Yachats Oregon Writer Rick Schultze

Having lived in Yachats for many years I can tell when summer is approaching even though the weather hasn’t been what you’d call summerish but trust me it is on its way. How do I know not being a weatherman or an omnipresent wise man? Watch the Yachatians and you too will know summer is on its way. One of the first signs is the appearance of the Gaden Shartse Monks Sacred Earth Healing Arts of Tibet tour that annually visits Yachats and the Green Salmon and Yachats Commons at the beginning of summer and fills a week with music and interesting activities and events.
Another sign is the red, white, and blue bunting that begins to appear on various businesses. Of course the visitors to Yachats begin to arrive and gradually the market, the restaurants and pubs, shops and motels begin to get busier, and along with that you can tell by the amount of traffic up and down highway 101. In fact the local joke is that when summer hits you can only turn right onto the highway since it would take all day to cross the road!
Another sign of summer and one of my favorites is the demeanor of the folks that are working the various businesses. A general cheerfulness permeates the air and smiles abound. Another sign is large groups of people walking through town and big gatherings on the beach at the mouth of the Yachats River. Often it will be several families who get together for their summer vacations or groups of friends from various places who rendezvous in Yachats to enjoy the area, the beaches, and the nearby attractions like Cape Perpetua. They hike, bike, BBQ and generally have a blast!
Naturally when July hits the buildup to the Yachats 4th of July celebration begins. This year the Lions are going to have a breakfast prior to the La De Dah parade and following a day full of food stands, BBQ's and general frivolity the celebrated Yachats 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular takes place at dusk! After the fireworks show it’s amazing to watch the tail lights of the all the cars leaving Yachats in both directions. It's a glittery parade that sparkles well into the night.
So I can feel it in my bones, summer is banging on the door, now if the wonderful Mother Nature will open the door and throw in some sunshine we'll all be feeling summer in Yachats!
Come for a visit, I'm sure you'll have a good time along with the rest of us!!
To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net <mailto:yarick@pioneer.net>