A day well spent

Yesterday Lori and I headed South again . The weather was wonderful . Based
on forecast this will probably be the last really good photography day on the
Coast .
For the most part I try to find the beauty in even the most drab of days .
I know that the weather I am experiencing on any given day is the weather that
God has created not only for me but for all . He challenges me to find the glory
of His creation and artistry in every kind of weather . Having said that
...bright sunny days are glorious !
I woke up early , with Lori still sleeping I slipped out of the house and
went to Depoe Bay to see if could catch the Coast guard out on training , but
they were not going out . I stopped off at Boiler bay to take a few shots of the
morning sun as it crested the coastal mountains and broke through the native
forests bordering the Sea.
When I returned Lori was up . we spent some time enjoying the view and
decided to head out around 11:30.
The drive was pleasant . We talked a little about the Church experience
from the day before . Just before we left Lori had an on line conversation with
a friend who had also heard the sermon and was also trying to sort it out . So
often in my life my ego takes over and I think I am the only one who hears or
sees something ..The Lord is teaching me through others that the Ministry of
Reconciliation is still well and working in the Body of Christ .
Again for the most part we simply enjoyed the drive and its beauty . We had
planned to have lunch in Yachats ...one of our favorite beaches on the Coast .
Lori had suggested we eat at the Landmark Inn . This restaurant overlooks the
Yachats river as it enters the Pacific Ocean . In the past we have been
entertained by the seagulls who enjoy the fresh water river . It is our guess
that they bath in the fresh water to remove sea lice from their plumage . You
can watch the birds fly to the front of the small rapids that enter the bay then
float to the bay , fly away and repeat the float . Arriving at the restaurant we
were saddened to find it was vacant . We decided on a whim to eat at the Adobe
restaurant . this is another familiar spot to us , the Restaurant is connected
to a Motel over looking the Ocean , It was in this Hotel that Lori and I
celebrated our first Anniversary . The restaurant faces the ocean . It curves
around a point built on an old native American camping ground . The view is
extraordinary ...lava rock here flowed in small rivulets , the sapce between the
rivulets filled with softer sediment which in time was eroded ...so you have
these " fingers " Of lava standing in the Ocean . the waves wash over the rocks
with spectacular results .
After lunch we spent some time photographing and videoing the waves . I
had wanted to visit Strawberry Hill beach again so we headed further south .
along the way we stopped at the Cape Perpetua look out point . I realized this
was the shot I wanted so we didn't need to go further south . Lori remembered
there was a trail leading to e beach from a past visit . We walked down to the
beach . stopping every so often to take a snap of the imposing headland , as we
turned around in one place we saw a huge spray of water rise up over the hill in
front of us . It was a " spouting horn " these are unique features of the
Central Oregon coastline . Long ago rivers of lava pushed into the sea. in
time sediments filled in the areas between the Lava fingers . then in more time
the Sea eroded the Sediments ...the result are these narrow cracks running
perpendicular to the ocean . the Ocean waves are funneled into the cracks until
there is no place to go but up . The result is what is called a spouting horn .
At first I was shooting directly into the setting sun . I thought if I
could work my around the crack with out getting drenched I could get some better
lighting and the possibility of a rainbow as well as the sun played on the ocean
spray.
I found a trail around the fissure and was rewarded with great lighting and
a rainbow or two . Lori sat high above me on the hill taking a few photos and
videoing the action as well .
She was witness to one huge eruption that almost soaked me . My shot and
her reaction were priceless .
I was able after careful alignment to get a photo of Lori under the rainbow ..pretty cool !.

We stayed a bit , it was lovely there ..walked back up the trail and
headed home ...
We made one last stop at a place called Devils Punch bowl . this is
actually an underwater cave that had its roof collapse , leaving the top open
.. from here we had a majestic view of Cape Foul weather .
From this point it was only a few more minutes and we were home ...Lori
prepared beef and Broccoli for dinner and we enjoyed the last of the Sunset from
our deck ....
Was a wonderful day !

Our God is Healer

Photo by Lori Stilger

Sunday Lori and I had decided to return to Florence Oregon to the Church we
went to when we lived in Florence . Earlier in our stay we had met up with one
of our friends we went to church with. And their response to us , was
encouraging and helped to create a desire to revisit the Church.

Florence is about a hour and a half drive from where we are staying , we
left a little early just in case there might be a photo opportunity , but the
weather was pretty gray the entire distance.

There was only one other familiar face in the congregation , but Church is
church and God will always show up when He is being praised .

This particular church experience was very difficult for both of us ...it
did create a desire in both Lori and I to call our Pastor and thank Him for the
wonderful Ministry of Grace and Love that He is so faithful to witness to every
day of the week .

The Return trip to our rental was a blessing . Lori and I shared our
feelings about the message we had both heard . and it was good for me to hear
that Lori and I were both in agreement . We also decided to have lunch in a a
place that held many memories for us some good some painful .. the food was
great and the ocean view and the follow up walk on the beach was wonderful !

We started to see Sun breaks and we stopped several places along the Coast
as we worked our way back North. We visited the small beach where Lori was
once knocked over by a sneaker wave , we visited a wayside called Strawberry
Hill that I have always wanted to visit ... this particular beach has a
wonderful view of Cape Perpetua the highest point on the Oregon Coast .

We wound our way up the coast marveling at the beauty we were seeing. Our
final stop was at Heceta Head Light ...it was close to Sunset ...the skies
were clearing. there was a steady bitter cold wind . The light house which has
stood resolute against the storms , the winds the cold , the good days and the
bad days gleamed in the light of the setting sun .

Lori and I spent over an hour taking photos in the raw wind . Diving into
the car to warm our bodies, then back outside as the clouds and sun continued to
dance before us .

And while the elements played their game of tag , and light and clouds
and sun moved in their end of day ballet ..the Light house stood firm , tall ,
its light sending out hope and reassurance to the travelers on the storm tossed
sea .

We left the lighthouse as the lightfaded , a glance over my shoulder and I
could see the lamp even brighter in the storm .

As we crested the heights of Cape Foulweather we listened to the Song by
Chris Tomlin called " Our God "
"Our God"
Water you turned into wine, opened the eyes of the blind there's no one like you none
like You!Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one
like you none like You!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Into the darkness you shine out of the ashes we rise there's no one
like you none like You!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!And if
our God is for us, then who could ever stop us.And if our God is with us,
then what could stand against.And if our God is for us, then who could ever
stop us.And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.What
could stand against. Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you
are higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!And if our
God is for us, then who could ever stop us.And if our God is with us, then
what could stand against.And if our God is for us, then who could ever stop
us.And if our God is with us, then what could stand against.Then what
could stand against.Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are
higher than any other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our
God!Our God is greater, our God is stronger, God you are higher than any
other.Our God is Healer, Awesome in Power, Our God! Our God!
Our God Chris Tomlin

For me those few minutes in the car with my wife was truly " church " .
The lighthouse the beauty of His creation , the praise ...all reminded me that
God is Awesome in Power and awesome in grace ...He is bigger than a headland , a
lighthouse , He is more filling that a lovely brunch on the Ocean beach , He is
more graceful and more merciful than words from a pulpit. And as time would show
me the very next day He is a Healer . My heart which was troubled by the church
experience was healed by the well timed comments of one of His Saints ....

Drenched

Saturday was quite a day here ...The weather system passed to the East ,
but the high waves continued all day . The vantage point i had planned to go to
was closed the trail was considered too dangerous . I drove to another location
and was rewarded with some fantastic photos of waves pummeling the rocks and
reefs .

