April Foolin'

Looking down on the warm sand during my morning stroll, my eyes catch the tropical colors of the water. Transparent waves kiss the shore and I can almost hear the trade winds gently blow through the palm trees.

My mind would like me to believe I am on a South Pacific Island, but my three layers of clothes to ward off the bitingly cold wind remind me this is Netarts Bay.

Hey, a girl can dream, can't she?

Sanity Check

Mother Nature wreaked havoc on the Oregon Coast this week.  Homes were evacuated, raging rivers flooded their banks, the power was out and entire communities became cut off from the outside world by landslides.

Undaunted, these citizens watched out for each other during the storms and continue to help each other dig out from under tons of silt, water, and trees.  Often sending a distressed plea through social media for others to check on loved ones when the roads were washed away.  This small community banded together and the heartwarming stories are many.

We fared much better than most, only losing a pine tree to the wild winds.  It snapped off 16 feet up, unceremoniously dropping the upper half on the fence.  At the coast they jokingly call this "having your firewood delivered to your door."  Many have had it delivered by ocean waves this week, thankfully, not in our case.

The storms continue to batter the shore with lively thunder and lighting last night and another high wind warning alert for tomorrow.  Just as you are considering a sanity check might be in order, a moment (like the one pictured here) comes along.  The salty air whirls around you, the sky lightens and the birds once again take flight.  The calm before the next storm reminds you of why you live here.

Grateful for Sunbeams

After a wild week of weather, we are graced with the sun.  Just as I turn my face to absorb the last rays of the fall sun, so do all of the plants and animals of the kingdom.

How sweet it is to be loved!

The Rainmaker

It has been the driest, hottest year at the Oregon Coast.  Beach fires are banned, the rivers are low, the leaves are dry and wildfires threaten our forests.  The Earth is begging for rain.

Turns out, all that is required is to send me on vacation.  On my first day off, it started to rain.  Today is Day Three and over three inches of rain have fallen.

You are welcome!

All is not lost, I am on my third book.

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.

Storm Watch 2014

We are expecting a real humdinger of a storm today and already there is no view of the bay through the rainy window pane.

The National Weather Service has issued a Hurricane Force Wind Advisory and we are expecting winds of over 70 knots to come ashore here in Netarts.  They have included the following bit of information along with the warning... 

"A HURRICANE FORCE WIND WARNING MEANS WINDS OF 64 KNOTS OR GREATER ARE IMMINENT OR OCCURRING. ALL VESSELS SHOULD REMAIN IN PORT...OR TAKE SHELTER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE...UNTIL WINDS AND WAVES SUBSIDE."

As advised, my vessel will remain in port until further notice.  Preferably with a warm fire and toasty adult beverage.

Winter Blues

 

The coldest of winter days are often the most striking.  

The rewards of leaving the fireplace and bundling up should never be underestimated.

Carwash Blues

You slip the car into neutral
Roll up the windows
and sit back for a wild ride

Water comes shooting at you from every direction
(you check the windows again)
The noise is furious as it pelts against the glass
Sheets of water blur your vision

The next thing you know you are being buffeted by wind
A strong blast of air hits the glass causing it to bow towards your face
Your ears warble as the pressure inside changes drastically
and you try to make them pop by continuous swallowing
All the while hoping the vehicle stays intact

Then it's over, you gently and quietly roll to the end.

Except it's not over...

You realize you are not in your car after all
You are sitting at your kitchen table overlooking the ocean
Surrounded by windows and a nasty coastal storm
A storm currently hurling rain, wind and airborne branches
Straight toward you
at 65 mph

and it's not going to be over for a very long time.

So you slip your nervous mind into neutral
and sit back for a wild ride.

Mother Nature Gets the Last Laugh

The trees along the Oregon Coast are shaped by the wind and salt air.  Any esteemed landscaper would be proud to take credit for their magnificence, but it is Mother Nature's work. 

Then there are the poor arborvitae who must stand guard at fences around the world to adorn property lines.  Alas, they don't enjoy salt air and wind.  On the Oregon Coast, they end up looking more like sad poodles.

