Nature's Best in Oregon

Pockets of sea life, small creatures squeezed into stone bowls swirling together in pools of salty soup clinging desperately to rock until high tide washes them back out to sea.  Tide pools. The colors are fantastic, purpley, coral, electric green, bold shimmering orange, warted yellow arms swishing side to side.  Soft suede sea lions laze on a boulder island nearby, curious.  Climbing over rocks, my hand sinks into a soft, slimy neon mass that pulls my fingers deeper.  Loud screaming, bones quiver, my entire body shudders, tears shed.  I am traumatized.  The sea lions bark, amused.

Our destination today, Cape Lookout, a hazy spit of land stretching far into the Pacific Ocean atop a rigid 800 foot cliff face. Settling around us the fog is relentless, soft pine needles turn to damp dirt then gradually, entirely to muddy sludge, boots sink deep down into the slimy, oozing muck.  Arms flailing, feet sliding, jerking to an embarrassing, uncoordinated mud dance just to stay upright, no casualties.  Among these soaring scented pines unbelievably vibrant sapphire and deep crimson wild flowers line the trail, over gnarly arthritic tree roots, poking through tree tops finally we arrive at the Point.   Ocean currents roll mighty below us, crashing waves spray giant soaring bluffs, we've reached the edge of the world.  An eagle soars so close I'm sure he's warning us, we've invaded his space.  Just the two of us, a bird and the restless sea, no better place on earth to wake the soul.

Wildly gorgeous giant rhododendrons grow here in Oregon's lush forests, sprinkled masterful throughout the remote wilderness.  Under an arbor of heavenly blossoms, the trail is covered with a fresh carpet of delicate pink flowers, much like the velvet rose petals scattered from a precious flower girl's basket.  Stunning untamed beauties perfectly painted on forest floors, hillsides and riverbeds.  Mother Nature can humble you with warm sunshine, dry hiking boots and a beautiful walk in the woods.  She is an amazing artist.