Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

I can’t count the number of times I’ve be stunned by the incredible sights I’ve seen traversing up and down the Central Oregon coast from Seal Rock to Florence. Every community you go through has its own certain unique charm and visual sights. The brilliant green forests that line the highway present sights fit for post cards and several outstanding spots are indeed on postcards seen all over the world. A glance at the sparking blue Pacific Ocean crashing against the shorelines or the seemingly endless expanse of water that stretches to the horizon as you look at it near Sea Lion Caves is always a memorable sight. On stormy days the clouds race across the sky in various shades of darkness. On some big storm days occasionally there will be flashes of lightning streaking in the sky and the claps of thunder that roars from the sea to shore and echoes through the hills. None of these sights will ever grow dull; beautiful and tranquil on nice days, scary and intense in rough weather. Nothing like the wind whipping the rain in sheets across the highway!

However, I can honestly say that in my many tips on the coastal roads I’ve never had an unscenic or boring drive even if it’s just been going back and forth from one town to another a couple of times in a day to cover a story or run errands.

But early this morning I saw perhaps the most amazing sight I’ve ever seen and it was the result of a combination of things. The moon was full, the sky full of shimmering stars and looking like a long moving ribbon of lights where the lighted crab boats out on the horizon. It so happens it was the first day of the crabbing season and it looked like the moon was extending the crabbers an early morning welcome. Eventually the moon sunk in the west over the horizon as the sun peaked up in the east casting its early rays. The morning birds began to warm up their wings and the light dew on the grounds glistened as the sun hit it. The whole scene was astounding and quite beautiful.

I always look forward yearly to the crabbing season and the sight of twinkling lights bobbing up and down at sea. This year the season started right on time which is great in a couple of ways. Firstly we will all be able to enjoy the wonderful crab caught by our local crabbers and on clear days treat our eyes to the spectacular sight of bright lights moving effortlessly out on the dark sea. The moon, stars and lights twinkling were certainly a sight I will never forget.
To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net