I'm Back....

I had set out at the beginning of the weekend a bit nervous about the trip, but I ended up having such a wonderful time.

We met up with our friends in Astoria early Saturday morning and I got everyone to the whale training seminar. Then I was ready for a day of adventure all to myself. The weather was foggy and cool. After not sleeping well the night before and then getting up early for the drive, I really felt a strong temptation to pull over for a bit of a nap. I did just that very thing too. It was a tiny nap, but even that was a strange new adventure for me.

After being re-charged, my exploring began. My first stop was Fort Stevens. I had read about an old ship that had wrecked there back in 1906. It was such a find. I could have stayed there all day. It was a strange mixture of emotions to stand there in the cold waters while viewing the rusted ship remains and listen to the pounding of the waves.

My next adventure was to explore a bit of Astoria. I took in the panoramic view of the Astoria Column and then walked around the historic part of town reading bits of history. It was inspiring to learn about the pioneers that forged this western land.

Once I had some lunch in me, I felt charged up for some super hiking. I treked around both the North Head Lighthouse and the Lighthouse of Cape Disappointment. I got super muddy but it was well worth it. The views were breath taking as the ocean wind and waves whispered to me.

Sunday was a day for staying in town. With my daughter and friends still in the seminar, it was more time for me to explore the concept of "me time". I walked on the beach, did a small bit of window shopping, and crafted some new card designs. I think the biggest thing for me though was the challenge to sit in a resaurant and order by myself. Sure, I have run into Subway or Taco Bell for a quick bite to eat. But I have never gone into a "sit down and order with a waitress" kind of place....alone. You know what? I lived. No one pointed at me. Nothing bad happened. I simply enjoyed my meal.

In the evening, our friends built us a campfire on
the beach so that we could roast hotdogs and marshmallows. While sitting there, we saw the most amazing thing as the sun was starting to set. It is called a fire rainbow. I had seen a couple of emails come across my desk with info about this sight, but I must admit that I thought it was some sort of photoshop hoax thing. Boy was I wrong. As if I didn't know the truth before of how amazing and creative God is, this proves it yet again.

This is the best picture my camera could come up with and it does it no justice at all. I know it is hard to see but if you look to the right of the sun and almost to the sand dune, you will find a blur of color. It is actually a rainbow in the clouds. It looks as if a giant hand smeared paint across the clouds in a blaze of color.

Today I got in one more long walk on the beach. I went farther than I ever have before. I didn't let myself stop because of any kind of "I should go do....." thought. Instead, I gave myself permission to walk as long as I wanted, not worry about making eye contact with anyone, and tune out the busy world.
I crossed a small inlet and I got my feet wet.
I got my shoes wet....and nothing bad happened.
Nothing happend except the freedom in being able to do it.

I know, it is worth laughing at. You can say, "Wow Jules, you really stretched yourself there you wild woman. You mean, you actually got your feet wet?!" To me, it meant alot and that is all that matters.

It was hard to leave, but we had to get back to reality. Real lives don't revolve around being able to do whatever you want whenever you want on a continual basis. I am home. I love my family. I have a head full memories to think on for a good while to come.

I am not a photographer by any means, but this link might help you better see a few of my adventures. pictures

(personal note: David at Authorblog gave me a 'blog of the day honorable mention' for this post. It is indeed an honor.)