It was very good to be prepared . I had bought a " raincoat " for the
Camera , and I had a jacket and rain pants for myself . I also carried two
extra towels under my jacket .

When the waves hit the land they throw up amazing amounts of spray . Wet
spray . the best way to keep dry is to shoot at an angle to the Coast line ,
instead of trying to get the waves Head on. But no matter what you will get
wet and the Camera Lens will get wet . That is the purpose of the towels .

It was cold , but how many times in your life will you get to really see
something like this ! Dozens of people were finding the same area I had located
, all dashing out trying to take a photo , then retreating to their cars . I
was able to share my towels with several people .

For the most part I can say this day I was really living " Drenched ". I
stayed there for a couple of hours , till memory and battery were wearing out .
I could easily taste the salt water on my lips .

On this day all my senses were fully engaged ...what a wonderful Memory
!!

Awesome God

Very powerful winds from the West are pulling cold air down from Alaska
..the result is a full blow Northwest storm . Since early evening last night we
have been battered by gale force winds , some of the gusts have exceeded 50 MPH
with Sustained winds near 30 MPH all night . The House we are renting which
faces the ocean has been shaking and protesting al night .
The High wind Advisory will be in effect most of the day . To the East just
a few miles away snow is pelting the Coastal mountain passes . In the Cascades
over two feet of snow is expected . It is simply Awesome.
Its still dark I can only hear the surf . Waves are predicted to be between
25 and 30 foot . Fortunately today's tides are lower than usual so beach erosion
will not be extreme . But the waves will attack the headlands with unrelenting
ferocity .
The hourly weather report suggests that there will be a rain break in the
mid Morning hours . Hopefully enough so that I can work my way out to fishing
rock and take some photos of the waves as they batter the Shore .
The area I plan to shoot is a cove , Some of the houses above the Beach
about 50 feet up from the shoreline are already vacant . The sea will destroy
them soon , its not a matter of if , it is a matter of when .
This Process , the land raising up and the Sea taking it back is called
Mass Wasting , it is the result of gravity. The land mass is heading down slope
...moving to the Ocean . The Heavy rains we are having will percolate into the
porous sedimentary soil ...they will do this freely until the reach the dense
volcanic rock that underlies the Sediments . The water will then follow the
slope of the volcanic rock where it pours out between the sediment and the
Basalt . The Sediment will slid along this slope and the reslut is what we
refere to as Landslides . As this infiltration of water through rock is going on
the Ocean waves batter the exposed face of the bluffs , tearing the softer
Sediments away exposing the harder rock ,
The Mud and grit that enters the Ocean then becomes a hydraulic blasting
tool that wears away the Lava rock ...The End result of this is the Sea is
moving East , the land mass is crumbling in front of it .
But it doesn't stop there . The Underlying Lava is formed by the Pacific
Plate diving under the North American Plate . The Oregon Coast is what is called
a Subduction zone . The Denser Pacific Plate dives under the North American
Plate . the friction from this epic collision is evidenced by the Cascade
Mountain range ..where the Heated rock from the collision manifests itself as
Lava which makes its way to the surface building mountians ...the most recent
example of this was the Catastrophic eruption of Mt St Helens in 1980 .
The Mountains rise up ...and are returned to the Sea .
And here I sit in the safety of our rented Beach house , with an wifi
connection , a freshly made cup of coffee . And I am able to watch this all
happening ..I am a Spectator in the one of the greatest Action dramas ever
conceived and executed . The absolute truth of His word when it comes to the
process I am watching encourages me. His word is true ...Daily He provides me
evidence of His faithfulness .

Psalm 46: 2 :
Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the
mountains fall into the heart of the sea,

Phil: 1 : 6

being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you
will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
You see my confidence is restrained by my
ability to make a pot of coffee with an electric Coffee maker , to hold a camera
that I could never make myself and capture the efforts of a
His incomprehensible majesty . But my Confidence in my provision and Salvation
is sustained by being a witness to what He has done , and what He is doing
...And I am only looking out of a 8 foot window !

What a Might God we serve !!!


Photo Note : This was shot a few days ago
as a weaker storm front arrived with high tide . the two prominent homes
are about to be undermined and sent into the sea .

First Light Morning Musing

Its been two days of wonderful shooting weather ....My plan is to take as
many photos as the weather allows , try to be selective in my subjects ..and
return home with lots of images to work on through the next few years .

It also seems as if I am going to have a lot more to work through as well
. For one thing the Oregon Snapshots Blog will not end when I return to
Tennessee ..these photos will remind me of this trip and my daily encounters
with God . I have lots of questions , very few answers . God has been quite
merciful with me , allowing me the time to shoot and compose without much time
for prayerful contemplation . But at night as I go to sleep and in the morning
as I awake I am aware of His poking me and prodding me .

I remember well near the beginning of this year when I prayed that I know
Jesus Better . as part of that Prayer I found myself saying " I have a pretty
good understanding and relationship with God , but I want a better relationship
with Jesus ". Gods response seems to be .." you don;t know me that well " . In
my reading I ran across this quote from Jonathan Edwards : " The Son is the
deity generated by Gods understanding , or having an Idea of Himself and
subsisting in that Idea " That quote , that idea has really been bouncing
around in my mind as I climb on rocks , walk ocean beaches , watch the sunrise
and sunset ...Could it be that I am in fact getting to know Jesus better through
the works of the Father ?

Or is there something else at work here ?

This morning I woke to the Sun just beginning to light the waves on the
horizon . there was a pink hue to the sky , the water a pale blue , streaked by
the white of the cresting waves . Each moment the angle of the Sun brought the
waves closer and into more precise definition . I could see the east wind was
pushing back the waves the spray headed backwards would catch the glint of the
sun and seem to dance in the air.

The Houses on this bluff for a brief time obstructed the angle of the sun
but between the houses there were streaks of light heading west ...The waves
are always here ..day and night they push into the shore , but they are
illuminated by the Sun . the Son gives the Light to see the majesty of the ocean
...

Lori is awake . we are planning to do some touring and shopping today
....Thank you Lord for a beautiful Morning ..and a Beautiful wife ....

Present Moments

In a word its been Wet here for the past two days . And it may seem
strange but Lori and I have been looking forward to wet. The first days we
were here the weather was perfect for gong out and finding vistas and subjects
to photograph . Now its perfect for organizing , working on , and saving those
photos .

I tried to go out yesterday and take some interior shots of the lighthouse
, but it was too dark for what i had in mind . Latter Lori and I went to Newport
to get her Medicine. That was a failure of mine in the grace department ...I
have a difficult time with the Bureaucracy of all things Pharmacy . Let it
suffice to say I was somewhat irritated after three trips to Newport ( 15
miles ) over wet and foggy roads to get Loris needed and non mind altering
Insulin ..then to hear on the TV how people in the state have been obtaining
hundreds of oxy Pills at a single time with relative ease .

Ok I am over that now .

Lori and I are now starting to verbally communicate our sadness of leaving
Oregon . While we both are definitely looking forward to returning home to
Family and Friends , we are almost equally saddened by the thought of our
departure .

We leave the Coast in eight days . for many that would be a compete
vacation and we have been here for 21 days .We have been blessed in so many
ways ...but there is something about our nature that we want more ...For many
the idea of a vacation is to experience something out of the ordinary ,
something different , but it seems to Lori and I that we have turned that upside
down . We are here because it is familiar. I grew up here. Lived here for over
50 years .But I realize how little I appreciated it while I was here . How many
days I squandered , days I would love to have now .

