The Oregon Coast
Wherein Moominmama goes beachcombing in Bandon, Oregon and hikes the Oregon Coast Trail... The state of Oregon passed a brilliant law in 1967 that established a public easement along its entire seacoast from the Columbia River to the California border. This area is now dotted with state parks and conservation areas. Bandon beach, just below the Coquille River, is ideal for tidepool exploration at low tides because you can wander among the sea stacks and observe what's clinging to their sides or hiding at their bases. The volcanic pillars further out provide nesting sites for birds, and offshore rocks serve as beaches for seals and sea lions to take the sun. Moominmama did her best to photograph a group of resting seals in the distance. Without a zoom lens, this is difficult. So imagine my surprise and delight when I rounded a corner and saw a young seal on my bit of beach! Rather than approach, I crouched down. State law prohibits beachgoers from bothering the seals in any way. Sig...