Since moving so close to the Pacific coast it is imperative that we explore as much of it as possible. At least to me! There are so many waterfalls, canyons, rivers, antique shops, coffee houses, and beaches that I simply must experience. For Christmas I received a book that outlines hiking trails for those with bad knees and I'm so excited to explore them all; I even have my first pair of true hiking shoes.
The little cultural differences of our new town are still funny to me. In Eastern Washington it is perfectly acceptable and very common to go hiking with a good pair of tennis shoes, your jeans and a sweatshirt. Apparently that is looked upon as a little "back woods" so to speak here in the Southwest side of the state. Being just over the border from Portland we are highly influenced by its societal "norms" (the common and tightly held mantra for the area is "Keep Portland Weird" so norms is a loosely used term) and it is much more acceptable to fashion oneself in rather expensive attire for outdoor activities including waterproof hiking boots/shoes, water-repellent hiking pants, layered wiking-material tops/jackets and a slouchy knit cap. However, it is also quite understandable considering that Eastern Washington experiences about 16.8 inches of precipitation on a yearly basis which includes the snow in winter yet the Portland area gets 37.1 inches per year and that is nearly 100% rain so needing the waterproof gear is a necessity. When we talked with the knowledgeable staff at the many recreational clothing stores they unanimously agreed that being prepared to be wet was just a given at any time any where you go. So, when in Rome, I suppose.
Our first official destination was Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. While it was a chilly day with some wind, it was entirely mild considering it was January. It still doesn't compute in my brain that you can go to a trail any day of the year without snow tires, chains and 4-wheel drive to get you there, let alone walk on the beach. But it is possible and we did it! Of course Libby was along for the journey and it turns out that Cannon Beach is a very dog friendly place (as is so many places here) and
it is also an off-leash area. Our wonderful (practically perfect in every way) golden retriever, Gus, who was with us for 15 1/2 years before Libby would have had a BLAST on that beach. He was so friendly and loved to make friends with anyone and everyone, dog or human, and would have loved to splash around in the water and mud for hours. While it made us miss him with those thoughts, we were also just a little relieved that we wouldn't be driving home with a large, smelly wet dog panting over our shoulders too and instead had a bundled up little snuggle bug snoring on my lap. Libby absolutely hates sweaters. All clothing of all varieties actually, but she capitulated and looked adorable in her cozy pink standby. She was not the only one either, so I'm sure she wasn't as embarrassed. She doesn't have that friendly personality like Gus did though and while she is very happy to make human acquaintances she has no use for dog friends. But the funny thing is that she can seem to understand when the other dog is another chihuahua because she is calm and almost, dare I say, friendly to them, but be it a pug, a poodle or any other breed - they must submit to her leadership. So, needless to say, she stayed on her leash. It is a little scary for me too when all the big dogs are running loose and while their intentions might be great, their size is threatening to her safety even in fun. She doesn't really care to be wet either but she loves running in the sand and that trumped worrying about a few splashes, making her just adorable to watch. That's not just a mommy response either, many people told us how cute she was too. :)
I stayed back with her though when the water got too deep while Craig and Audrey ventured out to look at a starfish clustered rock and the many tide pools.
We were there in the afternoon and stayed until the sun was setting which was absolutely beautiful. I don't know a sight more quieting to my soul as a beach sunset. It just makes you have to stop and admire the beauty of what God has created.
We didn't do any shopping but the town is adorable and worth a second look when it is a little warmer for rambling up and down the sidewalks. I'm looking forward to a return trip later in the year.
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