This seems to be the Theme , the message , the teaching I am here for . To
enjoy this moment , this time this second ...to hold each carefully crafted
moment that is God given and praise Him for it . Too often I live one day ahead
of myself . Unable to enjoy the moment I am in because I am looking forward to
the moment that I anticipate int he future ...I Look forward to going to Church
, only to find myself thinking about Tuesday Morning , On Tuesday Morning I am
thinking of Golf on Wednesday , and on Wednesday at the 3rd Tee I am thinking of
the Play of Friday .
God in His mercy and Grace delivers us the Tuesdays and the Wednesdays and
the Fridays , till one day we have only that last fraction of a second ...when
its over . As the playwright muses " do any of us really enjoy life as we
live it " ? Am I truly hearing the sound of the surf a scant few feet from
this table ? am I really enjoying the left over Chinese from yesterday . Am I
enjoying the movements and vibrations of my wife waking up ? is the coffee
refreshing ? does the heat from the fireplace warm my legs ? what doe sit feel
like to be full and warm and blessed ? Or am I traveling now ...headed
somewhere else looking for a photo ...its Wednesday February 22 , 8:16
Pacific Time ...but am I here, or am I already living ON Thursday ...Feb 23 at
10:00 am ? This Moment I am Graced with , it is the moment I am in ....I
presume on His future grace to even consider tomorrow or October , or
....
May I Learn to grow in His Grace , to be thankful for All things ..to be
thankful for the moment of now ..and the promise of tomorrow . And may I be
content and thankful to enjoy the next eight days here ..in a place where some
will never have the opportunity to see ...
Morning musings , morning prayers ....Old habits are hard to break ...
May I learn to be content in this moment ....

Lessons Learned

Kaisa and Jeff left yesterday ....its a long drive for them , about 16
Hours. Was sad to see them go ...My Hay fever manifested itself by the weeping
of my eyes .

I know that I can always call my daughter , that she will always be my
daughter. I know we both love each other. I have pictures of her ..everyday I
see her in my minds eye ....but there is something special just being in the
same room with her . Even if we are not speaking .

Usually when we first get together we go through a period of being silly ,
and goofy. When she was younger i would tease her....and make her laugh. As she
has gotten older she teases back , she gives as good as she gets , and as bad as
she gets . I think this behavior is a shield , a defense mechanism that
separates our real feelings .

As her visit lengthened we had some meaningful conversations , on a wide
variety of topics and what struck me is how intelligent and well spoken she is.

Behind the mask of the goofy child there is a real person , a caring loving
person . I am familiar with Masks because I have worn one for so long ...

In many ways I am reminded of my prayer life .....I kid around with God a
lot ...I Know who He is , but I choose to offer Him my Mask ...I " pretend '
that to be in His creation , is the same as having meaningful conversation with
Him . God and I can be in the same room , but this is not the same as spending
quality time with God ...I think God desires real conversations with us ...and
that is what our prayer life is , a daily conversation with God .

It may seem like an Odd and inappropriate Metaphor , but I act and behave
with God the same way I behave with my daughter ....I joke , I am cheerful , I
am so glad to be in His presence ...but I often miss the richness of the
conversation and fellowship by refusing to move in that direction. I nibble
around the edges of God. Unlike my daughter and her Husband driving away to
their home though ..it is me who leaves the presence of God ...

I know God is there I have His songs I sing ...I have His word I read , I
have His creation in front of me testifying to Him , I know in time I will be
with Him in Heaven , but for right now often , and too frequently I am
inclined to leave God standing on the porch while I head off from one location
to another .

I know if I need I can call on Him , I know He is always with me ..but
there are way too many times I am not with Him . The Scriptures say He is long
suffering toward me , He is patient towards ,me He loves me with an unfailing
love , His mercy to me endures forever . And way too often I simply leave Him
standing on the porch waving goodbye ...I Miss the tear in His eye ...

Most of the day yesterday I kept asking myself what brought me to tears as
Kaisa left , and I believe the answer is that I did not involve myself fully
with her while she was with me ...we had a wonderful visit , but my mask and my
nature got in the way of spending so much more time with her in deeper
fellowship.

And not only her ..I do that with my wife , with my friends as well. I
know I should be as transparent with my Family and Friends as I am with God
...God knows I wear a mask ..He sees past it and through it He see's into my
heart ....but the only way my Wife , my Daughter , my friends ....and those
others around me will ever know me ..is if I take the time to share with them
and allow them to share with me .

As this vacation winds down ..I will go out and spend time when weather
allows photographing the beauty of His creation , but I need to also spend
time enjoying the creations that speak back to me . Its not going to be easy
...but with God all things are possible

Pleasant places

Was a very busy weekend ...My daughter and her Husband arrived late Friday
afternoon from Lancaster California . This is the first time in almost 5 years
that Lori has seen Kaisa and Jeff and the second time for me .

I love the way my daughter is growing up , and I love watching Jeff and
Kaisa .... Friday night we had pizza , and some conversation before Jeff
collapsed from hours of driving. Saturday we did a little sightseeing ,
spending time at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse , and going to Old town Newport for
an almost Obligatory meal at the world famous Mo's Restaurant .

There we met up with Lee and Corrine who had come down to visit with us as
well . After Lunch Lori and lee returned tot he beach house . Jeff , Kaisa ,
Corrine and myself spent more time at the Yaquina Lighthouse. Jeff , Kaisa,
and Corrine climbed to the top of the lighthouse . I climbed to the bottom of
the Beach .

After their climb we reunited at the tide pools . Saturday evening we had
a steak dinner at homemade clam dip . and played a board game called Apples to
Apples .

Sunday Morning we went in search of high waves ...I had already been to
Fishing rock Saturday Morning , and took Kaisa , Jeff and Corrine on a repeat
visit . This weekend the waves have been huge swells over 25 feet .

We got some great shots of the Waves breaking over the rocks , the view was
impressive ! So impressive that Jeff wanted to get closer to see better . An
epic wave broke in front of Him , and I do mean epic this was a Monster and
while safely out of harms way He was not safely out of getting drenched way.

After Kaisa stopped laughing we made our way back to the house where Jeff
could get some dry clothes .
That afternoon we drove into Newport for some shopping and sightseeing . We
wanted to get Crab for dinner one of Kaisa's favorites , but the heavy seas
had kept the fleet in and no crab was to be found . We settled on Fresh
Sockeye salmon instead . which Kaisa prepared quite expertly !
Lee and Corrine had headed home ...and we had a pleasant evening watching
Kung Foo Panda 2.
,
This morning , Kaisa and Jeff headed home . we had a very nice morning with
them just chatting and doing some " formal " portraits of them .

They are gone now ..headed home . Lori and I settling down to enjoying the
last days of our vacation together , its quiet now . Peaceful ...I am a truly
blessed man ..a lovely wife a beautiful daughter a wonderful Son in law , who
truly loves my daughter ...good friends ....looking out at the ocean .

In the next few days I will try to make sense and meaning out of my
experiences here on the Oregon Coast ..but for right now I am hearing myself
repeat to myself ....

"The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;
surely I have a delightful inheritance".
Psalm 16:6

*** Photo by Lori

Brookings Visit

A few Months ago I was involved with a Springhouse production of the
Charles Dickens Classic " Christmas Carol " Lori was able to spend some time
with the Mother of one of the Young actors in the show , working the Front of
the House . As they developed their friendship , Lori mentioned our plans to
spend some time in Oregon . The Mother told Lori that she had a Sister who
lived in Oregon that she thought we would enjoy meeting .

