October in Oregon

A weekend in Oregon with mom brought the

expected and unexpected beauties of this area.

I grew up on the shores of this river, in this

river, fishing this river, floating this river, leaping

from the bridge into this river. This is where I am

most at home.

As I walked in the misty rain

through the brush to this spot, I came upon

some edgey people living under a tarp in the

blackberry bushes right behind where I'm sitting.

After a moment of concern I thought to myself, "There's

always been creepy people hangin around here. This is

my spot! And, I can share it, as I always have,

with anyone who appreciates the solitude found here."

Heceta Head provided, once again, the beauty

and magesty of the rugged Pacific Coast. We both

have a abiding love for this place. The most excellent

adventure at the coast began with the sight of thousands

of California and Stellar sea lions on the beach below.

Mother was a trooper to take her adventuresome

spirit and sore hips, with a little help, over the guard

rail and to the edge to see this unique and massive

gathering of marine life.

I needed a little closer look. So, down the steep

slope and a belly crawl across 150 meters of rocks
to experience these huge creatures without disturbing

their naps and frolicing on the rocks. To leave this

beach I needed to backtrack and tred lightly. I had a very

close encounter with two sea lions who had snuck back

on the beach behind me to nap in solitude.

Biggest bachelor party on the west coast.

A young healthy male California sea lion, probably

1200 lbs.

The waves were big and there awesome power

expoded as they crashed on the rocks.

Sometimes these explosions engulfed me, and I got

a little wet.

An awesome time with mother.