The Oregon Coast, a dog....and forty seven years.....

A few days at the coast can be a wonderful thing, especially when it's shared with my husband of forty seven years and our dog of one and one half years! It was Lucca's first time stepping onto sand and seeing, hearing and smelling the ocean. Even though we live a little more than an hour's drive away, we had never taken him to the Oregon Coast. Having a wedding anniversary just shy of 50 years called for more of a celebration than just dinner out....so we opted to book a room on the beach and enjoy watching Lucca see it for the first time!

An extremely low tide and a gorgeous day in the 60's was an added bonus for early February! Our room at Cannon Beach faced the ocean and was also very pet friendly, providing Lucca with his own bed, treats, towel and feeding bowls. The town of Cannon Beach also appears to have more dogs than people...with all varieties and sizes represented. Since Lucca is over 110 lbs  and overly friendly we played it safe and put him on a leash while walking through town or on the beach. He loved every minute .....

and met quite a few new friends along the way. Haystack Rock, the town's signature rock, looms above the endless stretch of sandy beach, and is always a draw for visitors....Lucca, included.

Later in the day , when there were less people on the beach....and fewer dogs to distract, we let Lucca run free. He loved chasing his favorite ball, but didn't like the mouthful of sand that he got when he tried to pick it up!

He also didn't like it when a wave surprised him by taking his ball away and then chased him back onto the beach!

After such a big day, a short nap on the balcony is in order...

also the perfect place to watch the sunset....

The next morning ....a Monday, was quiet ....and the beach was empty of walkers, runners, kite flyers, castle builders, ankle waders, and horseback riders. ( you don't swim here, even in the Summer, due to very cold water and undertows!) It was the perfect time for a sketch, a walk into town for breakfast and another outing with Lucca!

 

And the perfect end to a great anniversary celebration. Forty seven years ago... we were married forty miles from NYC in the town where I grew up. Two sons, two grandchildren, five dogs, and numerous cats later, we find ourselves living in Oregon....growing grapes, riding bikes....and most of all, still loving each other, and life!