Another holiday spent with Joan’s family, and, as with last year, we found ourselves on the coast.
Joan’s family always encourages us to enjoy some local hikes, and the landscape here feels like a wilder, more rugged version of New England in many ways.
We started with a hike near Eugene to stretch our legs after a long day of travel.
With rain in the forecast, the sunny weather and mild temperatures felt too good to pass up.
And the lushness, always striking in western Oregon, seemed even more pronounced after my time in New England in October.
Once we arrived at the coast and settled in, we enjoyed the family festivities.
Naturally, Joan and I also wanted to get in some hiking where the forest meets the ocean and the dunes lie in between.
In late November the ocean feels more raw, but also quieter.
There’s something about winter that brings out the more contemplative side of walking.
After Thanksgiving, Joan, her sister, and I took a hike near Cape Perpetua.
A classic Oregon coast destination—but quieter than usual, even on a holiday weekend.
We timed things well: the morning still held sunshine before the afternoon rains rolled in.
We wrapped up the hike with a visit to the interpretive center and an amble down to the ocean; just as the first drops began to fall.
Joan and I have some “adulting” to do this week (the contractors are literally on our roof as I type), but we look forward to returning to the desert soon.
In the span of a month I’ve seen both coasts, and the raw power of the ocean never fails to impress. The green here feels lush and inviting.
But it’s the High Desert we call home and the place we love.