Road Trip, Day Four: Trinidad.

Wonder is the word for today and also awe...truly.

Began the day in Bandon, OR beside cranberry bogs and blueberry farms.

Drove into California on the Redwood Highway. 

I found a new religion: Redwood Trees. More pictures tomorrow.

I think I pulled the old Volvo wagon over two dozen times 

to stare in amazement at the sheer beauty of this coastline.

There were beaches to explore, rocks to be collected, 

floating bobs of redwood bark to be rescued from waves.

I arrived in Trinidad in the late afternoon. Fishing boats were floating.

Folks were walking their dogs. Surfers were cresting waves, losing the ride

and getting back up. Crabbers were preparing for a midnight harvest.

The shapes of these rocks are breathtaking, erosion is relentless,

we are all always changing...even the rocks.

Road Trip, Day One: Yachats.

It was a brilliant blue day today on the coast.

Perfect driving weather, with sunlight filtering through mossy branches,

fishermen casting over roaring rivers, and snow covered evergreen boughs.

Point Lobos.

Yesterday's adventure was at Point Lobos.

What a gorgeous collection of cliffs, crashing waves, and sea life.

Gifts from the Sea.

Pacific Grove.

Just spent three days in Pacific Grove at my Mom's adorable beach cottage.

The ocean was refreshing, awe inspiring, and exhilarating.

The cottages in the town are lovely. Some in disrepair, some with immense

handiwork been given. Most of the cottages were built in the late 1800's.

They have so much character, charm and quirkiness. Just love it.

Little garden treasures.

Mom's cottage lit up at night. Warm, cozy, a family nest.

Thankful.

I have so many things in life to be thankful for...

Here is an incomplete list.

I am thankful first and foremost for my mother.

She birthed me into this world, raised and loved me,

and is my rock in all storms.

My life would not exist or be as full without her.

I am thankful for friendships.

Old, cherished, ancient ones that will be in my life forever.

New, fresh, exciting ones that bring spontaneity and verve.

And especially the rekindled ones, that give me hope

that things come back around and that broken

things can be mended.

I am thankful for farmland, open roads and sea.

I know that I would not have survived this summer 

in one piece without them.  

Thank you Oregon for being such a beautiful state.

I am thankful for animals. 

Who grace our lives with unconditional love,

are up for spontaneous adventure,

and who's antics provide hours of distracting entertainment.

I am thankful for hard work.

Which helps me reach further than I thought I could.

Helps me realize my own strength and endurance.

And creates a release for a busy mind.

I am thankful for good food, great books,

and time to learn, grow and share.

In a months time I will begin a six month artistic retreat 

on the Oregon coast.  Stay tuned for more adventure...