We got to Watch Connor Doran!

We got to attend the kite festival in Lincoln City last October of 2009.  I think it might have officially been the Least Windy Day Ev-Ar on the Oregon Coast.   

The festival has a contest to take a “playbook” of sorts around to all of the kite artists performing that day and have them sign their name and bio. Since there wasn’t alot of kite action – we got to have long chats with the fliers.

One family we met – Amy and her son Connor Doran– lived(s) is Bend, Oregon.  Since we have just moved over from Bend we felt a connection.  He was/is a student at Mountain View – which was really near our home.

The following winter – we got to see them again at the Indoor Kite Festival.  It was an amazing show – and the boys ran up to Connor at this point like he was a rock star.

Then, this week – we were watching the America’s Got Talent Portland, Oregon edition – and Connor was on! The boys started screaming – I was on the edge of my seat. What would the crowd do?  Indoor Kit Flying is a silent non moving event for the crowd. There can be little movement or noise for the instrument of the kite to fly properly. Oh – My- Joy.  He captivated the audience. We felt like we were watching our own friend on stage.  I had tears watching his mom Amy from the side lines.

The next morning, wakeful and prayerful – I thought of his mom. Who, actually is the most amazing kite flyer ever – watching her son, have his moment of time in the spotlight.  She could have been the one. He will have plenty of chances to shine – it could have been her. I cried a little more. Most be hormonal.  I talked to her about it today, and she said it must have brought on a hormonal moment for alot of people because she has heard my story many times this week. :)

Here are our pics:

Quad Lessons on the Beach at the Lincoln City Kite Festival

 

Officially, Nate was getting Lessons while they were trying
to break the “# of Quad Kites in the Air” record.

Running of the Bols – by a 9 yr old boy!

Hello!  Greetings to my beach lovin’ Friends!  Today was the first day that my shoes were off entirely – and all the sand I stepped through was warm – even the wet sand!

We got up early to beat the crowds to D River – to participate in the Lincoln City Kite Festival.  Many people were there to watch – but As Our Usual – the Petra School Boys – just had to get involved!

Today we learned about the Running of the Bols.  They strap you into a huge bol kite, and then race 50 yrds or so down the beach, competing with two other runners.  The first 50-60 to sign up get to race.  Most ran with friends, but – Not JonnyLego.  He wanted to do it by himself. 

Gearing Up:

Strapped In:

People all around were taking pictures of the “crazy kid”. Before this round only adults or adults with kids were running, and many of them got knocked down.

Ready . . .Set . . . GO!

He ran a real close Second to two older boys.  The third team was WAY behind. :) The crowds wonder changed from skeptic to excitement to see him finish so well. He said he now knows of a way to rip your ribs out of your chest. Just in case you were wondering . . of a way to that. . .  .

Summer = Salt Water Taffy

We have been on the hunt for the best salt water taffy in Lincoln County – and Taaa Daaaa! 

 

We found it today!  We’ve driven by this shop many a day on the way to the library – but they have not been open.  Well – Baby – They Are Now! So – If you are driving down 101 through Lincoln City – This is THE place to get the freshest hand made right there softest most flavorful Taffy we’ve ever had. :)

From their website -

We create our chocolates and world-renowned taffy the old fashioned way - by hand!   We continue to use original recipes, which are cooked in our copper kettles and cooled on our marble slabs.

It looks like you can order their yummy taffy on line – if it will be a while before you go to the coast. 

We also purchased some stick candy and a lollypops – Yum O. 
Great prices – Friendly Workers. YEAH!

(Disclaimer – this is not a paid review – just my opinion of our spontaneous visit
and purchase.)

Second Day of Summer at the Beach

I woke up this morning at 5 – as the SUNSHINE (pause for the sound of angels singing . . . . . . ) poured through the window. . .

I couldn’t resist the morning beach opportunity – so the pup and I layered up and loaded up.

Here’s a picture walk – of our walk. :)

Views from the window this morning.  
So pink and purple and beautiful!
Steam from the water mixing with Morning Mist. Marvelous!

 

____________________________

 

On to the Beach! To the North Above – To the South Below!

      
(The tree at the top of the cliff is the location of “Eagle Perch Tree”

Morning Mist/Dew on the flowers – Outstanding!

Fireworks over the Beach!

We walked down to Roads End State Park around 9 to find a place to watch the Chinook Winds Fireworks Show.

 

A little too concerned with finding a spot?
Sometimes I forget how small Lincoln City really is. :)

The dog was happy though – no one on the beach means she really gets to run – and dig – and run – and dig and dig and dig and dig.

   

We sat at a rock where other Pebble Stackers had been.  Seemed like a good spot.  We walked around on the “dark rocks spot” between Roads End and the Casino and picked up 2 pocket fulls of agates and sea glass.   We watched the moon glow on the ocean waves, smelled the evening smells, pondered at all the changes at the beach at night – as part of our Nature Study. Wonderful!

 

Jon’s Photos

 

A little video?

If you get the chance to see the fireworks at the casino this summer – I highly recommend it!

The Dusk of Agate Season

Our favorite Mystery Beach is almost full of sand.  Only the southern/eastern tip still holds the beauty – walking across so many colored stones – that one needs to choose – what to collect?

Which color? Texture? Stone? Glass? Mineral? Peanut Butter Jaspers? Greens/Reds/White/Clear? Does is sparkle? Does it shine? Will it be worn? What will it adore? Does it have marble? The wealth of this piece of beach is so glorious to have so many choices.

We have all had the bug this winter – strangely each at different times. Willing to walk the low tides in rain gear – winter gear – surf shoes – tall boots.  To see what will be unearthed – the adrenaline of finding the perfect shape and color for the collection. The joy in meeting fellow hunters with trained necks, no longer aching from staring downward. Teaching new enthusiasts how to walk, what to scan, point to what they are looking –Red, Green and Butterscotch  Jaspar, Carnelian, petrified, banded, yellow, black, and fancy agates, Pirate Glass.

The Spring and Summer storms lay the blanket of sand back on the beaches.  The mighty Pacific pulling the tide farther away from the sea wall – as if she knows that her beaches will be walked on by many, making room.  Tide pools exposed – the season of nesting of the sea birds coming to a close – readying for the summer families to explore.

But those of us who are here year round know.  The Glory of the Winter. The Power of the Storms. The Sound of the Wind. The Crashing of the Waves. The Details of Change. The Mammals, the Sea Creatures that we share this stretch with. The Ebb and Flow.

Onward to warmer fires and dryer sand castles, wet sand encrusted legs and back seats, warmer walks with out the winter garb.

We couldn’t resist lining the pockets at sunset last evening – I took 174 photos – thinned to 56, then posted 25 on Picassa of the Sunsets.  This morning I took a few of our treasures. :)

Sunset at Road’s End

You may double click on the slide show to make it full size from Picassa. :)

Spring at the Beach

I went out in the rain to walk the dog this afternoon – and found more changes from Spring -

We have been having storms – and this beauty was washed ashore.

 
A Dead mole crab – Eggs under the female.

 

The algae growing everywhere is astounding.  These rocks were bare just weeks ago.  Beautiful greens, browns, reds.

 
Ended the day with a pocket full of agates and sea glass. :)

Little Drowned Pebblekeeper. :)
(I like this beach because we can drive right down to it. :) )