I got such a feeling of “home” when we check into our room at the Sandcastle in Lincoln City, Oregon.  The curtains are pulled back and I am once again in love with the ocean.
Friday was all sunshine and white wispy clouds. Â The ocean was jewel colored and slow moving. Â We got to town early and visited family having a reunion on the north side of town, high on a hill with a breathtaking view. Â We got a tour of the house, chatted a while, and then hugs all ’round before heading to the next adventure.
On PBS, we learned of a art community nearby. Â It was a lovely day for a drive, so we took off outside Otis and wound our way to the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology. Â This lovely plot of land has a cluster of studios where people come to do workshops or residencies in a variety of mediums. Â Robert and I enjoyed walking the grounds and chatting with a couple of the folks there.
Returning to the ocean we enjoyed the afternoon watching beachcombers and kite fliers, more than last month.  As the sun started setting, I marveled at how often the sky changed and how the ocean responded in its reflection.
Saturday and Sunday showed us a different side to the coast. Â The rains came and the wind blew so hard mist rose from the whitecaps. Â As much as the I love the ocean, this month I paid attention to the sky. Â To say the coast was cloudy or gray would be oversimplification.
There were 100 shades of gray, clouds moving fast and slow. Â Instead of deep blue, the ocean was the same gray as the sky. Â Were it not for the sandy beach, I would swear I was watching an old black and white movie. Â Stripped of color, the sky and ocean came alive with movement.
Our April visit was the same and different as the visits before. Â The ocean, rain or shine, is ever faithful as a charger for my spiritual battery. Â On the way out of town the traffic was noticeably heavier. Â Ah….so this is what April traffic looks like in Lincoln City. Â The quiet season is over. Â Now the town begins to come alive.
Worth every minute.
P.S. Â I was comforted to spot “our” seal again this month.