Friday, December 14, 2012

Dramatic Pacific -- Fri., Dec. 14

At 9:00 a.m., we picked up my sister and headed for the Oregon Coast. You never know what kind of weather you'll find when you get there. Today's forecast was 50% chance of rain.

As we crossed the coast range, the low clouds hanging over the hills and farmland burned off and we were treated to sun, blue skies, "powdered sugar" snow on the trees at the summit, and dramatic clouds.

At Cannon Beach, our first coastal town, we stopped at Cannon Beach Bakery to choose our favorite treats. Happy faces and tummies ensued.

"I'll have the almond bear claw."
Mom picking up her almond bear claw.
Bob, Mom and Jan.
Bob opted for a custard Bismarck and I had a marionberry Danish. So good.
Mom, Jan and I.
Mom and Jan enjoying their treats and conversation.
 
Cannon Beach is our favorite Oregon beach town. Besides interesting shopping, this stretch of coast is home to Ecola State Park and Haystack Rock.
Surfing deer? Decked out for Christmas.

Cannon Beach Bakery.

On the garbage can.

Ecola State Park picnic area.

Ecola State Park.

Bob, Mom, Jan.

Me, Jan, Mom.

Ecola State Park windswept tree.

Lighthouse converted to columbarium.
 One way to be buried at sea...a columbarium for cremated remains.
Explanation of a columbarium.



Attempting to surf...not too successful.

Crashing waves--Indian Beach area, Ecola State Park.


Poseur.

"Extreme high tide." No beach at Indian Beach today

Indian Beach.

Indian Beach.
After 1/2 hour of watching two guys try to surf in the pounding waves, we were tired. LOL. We went to Wayfarer restaurant in Cannon Beach for lunch. Our window table overlooked Haystack Rock. We enjoyed waching the clouds roll in over the ocean and a rainstorm out at sea while we soaked in the sunshine.




Haystack Rock and smaller sea stacks.
When we left the restaurant, the weather had turned to soaking rain and a strong wind. It only lasted about ten minutes, then we were back to blue sky as we headed north to Seaside.

Basically, we did a quick drive through Seaside, went to the turnaround at the beach and headed back to Mom's place.


Lewis & Clark sculpture at the turnaround.


That's it for today. I finished my blog just in time to watch "Shark Tank." Whew!

As you can see, it's mostly a pictorial blog today. Thanks for riding along.

Susan, Bob, Margaret and Janyce out.