Another perfect day at Cannon Beach. What do you think because it rained for the majority of the day, it was less than perfect yesterday? Every day and every time we’ve been up on this coast has been a unique experience with memorable moments that would not be traded with being somewhere else or having different weather. We’ve loved this place when it’s cold and windy, drizzling and gray, or warm and sunny. Maybe the fact that we are together next to the water is enough to make everything perfect.

The patterns of black streaks in the sand and the indentation due to the way water flows around this stump are enough to stop us and have us admire the work of the ocean and light. I also took a photo of a dead sea lion with about a third of its skin missing, a bunch of flesh gone from its face including its eyes, and some white bones protruding from the rotting rear flipper. I’m guessing for most readers, the description was gross enough, and you might be wondering why I took a photo. Because I wanted to get the image so I could study what was there before the smell attacked my nose…and who doesn’t think dead things aren’t interesting?

That’s Haystack Rock, and while it’s just a giant rock offshore, it helps make this place look even cooler.

The silvers and blues of this monochromatic ocean and overcast sky create a drama and mood befitting the late fall day on the Oregon coast, where wool is more appropriate than the nylon of a bikini. If hot tea, coffee, or hot chocolate come to mind, and maybe a hot bowl of chowder between walking along the surf sounds good to you, then the Pacific Ocean here in Oregon might be the place for you; it certainly works for us.

Because it’s just that beautiful. Notice our footprints in the sand? They were the only ones out here this far south on Cannon Beach.

The weather and the lighting can change dramatically and quickly here during the fall into winter, but what doesn’t change is our feeling for these kinds of landscapes. I shouldn’t forget to mention the incredible sound of the surf rushing in and being dragged right back out.

Three layers are all it took to stay comfortable, well that and Caroline stealing my beanie. Good thing I effectively have a chin beanie that keeps the lower half of my face warm. This was our last day out on the coast, and soon after I snapped this photo, we were back on the road to Portland to stay the night. We’d wake early so I could make a special visit to a special place, more about that tomorrow.