rock to us.

Why Do I Garden?

The magical colors of hydrangea blooms in the
late summer sun.  
Priceless!

Bahamas, Shamamas

Let me set the scene...a warm day in the high 70's...slight offshore breeze teasing my curls...sun on my face...the sound of waves crashing...and beautiful aquamarine water as far as the eye could see.

The Bahamas?

Nope, Cape Meares, Oregon, on Monday afternoon. 

Seriously, this photo was not enhanced.  The sea was showing off her magnificent beauty right here at home.  Plane ticket not required.

Calling All Butterflies

These lilies have opened their petals and hearts, eagerly awaiting winged visitors.

Summer 2012

 

Whether you are young or old, there is nothing like summer at the beach. Nothing!

Dam It!

There's a creek in Rockaway that runs into the ocean.  It has been doing so for a very long time, yet every day children want to change that.  They work and work with pails, shovels, pieces of driftwood, and even seaweed to stop the flow.  By evening, either the tide or the creek break down the barriers and the water reaches the sea once more.

The next day, another child happens upon the stream, has the same idea and begins digging.  Nothing required but imagination and creativity for hours of entertainment.  Often groups of children and even their parents will conspire on elaborate dams, spending all day on the project.  By the next morning, the slate will be wiped clean for a new set of "engineers" to begin.

As I sit here watching the latest effort,  I imagine all of the children over the many years who have spent an enchanted day playing in the sand and water.  Perhaps even my father and his father before him. 

What a wonderful gift this little creek brings to the world!