Cape Perpetua...

On Monday we were joined by Larry and his two dogs Jula and Kirby for a hike out at Cape Perpetua.

There are several reasons why Cape Perpetua is one of our favorite places on the coast - it is a dramatic headland with breathtaking views, it is a hopping off point for many trails that wander off into primeval valleys of the temperate rain forest of the Coast Range, it was only about 15 minutes from our house ....

But without a doubt the main reason we love Cape Perpetua is that it is where Colleen and I first met. Well technically we met on the 4th of July in Newport, Oregon ... but that was in a group setting and we only sort of met. Two days later we went on a hike together with our mutual friend Keni and Colleen's dog Chessie at Cape Perpetua and the rest is history.

Sequoia enjoyed the lush vegetation and rugged climb to the overlook - although it was probably easier on her than Colleen since she is still traveling in the back pack. She had a big time playing with her pine cones while we ate lunch.

Once again teh weather was insanely perfect - as nice as any summer day on the coast. It was actually hot on the hike up.

While we were living in Oregon we did countless hikes and walks accompanied by our dog Chessie. She was Colleen's dog before I met her, but I can honestly say that she quickly became our dog and a part of our family as we explored the world together. Chessie worked every day at my cabinet shop with me and we were all completely inseparable. We lost her to cancer a little while back and thought it would be only fitting to bring her ashes out to Oregon so she would always be able to sit and watch the sunsets she liked so much.

The walk was very refreshing and offered any number of spectacular overlooks and vantage points where you could easily just become totally mesmerized by the beauty of the day.

It was getting late by the time we made it back to our room to enjoy the sunset. We took Sequoia on a nice walk along the beach in front of our hotel before sitting on our balcony eating some fresh canned tuna that Becky had given us, and just enjoying the scenery.

Sequoia opted to sit back and enjoy some goldfish instead of the tuna. She really enjoyed having that ocean front balcony and is wondering why I don't add one to our house...