Facing the Storm

You may have read my blog a few weeks ago about a crazy storm we had at the coast.  Turns out it was the remnants of Typhoon Padbuk that had come ashore with over 80 mph winds and torrents of rain.  We weren't the only ones riding out the storm.  The pelicans had decided flying was not an option and had landed on Netarts Bay literally riding out the storm facing into the wind.

Several days later when the typhoon blew over, the pelicans ousted the seagull population from their favorite breakwater to rest up on dry land.  A little preening and drying of feathers and they were as good as new.

Everyone lived happily ever after except the seagulls who wanted their land back.  They screeched and hollered about it but their complaints fell on deaf ears.  Is that why they call it a "pecking order?"

What Doesn't Knock You Down, Will Bring You Closer

Four brothers came together at the beach last weekend drawn by the love of family and each other.  It had been years since all four had seen each other.  The time was designed as a chance for them to reconnect with one another, their mother and family.

The weather had been glorious all week leading up to the event, so all sorts of activities from crabbing and kayaking to hiking and beach combing were on the docket.  Instead two "unseasonable" storms (according to the weather forecasters) hit the coast bringing winds peaking at 83 mph.  The first storm started early Saturday and reached a crescendo that rattled windows and literally shook the house.  Rain slammed against the windows in sheets and the sea birds took cover to ride it out.

The activity schedule changed to sitting inside, cozy and warm.  Convened in one room, they shared stories of their lives past and present.  They reminisced about places, people, and girls whose hearts they had broken. Occasionally a huge gust would hit the house and conversation would stop as everyone took a moment to acknowledge the beauty and fury of the storm.  Then back to the reflections and storytelling.    Meals were made together and enjoyed after giving thanks for this precious time and the storm which made it more intimate.

When a nice walk was suggested, the brothers and a nephew suited up in every available piece of rain gear and headed out.  However, the more adventurous of the siblings turned the walk into a hike to the point of Cape Lookout.  The din of the storm, shear power and exhilaration of the near hurricane force winds had them all whooping and hollering like young boys.  The decades dropped away and they were playmates again.

Later, safe and sound back inside with the storm on the outside, it was time for hot tea and dry clothes.  They had new stories to tell about their latest shared adventure.

All agreed, Mother Nature's fury had conspired in their favor to provide them with an unforgettable weekend of love, laughter and memories.

They were very grateful indeed.

For a peak into the storm, here is a video that doesn't quite do it justice, but you get the idea.

Incoming

Creeping fingers of fog come in from the sea...

Partly Cloudy with a Chance of Tears

Thoughts and feelings are the weather of the soul.

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. 

What a Difference a Day Makes

Just 24 hours after a sunny Winter Solstice, dark blue clouds rolled onshore.  The colors of the morning were magnificent!

We scurried back to the shelter of Saltair Station before those clouds had a chance to deliver the rain they promised--and they did deliver.

Onshore Breeze

The recent storm in Rockaway reported winds of 90 mph.  Superstorm Sandy had some competition for windspeed.  Although Carpenter Bob had reinforced the fence and the local police hadn't called us to report a fence in the road, we were still nervous about what we might find upon arriving at Saltair Station on Friday.

Damage Report:

• A length of gutter found in the yard.  Not from any of our gutters, so it had apparently flown there from another house.
• One goofy looking 12ft. tall "palm" tree snapped off.  Whoever originally planted this tropical species was confused about the latitude of the property.
• Missing mailbox.  Even though it was bolted down, it had blown clean off the cement post.  Thanks to the numbers I had recently put on it, the curved dome was returned by a neighbor.

Happily, the fence was still standing this time. 

Man vs. Nature:  Bob - 1, Mother Nature - 1.

Note:  The locals have their money on Mother Nature and never miss an opportunity to tell Bob.  What the heck, it gives them something to watch in the winter.

Old Man Winter

Old Man Winter reclaims the shoreline.  We are content to watch from a comfortable distance as we drink in the wild sea air.

Drip System

Fall raindrops drip delicately on the garden.

Tired of the Summer Rain?

Lickety Split

Don't consider yourself a "power-walker?"  Take a stroll along an Oregon beach during spring break and when the cold seeps into your bones, you will walk little faster, a little faster, then faster still.  It is either to keep warm or get back to the fire sooner--no matter the reason, consider it fitness training.

In fact, it was amazing how fast this family could walk.  Even the dog looked back, begging for mercy.