As I get older, I find I don't
need many things. There isn't even that much that I want anymore. Except for clothes of course! I always want more clothes! I have plenty of nicknacks and books and plants in the garden. And every bit of it requires cleaning and maintenance.
So for my birthday the last couple of years, I've wanted to go somewhere or do something. This year, it was the coast. I was born and raised in San Diego and didn't realize what I had until it was gone. Oh, we get plenty of sunshine here in Seattle. Lots of water around here too. But the one thing Seattle doesn't have (besides extended family) is the ocean. And boy do I miss it!
So this year, we drove to Seaside Oregon for the day. Packed up the car early in the morning and drove 4 hours, through gorgeous scenery, over the Astoria-Megler Bridge and into Seaside.
We even passed a ship wreck.
The northwest has had 80 and 90 degree temps for weeks now, even months. So what do they forecast the Sunday we decide to go to the coast? Rain. Thunder. Lightning. I almost cancelled the trip but just felt peace from the Lord that it would turn out okay. I finally stopped watching the weather forecasts and tried to just trust the Lord.
We arrived in Seaside at about 1:00 and decided to go get lunch before heading down to the beach. As we're crossing the street it begins to rain. Just as we stepped inside the restaurant, it poured!! The water came down in buckets! People were running for cover and we were so thankful to be inside!
We ate at The Crabby Oyster and the food was delicious! By the time we finished eating, the rain had stopped and the sun was peeking through the clouds.
Down to the water!!
It was quite a walk to get close to the water, but I didn't care! I wanted to see those waves crashing on the shore!
After a couple of hours, we decided to do a little shopping so we packed everything up and headed back to the car. Beth had a hard time walking all that way in the sand. Her back hurt and her legs were beginning to hurt but I told her it was good exercise and very healthy to walk in sand.
I don't think she cared. :)
Seaside is a tourist town, and we found the carousel, there were souvenir shops, arcade games, we really had a wonderful day.
The ride home was relaxing and fun.
This is the view from the bridge.
Beth brought her ipod and we plugged it into the car speakers. We all sang along to Disney theme songs, worship music and musicals almost all the way home.
Family, the ocean and music. A perfect way to spend any day.
(And the Lord was right. The day turned out great!)
