Kicking Back and Absorbing the View . . .

With our morning hike accomplished, and an amazing lunch in our tummies, we decided to kick back and enjoy the view. The sun was out and warm on our backs and just listening to the symphony of nature all around us as the waves crashed onto the cliffs, the seabirds harmonizing as they swooped and dove. We don't sit for long though - there are too many things to see and do while at the beach. We climbed around on the driftwood out along the jetty for awhile, exploring the tidepools, and admiring the sparkle of the sand in the sun, and the strength of the wildflowers pushing their way through rock and driftwood barriers. After awhile of exploring the driftwood and enjoying the sun, we headed back to the beach near our campsite for some time walking in the sand and combing the beach.

There's a sense of awe I get while at the coast that is so hard to describe. The song of the surf is at once peaceful and awe inspiring. The power of God is manifested in physical form just by the very immensity of this creation, the endless flow of complexity of life He infused into the ebb and flow of the ocean. I could sit and absorb the sight and sound for days and never get enough.

Sadly enough as I watched children running and playing in the sand, I couldn't help but wonder if their little systems were taking in contamination from the Japanese nuclear catastrophe. I usually pick up shells and rocks to bring home as souvenirs, but not this time. I was ever concious of the mist hitting my skin, the knowledge that everything I touched, was potentially causing future harm. Sad to have such mixed feelings at such an incredibly beautiful place. We happened on this mess of metal washed ashore, and I had to wonder where it came from and why it was here. I'll never know, but it does make one ponder the vast power of the waves that brought it to rest at this, its final resting place. I'm sure in the months and years to come beach combing will take on new meaning as more and more debris washes ashore, but I get mental pictures of having to wear special protective gear for a simple beach walk. Sort of melancholy thoughts to be having on such a beautiful day.


In the distance on the beach we saw a cliff rising out of the sand, hardy wildflowers clinging with determination to its rocky walls. Of course when faced with such an obstacle the obvious conclusion is, there's a wall! We must scale that wall to see what's on top!!! Isn't that what everyone says?

The cliff looked closer than it really was! We walked and walked, leaving behind the families who were playing in the sand near the trailhead to the campground, their voices melting into sounds of the wind and the waves. I'm not a big fan of heights, so I admit to not making it to the top, but I did manage to get up a little ways, enough to really get a great view and feel a little triumphant! I have to say though, in spite of not wearing climbing shoes, and carrying a lit cigar, R made it up just fine! The day was getting to the point where we wanted dinner, and the promise of a campfire and some hot dogs waiting for us back at the campsite. We climbed back down to the beach, and made our way back to the trail head. I can't help it, I stop every few feet to admire the view, take deep breaths of the clean, salty air and watch the sea birds race along the water as it ebbs and flows. We'd be back later to see the sunset, but it wasn't easy to pull myself away from the sight.

Back at camp, the sun starting to go down, and the mosquitoes out in flocks (I know that that is not the official word for it but these bugs were nearly the size of birds!), R got our fire going so we could roast our hot dogs and marshmallows over the flames.
It was nice to sit for awhile and relax by the fire, reviewing the day and feeling content with all we had done and seen. Funny thing about heading out on a trip - you can put so much into the time you are given and it feels like you pack so much into the short time away, when at home the time races by and you find yourself on Monday wondering how it went by without anything to show for it. Here we were, just on Saturday evening with a full day to spend having fun and appreciating nature. Can't beat that!

After relaxing for a bit, watching the flames, we headed back down to the beach for sunset - we were only going to get one and we wanted to enjoy it completely. What a sight! Absolutely incredible! Whenever I see sun rays coming down from the clouds I remember my Grandmother telling me once that the sight of the rays made her think of Jesus reaching down from heaven. I think that too, and smile as I remember her saying it to me when I was small. There was a line of birds flying in single file that were so incredible to watch! They would fly down along above the waves, swooping down low over where the water kissed the sand, then fly up and around in a circle back to where they started and swoop down over the water again. I know they were searching for tidbits of food with each wave, but the fascination for me was the precision of their flight.


The sun has gone to bed, and it is time for us to go to bed too. Tomorrow the plan is to go on a longer, more difficult hike. If we are successful in reaching the lighthouse at the top of the cliffs we will consider treating ourselves to another of those amazing pizza. Ok, who am I kidding? Regardless of whether or not we reach the lighthouse, we'll be getting another pizza.