Several Emails latter , Lori and I left Depoe bay for an overnight stay at
the Sisters home . They live in Brookings Oregon , at the far Southern Border
of the Oregon Coast . Its far enough South to be called the banana belt . The
beach there is stunning ! Basalt pillars dot the ocean , sandy beaches covered
with Driftwood and waves exposing gleaming agates .

The drive down to Brookings was beautiful . Its a four hour drive , we
took about 8 hours , and I barely scratched the surface ..of the surface of the
surface when it came to shooting . I will have to return ...At least with Gods
Grace I would love to return .

Our Hosts were wonderful !!! We had a great meal expertly prepared , and
we had conversation and watched the sun go down over Brookings harbor . Later
that night we watched the New Star trek Movie on a Massive 73 inch Television
Screen that I was unable the next day fit in the back seat of our rented Hundyi
.

We needed to head back early that morning , so our Hosts treated us to a
wonderful breakfast at a place called Maggies , where we had the best french
toast you can imagine !!! Then we were given a personal tour of some of the hot
spots on the nearby coast ..and bid our new friends goodbye .

The ride back was wet. A steady drizzle was coming down most of the way
. But we found some interesting places to stop , one of which deserves its own
special post which is coming soon !

We returned to the Beach house just after Sunset ...was good to be home !
As we were settling in we had a call from my Daughter , they were able to leave
earlier than planned , so as I type I am eagerly waiting their newest position
.. the Drive for them is about 16 hours ....should be here by this evening
!!

Was a couple of very blessed days.....

Valentines Day

Lori and I have been " out of Pocket " for the past two days . Unable to
post to FB or Blog , so we both of us have some catching up to do .
Bob and Susan Tuesday Morning . Lori and I had decided that we would
celebrate Valentines Day , by having lunch at the Sea Hag , and then going into
Newport and purchasing some Fresh Crab Dockside . We had some Steaks so we would
prepare a Valentines Day feast at home.
With a few available hours before Lunch I drove down to Fogarty Creek Beach
, the tide was out and I was able to get some nice shots of waves , boulders ,
and tide pool animals . The day was much colder than the past days and there was
an occasional spiting of rain and even a little bit of Hail .
Met some interesting people on the beach and they had some questions about
the Geology of the area which I was able to help them with ...Patting myself on
the back for remembering my College Geology Classes and field trips to this area
.
Oregon Geology is fascinating especially the Coastal Area Geology..and it
has been fun remembering and Googling it just to make sure I have it down right
.
By the time I got back to the house I was really winded ..the long hike
back on the soft sand had really worn me out , especially when I sprinted to
keep the cameras dry when the hail storm hit .
Lori and I drove down to the Sea Hag , its in Depot Bay and one of our
favorite Coastal Restaurants , we had a side of Fried Clams , I had the Grilled
Oysters , and Lori had a Shrimp Salad Croissant ..both meals were consumed and
appreciated .
We drove into Newport to find some fresh crab. Several of the Road side
crab places were closed , and one was way over priced , but we did find our crab
at the Local Safeway store , and also two Lobster Tails at a great price .
...
It was a few hours before dinner so Lori took a bath and I kept a watch on
the weather . Huge clouds were building up over the horizon heading both North
and South ...I watched two storm fronts from different directions collide
almost over my head . what a view .!!!
Lori and I settled down for a wonderful feast of Dungenous Crab , Lobster
and Steak with Fresh Asparagus. Was a wonderful Valentines day !!!

Something for everyone

Yesterday was one of those perfect for everyone beach
days . I got up early and drove down to Seal Rock , another beach area about
25 Miles south of our location , spent some time at Low tide getting shots of
Tide Pool animals and wading birds .

Bob , Susan and Lori had decided at my suggestion to
go out for lunch at a Chinese place Lincoln City . This particular place looks
like its had several bad years , but the food is great . Its one of those places
you would pass by if someone didn't recommend it ,. So we can say we recommend
it . It is at the South end of Lincoln . The name is Foon Hing Yuen .

After Lunch , we split up . Lori wanted to do some
shopping at the Christmas Store , and the factory Outlets in Lincoln City . Bob
, Susan and I returned to the house . ON the way Bob who has a caffeine
addiction stopped off at a Highway coffee stand called . Allie;s Philosophy
Expresso . and it was good !
Returning home , we again went our separate ways . It looked good on
the beach so I took a long walk on the Coast and explored some ancient stumps ,
over 2000 years old exposed by the encroaching ocean . on my way back to the
house Bob and Susan passed me by heading toward Fishing Rock a prominent
headland to the South .
This is
one of the great things about the Oregon Coast , you can actually entertain your
selves ...so many things to do and see , so many places to explore .
I am not
sure what it is about the ocean , but people seem to just enjoy walking one
direction then the other , in the case of the Oregon Coast South or North seems
to work best .

As the
sun was setting I headed out one last time to get some shots of the waves and
the sun . I found I could walk out past the slope of the Beach and from that
perspective the waves were actually over my head . I could wait till several
broke in front of me take the shot then retreat up the slope to avoid getting
too wet . I had mud boots on so an occasional dip in the ankle deep water was
no problem .
I was
surprised by one wave , that seemed to explode in front of me and ended up
directly in front of me , my usual backward retreat failed me and I had to turn
to gallop out of the way still managing to get water above my Knees . A
little discomfort , wet feet , but a small price to pay for a wonderful shot.

.
Lori and
Susan collaborated on dinner , we had Chicken and Dumplings and it was good !
The long
walk the racing with the surf and playing tag with sneaker waves had worn me out
..I was the first to retire .

Moored to the Room

Yesterday was a little on the grey and gloomy side of Oregon we haven't
had too many days like that here . We have been very well blessed with the
weather . Bob and i drove into the nearby town of Newport , to sample some of
the local coffee . To be honest its kinda hard to get my head around ordering a
double Latte in a hard core commercial fishing town . ( foam optional ). I
spent a few minutes getting some test shots of the local fishing fleet . At
least the boats that were not fishing . I Hope to be able to go back when the
day is a little brighter and get some photos of the hard working boats and crews
of the Oregon Fishing fleet .

For the most part we simply stayed in the house watched the drizzle , and
did this odd thing called relaxing ...it was good .

We had a Left over buffet , which included , spare ribs , Pot roast ,
Spaghetti, Hash Brown casserole and one solitary piece of pizza , not sure who
ended up with that .. and the buffet was good .

I reminisced about our child hood Bob for the most part just nodded . His
memories and mine don't always agree ...but a good time was had by all .

Lori and I watched part of the Grammies , before we went to bed , saw
Jennifer Hudson's stunning and heartfelt tribute to Whitney Houston a great set
by Sir Paul McCartney , and something that I am not sure what it was by a new
artist whose performance was so horrid I immediately for got her name . I am
generally quite liberal and flexible when it comes to Art , but this was
.....horrid .

Another blessed day ,,,,,

Sunday Morning new day same headland to the South

It is a quiet Sunday here on the central Oregon Coast . I think both Lori
and I are missing some of our friends and our Church family back in Nashville .
Its been a difficult few days for them . The Lord has called the Sister of one
dear friend home , and has called the beloved wife of another home . We are
saddened by these losses , and yet we know both are with Him in Heaven . And
yet we feel loss.

We are at the mid point of our stay , and i am still puzzling over what
this stay means for me. Where is it leading me ? What is this connection I
seem to have with the Ocean , especially the Oregon Coast. I have spent time
here reexamining my child hood and my friendships . I have connected so much
of who I am to this place where I grew up .

