Close Encounters of the Worst Kind

Is it an alien?

Darth Vader's sidekick?

A huge, armor-coated spider?

Not according to the local high school science teacher.   Upon exploring Netarts Bay last weekend searching for cool stuff for his students, he found this Kelp Crab.  It is cool, in a "creepy, don't ever want to run into one sort-of-way," I suppose.

He excitedly shared there are many, many of them in the Bay.  Oh boy, I guess. He went on to say Kelp Crab are known for the ability to climb and run quickly, oh dear.  They also pinch very hard, yikes.

Don't bother with all the scary sci-fi movies, this creepy crustacean will be the villain in my nightmares!

Tales of a Sea Dragon

Of all the things the sea has shared with me this winter, 

the Sea Dragon is my very favorite.

Coming ashore on a full moon, the fog parted long enough to light his way.  The serpent had traveled a great distance the past fortnight and needed to rest on the soft sand.  The next morning, the winter sun rose and warmed his smooth skin as he languished on the beach.

He quietly watched my approach.  With a wink and a sly smile, he welcomed me to sit by his side.  He talked of pirates and mermaids, of storms and wild seas and of far off places I can only imagine.  I told him of deserts, canyons and cities where you never even see the horizon.

The conversation eventually drifted away and we silently watched the waves together as the sun crossed the sky overhead.  We were kindred spirits.

I could have stayed there forever, but after a while, he turned his head longingly towards the sea.  The high tide playfully lapped against his side, beckoning him back to the water.  I knew our time had come to an end.

As we said our farewells it was clear, our friendship would last an eternity. Until we meet again, safe journey!

Lessons Still to be Learned

Some people pass through our lives 

in a shorter time frame than we had hoped 

to teach us things 

they never could have taught if they stayed.

Year End Special

Don't let this year end without telling someone special how much you love them.  

Tell them even one way they changed your life. 

Share a silly childhood memory.

Thank them for the a time they came to your rescue.

Let them know how proud you are of them.

Open your heart and say all of those things we never take time or are afraid to say. 

We always think there is going to be a tomorrow and sometimes there just isn't.

Witch Test

If you spend time on Winter Solstice shaking each grain of sand from sea shells collected during the summer and saving them in a crystal bottle, does that mean you are a witch?

Ah, I thought so.

Beachcombing Bonanza

Wandering down the beach yesterday after the big storm, we saw broken shells, plastic debris and even part of a dock washed ashore.  Then, in a remote part of the beach, we happened upon this...

A nice 20-foot fishing boat complete with a depth finder.  The hull is smooth and clean outside, as all of the barnacles and sand are on the inside. There were no bodies or other creepy things aboard. If a little crime scene tape doesn't bother you, it could be yours for the taking.  That is, if the high tide doesn't beat you to it.

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.