We road tripped to Netarts, Oregon this week. It is over 500 miles but it is worth the drive. We all enjoyed seeing the coast through the eyes of our grandchildren, Hank and Margie. We rented a home on the beach and a great deal of time was spent running in the waves, hunting shells, talking about seaweed, showering the sand off our feet and generally expending lots of energy. Any time of the day, including the times when the rain was pouring down were excellent beach time. All of us enjoyed the beach and the activities that surround the ocean. We spent an afternoon in Pacific City hiking to the top of the sand dunes. The Dunes are part of Cape Kiwanda Park and the view from the top is worth the effort. The kids loved running down the Dune more than up it.
You have to be careful on this beach as the waves break right on the shore and there are periodic rogue surges that can drag you out to sea. We witnessed two kids saved from the wave by a Good Samaritan dog walker.
On our way to the Aquarium outside of Newport, Margie needed a bathroom break. It was a time sensitive issue so we stopped at the first rock overlook. We ended up spending considerable time watching the incoming tide boil below us and send impressive sprays of water into the air. Hank was amazed and said, “this is what the ocean is all about, so powerful.” When we got back in the car, Hank made us laugh with a heart felt thank you to Margie for needing an emergency pit stop, “we were so lucky Margie had to go.” Not to worry, Megan is a good camper and we carried out everything that came out. The aquarium is very impressive with outdoor and indoor exhibits highlighted by a shark tank that features a tunnel you walk through as the fish swim above and below you. The aquarium is close to the Rogue brewery, the food and beer are good.
The ocean is a critical resource for our world. In addition to the very positive effects it promotes in our parasympathetic nervous system, we are inextricably linked to the sea. Did you know that “the blood coursing through your veins started out as rain generated by massive acts of evaporation and condensation at sea…on planet earth, life literally falls from the skies in the form of water.. and the percentage of salt in the ocean…is identical to that in every drop of your blood.” Each of us “breathes 25,000 times a day, and 70% of the oxygen in each of those breaths is generated by plants in the ocean.” Psychologically speaking, “we are naturally drawn to aquatic hues and humans associate this color with qualities like calm, openness, depth and wisdom…our brains are hardwired to react positively to water, being near it can calm and connect us, increase innovation and insight, and even heal what is broken.” Proximity to water releases feel good hormones, like dopamine and oxytocin. Don’t forget the negative ions in the sea breeze and increased oxygen content have a mood boosting effect. Why do we continue to put the oceans at risk?
Today is the Celebration of Life for my good friend Rich Hall. Rich passed away nearly a year ago after a valiant battle with pancreatic cancer. Not unlike the ocean, Rich was a force of nature. He was indomitable, impossible to subdue or defeat. He loved to compete in the legal world, on the tennis court, on the golf course, or in any event that involved Chardonnay. It was always a pleasure to spend time with Rich. Chipping was a weakness but he overcame that with his smooth swing and exceptional putting. I look forward to hearing the many great Rich Hall stories tomorrow and remembering our good friend.
Condolences to his lovely spouse Tonya and their daughters and the grandchildren.
Godspeed.
Wear your mask and get vaccinated, Rich would highly recommend it. Mike
Pacific Ocean