I am finding myself inspired to ponder but I do not know what I should be
pondering . I have come to the conclusion that each wave I see is part of Gods
plan . Not only the Wave but each particle of the wave is precisely where God
intends it to be . The purpose , the direction , the velocity of each wave is
perfectly sculpted by God , and likewise I believe I am as well .

When you see the waves arrive ...it is their arrival that makes the impact
, the how and why they began their journey is an academic exercise that has no
bearing on their destination ...and their destination , their arrival is not and
end unto itself . All this the waves the erosion the thinking the reminiscing
...is moving me on my own Journey .

I am left between the past and the future in the place we call now . and
Now is a moving target . the Now of my existence when I typed above is gone it
is past .

All terribly confusing especially if I believe it is up to me to sort it
all out . But what if I am part of a plan , what if it is God who is working
in me and has been working in this body I call me from the beginning of time ?

Improbable ? Perhaps ..but then again I have breathed the air that
Abraham Breathed , I have been washed in the water that Jesus was baptized in.
i have eaten food that has been nourished by the desiccation of animals long
thought to be extinct .

As the Teacher said "there is nothing new under the sun" . and as the
Poet said " I am stardust " and as the Bible says " In Him all things hold
together " He is in all and through all .

Its a quiet Sunday here on the beach , my Brother and His wife are with us
. Lori across the table from me is working on her projects tapping gently on a
laptop . Bob is sitting at the couch absorbed in some correspondence he is
working on , Susan is in the Kitchen perfecting pork soup .

It is noontime here ....in Nashville our friends are just winding up lunch
after church in Smyrna . There announcements were made about memorials and
funerals . Praise was offered freely and lavishly to the Lord who sends the
waves landing squarely in front of the rental house we are in .

The waves press forward and in time will impact those who live thousands of
miles away where there is no ocean shoreline . This beach is held in the Grasp
and will of its ocean boundary , and I am held in the Grasp and the will of the
One who made it all ...

Its a quiet Sunday here on the Beach .

This Week in Photos : Facebook Gallery :

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3420752524045.2169085.1427143883&type=1&l=c9a4173105

Held by Mercy

Yesterday was probably the worst weather day we have had on our stay here
at the beach , a steady rain , drizzle , mist , for most of the day . We were
expecting my Brother and His wife . They had landed Portland late Thursday
night and would drive down to the beach to stay a few days with us .

Lori and I caught up some on our various projects . Lori on her photos and
files , and scrapbooking. and I continued to work on photos I have been taking
. Outside we could hear the constant sound of the ocean . It was one of those
wonderful relaxing days at the beach.

Bob and Susan were able to sleep in after a long flight from Hawaii , and
started heading down to our rental in the afternoon. There was a brief sun
break just at High tide so I went out looking for photo opportunities.

Stopping in Depoe bay I noticed several people gathered around the seawall
watching the waves misting over the highway . Took some photos of them and
noticed that the waves were really wild ...I drove down to the point I had
located to try once again for the perfect wave shot .

When we were in St Paul I had bought a raincoat for the camera . this
device allows you to shoot in wet weather with a certain amount of confidence
you will not ruin the camera . Salt water is not the best friend to digital
Cameras . The camera raincoat fits the entire camera . there are two places for
your hands to be snuggled into which can be cinched up for even more security.
the only part of the camera exposed to the elements is the lens . Which if you
have a lens hood stays pretty dry , but in heavy weather you do need to keep a
towel handy to wipe off the lens as well . This was a day to use the Camera
raincoat . The wind was driving a fine mist , and the spray from the waves
assault on the rocks back toward my vantage point .

I was not alone , three men had made their way out to the rocks as well .
One of whom for a while stood atop the rock that was being washed over , several
times the waves broke over His head , and He disappeared in foam and spray. Not
a safe place to be he soon retreated from his perch , and joined his friends .

The Ocean can do that to you , the power and danger of the waves attracts
people like the Moth to the flame ...

After several minutes I left ...time to return home and see if our Guests
were near . Lori and I had time to take a nap ...and around 5 pm Bob and
Susan arrived . As they arrived the sun finally broke through the clouds and we
were rewarded with a beautiful sunset to celebrate their arrival ...it was
delightful , after we all stood on the deck and enjoyed the ending day
masterpiece we dined on Pizza and fresh salad . It was another good day
!

The Wave

Most of my day yesterday was consumed by trying to get the " perfect shot "
in this case the perfect shot was one of the Ocean waves breaking over the
basalt remnants that dot the Oregon Coast . The particular remnant I was
concentrating on was just off Yaquina head . IN the late spring this rock is
home to thousands of nesting birds , my guess it is about 70 to 80 feet high .
It is solid basalt a very hard and dense volcanic rock.
The winter storms take this rock and the many more like it on with a
relentless fury . The waves batter the rock , often the spray from the waves
completely cover it as the broken wave travels over the crest of the rock.

Watching it all its is pretty impressive : but what is Impressive to my
eyes ..sometimes has difficulty being translated to photography. There are
issues of scale , of contrast , speed , and light to overcome .

One of the major issues is that of scale . if you do not have something
that helps the viewer understand the immensity of these waves ..its hard for the
viewer to grasp the whole story :

For instance here is a photo of Tillamook light house being overwhelmed by
a wave ....but with out the light house in the photo it is hard to get the idea
of how big the wave is . Not taken by me .

The other issue is contrast ..black rocks and white waves are something our
eyes can easily see , but the camera has trouble contrasting the two , in
variably you either get a good exposure of the rock with the wave all blown out
and just a white blur , or the waves in sharp relief , and just a dark
silhouette of the rock
I had chosen a good vantage point , and the waves were cooperating .
Several other people were there with me , they were watching for whales , three
graduate students of the Oregon State Marine Biology Department ..were there
counting whales . There was a steady wind but no rain . I Must have stayed in
that location for several hours . You can watch the waves come in and see the
pattern , usually seven large waves will come in one after another then there is
a lull and then the pattern repeats itself ,. If the tide is coming in as it
was the waves get bigger with each new series . The waves do not come in from
the same direction , the angle of the wave seems to vary , and I could not
discern this pattern , so of the seven waves perhaps one or two would be
perfectly lined up with the rock.
My shots were definitely getting better , but still limited by the
limitations of photography ...
I found myself asking God to teach me something about Himself as I was
standing there ...in time God said " put your camera down ".

I like that about God He gets straight to the point . Here I was trying
to perfect a shot of a wave that God had been perfecting since the foundation
of time .

I wonder where does art cross the line between exaltation of God and His
Majesty and self love and ego ?

For me I have learned from Photography what a wonderful gift God has given
us of our eyes . Our eyes are so incredible . Cameras and lenses by comparison
are not nearly as efficient as our eyes ..Photography is a relatively new art
form . Perhaps no more than 150 years old . Painting has been around a lot
longer ..Long enough for painters to understand that what they are doing is
simply creating an impression of what they are seeing ...Photography still
struggles with the balance between faithful representation of the subject and
impressionistic or even romanticize representation for the subject . As an Art
form it more than likely is too new to fully understand its place in the world
of art .

I Know for me I loive to share with others what I have seen and enjoyed
myself . I try not to become the focus of the praise but rather the conduit of
the praise ..but Praise has a way of creating its own addiction . I know i need
to refocus . My photography should not be to exhalt myself , it should be to
remind me and others of what a wonderful God we serve . Easy to write this
...difficult to achieve .

