The Oregon Coast is always a great place to go to relax. To be able to spend time enjoying the sand and surf, beachcombing with the kids and taking pictures of the unusual, while hoping to get a shot at something really cool, has always been fun for our family. I especially enjoy watching the kids run from one thing to another; exploring the sea life during low tides, or watching the breakers crash onto the rocks during high tides.

Having warm sunshine is always a bonus on the Oregon Coast! They say people in Oregon don’t “tan”, they “rust”. I must admit, we do get enough rain to keep the mountains white with snow, thus keeping the farms watered through irrigation, during the summer. Oregon vegetation does stay green, especially the Western half of Oregon. Eastern Oregon is much drier, with less rainfall. I suppose that’s why it looks so barren and desolate.

On the Oregon Beaches, especially in the northern half of the state, you will find few sun bathers and even less using the surf as a playground. The water temperature is “cold”. I noticed my bare feet aching from the cold water this past weekend as we waded through the shallow surf. The waves came in and went out routinely, exposing the large sand bar where the kids were busy running to and fro picking up Sand Dollars of various sizes. These were not living so the kids were able to take them home. They collected a bag full before moving on to other adventures.

Star Fish and Crabs are always interesting to see up close, to hold and view intently from “stem to stern”. It’s fun to have them “pose” for photo shoots, even if they are dead.

Haystack Rock is a National marker for Cannon Beach. It’s probably one of the most photographed rocks on the West Coast. The birds that inhabit the massive haystack shaped rock were busy protecting their “turf” and their mates. It was mating season for some of the birds; perhaps it is everyday, I don’t know. A Coastal Marine Life Volunteer, an old lady who looked to be about 70, overheard me comment to my friend about the Gull “flapping his wings”. She said that he was probably on top of a female Gull. As a matter of fact………..

If you get a chance to go to the Oregon Coast, you would not be disappointed. The entire coastline scenery varies from place to place; all of it beautiful. Sea Lions and Seals abound along the secluded rocky shores and small islands of rock and grass, and can often be seen from certain vantage points foraging for food among the vegetation. A myriad of birds inhabit the area, making their nests upon the craggy rocks where four-legged predators cannot come. Whale watching and Whale watchers abound during the migration season. The Whales migrate between Alaska and Hawaii; ever moving along the deep Pacific waters to mate and give birth to babies in the warm waters of Hawaii.

Kite festivals, contests and meets are common up and down the coast. Annual seafood and wine festivals are commonplace, drawing massive crowds to sample the flavor of Oregon. Some of the best fireworks displays are along the Oregon Coast during the 4th of July and New Year’s Day celebrations.

I love this area of the world. The mountains are amazing, but the Sea is always changing, always alluring; ever drawing us near to watch its power.
http://www.cannon-beach.net/surfcam/cbsurfcam.html