Dear Lord , I Pray that I should always keep my art in perspective , that
what I do should be to your honor and glory , not mine . That I should seek to
remind myself daily how bless I am that you reveal to me on a daily basis your
creation, your artistry, your passion and your diversity ...Amen

The rest of the afternoon Lori and I spent some time together we went into
Lincoln City did some tourist type stuff. Stopped off at the super market .
Returned home where Lori prepared another wonderful meal :
Baked pork chops , with apple nut chutney , Broiled Asparagus and baked
potato.....was wonderful , another pleasant day on the Coast . .

Jane left yesterday ..we had a pleasant morning of conversation , then went
out to lunch at one of our favorite Restaurant's in Depoe bay called the Sea Hag
. By the time we got to Depoe Bay the tide was almost fully in , the sea was
still unsettled from a low pressure disturbance off to the West and the waves
were hitting the seawall in front of the Downtown area and some waves were
misting over the highway . Quite a sight . The restaurant is quite popular but
this time of the year ...its pretty easy to get seated , we had a window view of
the bay . Lori and I had our favorites Clam Strips and fries , and Jane opted
for the Fish and Chips ( Cod ). We like the Sea Hag because the food is fresh ,
it is well prepared , the Clam strips are full size strips of clams gently fried
.
We said our goodbyes on Highway 101 with the crashing surf in the
background ..and a light mist hovering around our heads . I had planned to go
straight home but the sight of those breakers ..made my shutter finger itch and
Lori accompanied me to an overlook where I left the care and hiked to a vantage
point,
The breaker shots are very difficult for me. The biggest issue is the
contrast . The camera has difficulty knowing what to expose for , the white of
the wave or the dark mass of lava rock the wave is beating against .
I find the best solution is to expose for the wave , the rocks look like a
black mass , but the waves are seen in much better detail .
I am very grateful for the time available and locations available to
continue to work on this ...type of shot.
I only stayed for a few minutes , but Lori suggested I simply take her back
to the house and come back ...the temptation was too great so I did just that
.
It was pretty cool, standing on the rocks watching the waves roll in
...makes you feel kinda small.
I stayed for about an hour , returned home . Lori was working on dinner ,
she has been cooking a lot in the house ..and she cooks very well . Last night
was Spaghetti, meat sauce and mushrooms with tossed green salad and cheesecake
for desert . we watched the waves for a little bit , enjoyed the ships out on
the sea ..with their bright lights visible on the horizon and then spent some
time watching TV.
It was a very enjoyable day .....

Resting

Yesterday was a very pleasant day , our friend Jane from Bend Oregon Drove
down to the Coast to visit with us and spend the night . I have know Jane since
the 1980's we did Theater together in Bend and Sisters . Was fun visiting with
her ...

The weather here has turned a little to the stormy side , not bad , but
definitly gray and drizzly . I woulld be disappointed if we didn't have this
kind of weather . This is the Oregon Coast as well .

The Ocean swells are more pronounced , the surf looks rugged . Spent some
time photographing the storm surges against the rocks . So far both me and the
cameras have stayed dry .

Been thinking a lot about the Creation and about the Ocean , what is it
that draws us to the waves , and what is it that seems to mesmerize us as we
watch them ?

For me it seems as if I am catching a glimpse of the Hem of Eternity
....working it all out , or trying too , the next few days look like perfect
time for contemplation and reflection.

Lori has been catching up with her projects, her scrapbook and her own
photo files .

Peaceful day ahead ....

Converstations with God

Yesterday both Lori and I spent time exploring our " Neighborhood " Low
tide was around 5:30 PM. Both of us spent time on the beach , but we spent it
on different beaches . Lori took a walk along the beach facing the House .
This beach is sandy , withy little or no obstructions . Sand curving gently
into the surf , perfect for long walks , and in the summer for racing along
playing tag with the waves. Later that night Lori showed me some of her photos
from her walk , they were wonderful , I was envious of her captures , she really
did a great Job of capturing the movement the beauty and the color of the day as
it gave way to night.

Lori posted some of her photos to Facebook and with one she wrote a caption
I would like to share:

When I get to heaven:

Me - "God,do you remember that perfect day when it was just you and me on
the beach?

"God - "Yes, dear one.

"Me - "Thank you again. My heart cried,you know.

"God - "I know."

Lovely !
and so straight from the heart . Loris Love of God , her Love of friends and
me testifies daily to me of Gods great love for us . I do so much Love that
about her.

As Lori was walking on the beach in front of our Rental . I was a few Miles to the
South , Scrambling over rocks and Seaweed , taking photos of fossils and living
sea creatures in the exposed rocks of Fogarty Beach . This is an amazing beach
, Mudstone has been exposed and eroded ..forming complex and intricate designs
in the rocks . Usually underwater , at very low tide the rocks are exposed .
revealing Starfish , Sun Star fish , Chitons , and assorted Mollusks .

The footing is difficult , made even more challenging by the various forms of
seaweed and grasses growing on the rocks . each step is carefully measured not
only for footing , but to avoid damage to the creatures clinging to the rocks .
There is a community sharing these mudstone condos . A diverse community. It
is also a community of the nitty gritty , each creature is some other creatures
meal . even the rocks themselves are not immune , several forms of life
actually eat into the rocks , not just for shelter but for the organic compounds
found in the mudstone .

Along this particular beach there are the exposed shells of fossils from long ago
time . and evidence of continuing erosion on the Cliffs and Headlands . Since i
have been coming to this beach I suspect the land has lost 10 to 15 feet to the
Ocean waves . Several houses perched on the cliffs are now dangerously close to
the edge . You can see more evidence of attempts to keep the ocean at bay , but
more than likely in time these houses will , fall in to the sea .

I had a wonderful time , avoided falling into the ocean , stayed dry , and brought
home lots of photos ..but my best , my most precious memory of this day will be
Lori's photos ....and that wonderful dialogue between her and God .

Photo by Lori Stilger :

Monday Feb.6th Settling in

We have been in Oregon for just over two weeks ...Most of the time was
spent in St Paul , a small town in the Willamette valley , we were guests of my
friend Lee and his wife Corrine . Last Wednesday we drove to the beach house we
had rented for the month of February . IT has been a wonderful stay so far and
we have Several weeks ahead of us.

Since we arrived the weather has been incredible, most of my time has been
spent photographing the local beaches and attractions , taking advantage of the
good weather ...The weather forcast for the next several days ..includes rain .
Rainy days will be days for catching up on post processing , Dining in local
restaurants and touring shops and museums .

This weekend we were able to Host Lee and Corrine , Lee enjoyed the
wonderful view from our balcony , Corrine and I spent some time at the Yaquina
head Light House , Depoe Bay and Cape Foulweather . Corrine loves Photography
and we had a great time together .

After Lee and Corrine Left , Lori and I drove South to one of our favorite
Beaches ...Yachat's I was looking for tide pools , but was unable to gain access
to the places I wanted to shoot . IN this case that means I forgot a Ladder and
Snorkeling gear . even at Low tide the tidal areas were covered with water and
if and when the water left we could find no way to get down other than falling .

We still had some daylight available and Lori suggested we go to the south
Yachats beach called Smelt Sands ...that turned out wonderful ! Easy access ,
and a beautiful Sunset as I flirted with the waves ...

In the next few days I plan on finishing " LEE" part two , Adding a
Bella Beach Community page , and extended musing .

Now I plan to watch some waves its almost high tide and the surf is
beautiful !

Friday Going North

Friday opened up to another beautiful day here ...very few clouds in the
sky , clear skies and a steady wind from the East . Lori and I were planning to
go north to Tillamook later in the day . LOri wanted to work on her scrap
booking and photos , so I drove a few miles to Depoe bay to look around .
Looking around means I take the Cameras with me .

Depoe bay is very small , perhaps a 1000 people live here . It has a
Harbor , and in the superlative world we live in it proudly boasts it is the
smallest harbor in the world . Avery tight passage between two abutments of
solid rock and you are in a very well protected natural Harbor . The USS Coast
Guard has a station here , I wanted to take a photo of the Raising of the colors
so I spoke to one of the Coastguardsmen and found out when they did that, and
received permission to do such , at my next available opportunity . Took a few
shots of the harbor but most of the boats were out fishing . Found a very small
but photogenic City park. Met a woman from PA. who lived in Depoe bay Six months
of the year... spoke cameraese with her for a few minutes.

Heading home I decided to try one last time to find a way to get out to the
Headland in the distance that I could see waves breaking over . I have tried
this several times with no success . But on this attempt I found a parking place
, and a trail head that led to the beach and a wonderful view of the Rocks and
waves pummling them .

I will definitly be back to this location . One of my favorite things to
do is to watch the waves and rocks interact with each other .

Spent a little time at home Downloading the photos from the morning . Lori
and I fixed lunch . Then headed north at noon.

The drive took us through Linclon City , past Neskowin a small coastal town
just north of Lincoln City , then Highway 101 swung east away from the Ocean ,
a few miles later we turned onto the Three Capes Scenic Drive .

THe Oregon Coast , Is frequently intersected by volcanic flows from an
earlier time .these flows moved West to East , at a time when the whole area
was covered by Sea . The Flows for the most part never broke the surface of the
sea bed. Instead they pushed it up , high up . The dense volcanic rock left
behind Is much more resistant to the erosion from the waves and wind than the
sediments that had formed on the Bottom of the Sea . In time all of this rose
out of the sea . Exposing the Sea mounts . Wind and water have eroded them the
whole coastal area is subject to the effects of gravity and the desire for the
sediments on top of the volcanic rock to return to the sea , The Sediments on
top the lava let water peculate down to the Lav a rock which acts like a dam
against the water ., The result is Heavy rains can dislodge the Sediments
leaving the lava exposed . Some of the Sediment beds are hundreds of feet deep
, so these landslides can be very devastating . Trees and other ground
coverings help keep the soil in place , but if the trees are removed , the
resulting landslides are predictable and impressive. Many of the Oregon
forests in the Coastal area have been clear cut , ....you can do the math
.

Three capes Scenic route takes you over three of these Headlands , Cape
Kiwanda , Cape Lookout and Cape Meares , The drive is ablut 40 miles long and
Brings you out in Tillamook. It is well worth the time with wonderful vistas
and scenic spots along the way .

We arrived in Tillamook around 3:30 . We had made arrangements to visit
the Blue Heron Cheese factory . They were doing a Cheese and wine tasting that
Friday evening and I wanted a few photos of this event . Tillamook is known for
its rich pasture land and dairy industry . Tillamook Cheese is a world wide
favorite , and in addition to Tillamook Cheese there are several smaller brands
in the area , the largtest of these is the Blue Heron Cheese Company. They have
a gift shop just off of Highway 101 , with a great assortment of local
Specialty foods , that make great gifts ...for the people picking up you rmail ,
watching yur pets , or who you care about at home . Some of the foods here can
even be consumed on the way back to your rented beach house .

Lori had a wonderful time , she met with a woman who provided the Truffles
for the Blue Heron , we got our photos and headed back South.

ON the way we stopped at the Hawk Creek Inn at Neskowin for dinner . The
Inn was packed ...a good sign for the discriminating but hungry traveler . Lori
ordered a Veggie sandwich and I ordered a cup of Clam chowder and an friend
Oysters. The chowder was very good and the oysters were perfect ...Last I
looked Loris sandwich was just a a few crumbs on her plate ...

We stopped in Lincoln City for gas and Groceries and we were back home in a
few short minutes . Good day a very good day ...

Short Post

Great Weather , Friends visiting , they say onbe photo is worht a thousand words ..not sure who they are but here are two ...Try to catch up later on this evening

From Bella Beach to Newport is less than 15 miles. 15 miles and about 1200
photos between Lori and I . It is simply amazing how many photo opportunities
there are in such a short distance , and that is only faction of the
possibilities with in a few hours drive either North or South.
The day began with a glorious sunrise , and ended with a Majestic Sunset .
We decided to go into Newport early today ..so Lori could pick up some
prescription medications and some additional groceries for the house .
The plan was to take a quick look at the water front , pick up the
groceries and drugs. Return home fix lunch then I was going to head South and
take advantage of low tide to photograph some tide pools South of Newport.
That was the plan ...but the day was so beautiful we kept finding vantage
points and view points to photograph from . We stopped first in Depoe Bay . This
time of the year and early in the morning the town was almost deserted , plenty
of room to park our car. We enjoyed the breakers and white caps ..in the bay
.
There was a cross current and a into the beach current dueling with each
other and waves were breaking frm several directions . The sky was bright blue ,
clear weather ...beautiful.
From Depoe bay we continued south over Cape Foulweather , named by Capt.
Cook when He explored the Oregon Coastline hundreds of years ago. The view from
the crest of the cape was stunning , clear blue ocean , white capes pressing
toward shore , inland you could see ground fog and tall fir trees pushing
themselves above the mist .
Further south we stopped at a wayside to photograph the North side of
Yaquina Head light .
We reached the lighthouse just as the interpretive center was opening .
After discussing options with the ranger I decided to purchase a Senior pass .
There is a day use fee of $5.00 at the light house and park ...Or I could buy a
three day pass for $7.00 , or a Passport for all State and Federal parks for
$35.00. Or a Senior Pass for the Federal and BLM sites for $10.00 which as the
attendant told me will expire when I do .
Next we headed into Newport , aiming for the " Old town " area . Newport
still has a vital fishing industry . IN Old town Newport you can buy fish right
off the dock , there are several processing plants on the Bay and a wealth of
novelty and art shops right next to them .
Lori and I decided to go ahead and fine some place to eat in Old town.
Several Restaurants were closed during the week, but many were still opened .
Lori notice one Business advertising a " Grand Opening "/ So we decided to check
it out .
The building was familiar for thirty years it had been opened as a
restaurant , till closing after Labor day. Now the new owners were eager to
begin thirty more years . We met the new owner His name was German Medina . This
was his first business, He said He had spent many years in the Food business ,
saw the empty restaurant and decided to make a go of it , He renamed the
Restaurant the Pirates treasure , and had opened it February 1st one day ago .
Lori ordered a Cheeseburger , and I Ordered Cod and Chips . The
Cheeseburger was OK it wasn't a home run but it was about 7 1/2 out of ten
according to Lori . Lots of meat perhaps too much bun. The Fish and chips were
excellent , lightly breaded , generous portions of real cod . ...The food was
also very reasonable , Lunch cost less than $20.00 with beverages .
While Lori shopped at Wal Mart she let me off at agate beach to do some
photography of the South side of Yaquina Head .
ON the way back we stopped again at the Lighthouse and while I hiked down
to the Tide Pools Lori visited the Interpretive center and caught upon some
reading with her Kindle .
When we arrived back at the house I had a few minutes to download photos
from the day . Lori and i worked on Laundry , and as the day neared its end ..I
went for a walk on the beach and was delighted to see the Sun dive under a the
clouds for that end of the day moment I always look for .
Lori fixed a wonderful meal : Fried Chicken , fried potatoes , and
cucumber slices , with a cinnamon crumb cake for desert .
That night we waited for a call from my Brother and his wife Susan who we
were expecting late Thursday night , I finally called them ..Left a message , a
few minutes later Bob called me from Maui , we had somehow got our dates mixed
up...They are arriving Next Thursday ...Time for bed ...what a day We had today
!
Please be sure to visit our Photo Gallery at : http://www.pbase.com/ifistand .
Photos from this trip will be added daily to the Oregon Winter Gallery

Arrival

We are at the beach . Its still dark . on the Ocean I can see the lights of
several commercial fishing boats in the distance . Most of these are probably
Crabbers , Right now the ocean is pretty calm. The waves at high tide last night
came with in 30 feet of our rental house ..
It is a cool morning , so the home is tightly sealed up . But I can still
heard the constant and unmistakable sound of the ocean waves coming ashore
.
It is beautiful here ...The entire stretch of the Oregon Coastline is
publicaly owned , there are no Private beaches in Oregon . Houses can be bought
and sold that line Beach ...But Public acces to the beach is enforced , and
there are plenty of places for the public to gain access to the beach .
Something I used to take for granted when I was a child , and perhaps one of my
underpinnings for my " socialist " point of view on Property ownership.
Our drive from St Paul was very pleas

ant . Lori had gone to a lot of effort
to prepare a meal plan and grocery list We stopped off at the McMinville WINCO .
Winco is a wonderful place to shop ...its kind alike a Wal-Mart on steroids ,
yet it still has great service . Winco is owned by the Employees , it is a
profit sharing type place here is a link to their site and their story : http://www.wincofoods.com/
We are most impressed by their " Bulk " food area where you can save a lot
of money by not purchasing food in expensive and wasteful packaging .
In an attempt to save money I rented a very small compact car . When our
luggage was stowed , we did not have enough room for the entire list of
Foodstuffs and Household Items we need , so we will pick up the rest at one of
the several Local Grocery stores . Another of our Favorites is Fred Meyer a
Northwest brand that has been purchased by Kroger , You will also find good
values at the Safeway and Albertsons Brand Grocery stores as well .
While in McMinvillle we had lunch at a Chinese Restaurant named Yan's :

The food was wonderful and it was very inexpensive . Lori and I have discovered that
if you can adjust your eating schedule you will usually get a much better deal
on dining if you eat out for Lunch and prepare your dinners at home . That way
we are able to get a " taste " of many of the wonderful restaurants in the area
we are staying. We tend to prefer the non Franchised Restaurants , the smaller
family owned , Bistros and diners that Dot the area .
Several Tour books and brochures of the Oregon Area , will have favorites
printed and we have never been disappointed by the locals recommendations .
Yan's was not recommended to us , we saw it as we passed by to Winco , it
looked clean and tidy , a good helping of cars in the parking lot . And it was
good .
I am not sure what happens to Chinese cooking when it moves across the
Mississippi river , but for Lori and I we can sure tell the difference , we
prefer the Chinese of the West ..For me i find the flavors better , the
vegetables are crisper and there seems to be less fat in the food . IN the west
they also serve bar q qued pork in slices ..which is one of our favorites .
The drive from St Paul took would take about an Hour and a a half if we
hadn't stopped for Groceries and Barb Pork . The Drive takes you through the
western need of the Willamette v alley , as the valley floor gives way to the
Coastal range you will find Groves of Nut trees and acres of grapes . This is
wine and nut country , make of that what you will . Many of the local winery's
offer tours and tasting's . While not as established as the Napa valley area in
California , Oregon wines are gaining quite a loyal following . As you make
your way into the Coastal Mountains you may have a twinge of anxiety as you pass
many homes that look well beyond well lived in , in the place of the well cared
for Rhody plants and rose bushes you will find a healthy crop of car parts , and
abandoned pickups and fishing boats ...But don't despair I believe this is a
planned maneuver to Make the Oregon Beaches even more Spectacular. As if they
could be more spectacular .
We Turned left at Highway 101 and within a few moments were in Lincoln
City , a long narrow city , actually the result of three smaller communities
blending together to pool resources and cut expenses . Lincoln City itself is a
popular destintion with a lot of attractions for everyone :
http://oregoncoast1.reachlocal.net/

Our destination was just a few miles South of Lincoln City : an area
called Bella Beach. Over the years Lori and I have found the Property
management companies on the Oregon Coast to be friendly fair and knowledgeable ,
this was no expection we worked with: http://www.bellabeach.com/ : They were in a
word " wonderful " They responded immediately to my request , they actually
read what we were looking for and delivered !. The Check in procedure was
friendly and informative . Brian was terrific !!! . And the Property we had
rented from several thousand miles away was actually more than we had expected
...This is great service !


We had a very pleasant evening last night ...Lori fixed us a wonderful meal
of Frizzled Cabbage ( recipe available on request , or wait for it in the not
quite ready yet Appendix ) and Kielbasa . With a Healthy green salad .
Today is shaping up as a good day to Photograph. Lori and I just walked out
on our deck and watched the Lights from the passing fishing fleet . The stars
are out in the sky , the clouds are out to sea . There is a fairly low tide
today . And I Hope to visit some of the Local Tide pools .

Moving on ....Faster than a Roller Coaster

Everyday seems a little longerEvery way love's a little stronger
Buddy Holly


Today is moving day . We leave Lee and Corrines , pick up our rental car ,
pack it with our luggage ..Lori has a shopping list and we will stop off at
Winco and pick up food stuffs and personal stuffs , then we will drive over the
Oregon Coastal mountains , into the Seaside town of Lincoln City then turn South
for Depoe Bay.

While staying in St Pauls , we have taken a few trips , but without a car
we have been dependent on the grace and time of our Hosts. This has been
difficult ...I am used to having control over my actions ..this is easily the
longest period I can remember since I Graduated from High School that I have
not had the ability to go where I wanted to go.

I am used to being mobile ..and by mobile I mean being able to travel
further and faster than my legs can carry me .

In our lifetimes we spend much of our lives in motion , we travel a lot .
And most of us resent it when we are forced or complelled or limited in our
ability to travel. Somewhere along the way we as human beings feel we are
entitled to our freedom of motion and even more importantly to us that with out
our efforts we would get no where at all .

I Know I am far more comfortable doing something for the Lord even if its
wrong , than waiting on His commands to me .

This kind of me centered thinking ..the Idea that I would get no where
unless I am the one initiating the movement eventually deadens our understanding
of the complexity and the glory of Gods creation ...For with out our cars and
our motorcycles and our boats , or any sort of self imposed and directed
mobility we are traveling ...and traveling faster than we can ever imagine
...

We are on a planet that is rotating ( spinning ) ...the speed of that
rotation is 1041.7 MPH. This planet is also rotating around the Star itself
..at the speed of 69,360.73 MPH
.

Not to be outdone the Sun dragging the earth with it is spinning in its
cluster of stars and planets at the speed of 483,000 .
And the Galaxies our Sun is part of is itself moving through space at the
astounding speed of 1.3 million miles per hour . As our Pastor remarked once
" No wonder we are so tired " . Although the reasons for this motion are not
fully understood, astronomers believe that there is a huge concentration of
matter in this direction. Some people call it The Great
Attractor.

The "Great attractor "
Interesting.

Today Lori and I are " choosing " to drive to the
Oregon Coast , but the intersting and complex question hangs like the bank of
clouds over the Mountains to the West. Why have we choosen to do so . Are our
choices independent of the forces compelling the earth , the Sun the Galaxie ,
and the cosmos ..or are they somehow all in conformity ...pulling us faster than
we can even imagine toward the " Great Attractor ".
Isaiah 64:8
Yet you, LORD, are
our Father. We are the clay, you are the potter; we are all the work of
your hand.