Friday, October 12, 2007

Oregon Coast

Have you ever seen or experienced the beauty and wilderness coexisting in the ocean, which can only be least described as the most enticing and inviting coastlines that I have ever seen. How divine and radiant are those blue waters with no touch of human and only a sun’s kiss that keeps them stand so majestic and makes us look so tiny and insignificant in front of mother nature. Yes, it’s truly an enchanting acquaintance with what is known to the world as “Oregon Coast”.

Our first leg of journey was set to Florence . We decided to choose the circuitous route along 101 to photograph the nature’s unsurpassed beauty. The freeway runs parallel to the rugged pacific coast and is the by far the most windy route I have ever driven on. The roaring of the waves and scintillating whisks of sand that formed the tenuous boundary between the water and sea kept us entertaining for the whole of 5 hours. As we drove by, I started cogitating about how these waters ever manage to sustain being so unexplored by human. It stood their all by itself, caring less for anything in the world, being the most welcoming place in the world for people who seek out peace and tranquility. I pushed my mind to set it free of all distorted thoughts for the whole of the drive just to enjoy the wild and indomitable nature being at its best in the game of endurance.

Having gone through such a sweet reverie, we finally reached the Sandland Adventures – a recreational park that provides the most exhilarating buggy rides on the sand dunes. Religiously, we did the formal rides and other fun stuff, which was pretty exciting and expectedly exhausting too. Next comes my favorite which is the south Jetty beach. The relentless frenzy in the ocean that transforms into ferocious waves which gradually subside and blankets the beach, further spill over to the streets and covers the lawns and backyards with froths. All this happening on a foggy day would be like a frosting to the treat providing a transcendental “Wuthering Heights” backdrop as a whole. To walk by the side of the coastline, sipping on a cup of coffee holding hands and striking a riveting conversation is probably the most romantic thing for me.

We left Florence to head towards Newport – another beach secluded and untouched by humans. I learnt that the reason for these Oregonian beaches to be so unblemished is because Oregon law prohibits any kind of private ownership of coastline property. As we descended down the road to get to the hotel, I caught glimpses of the waves playing hide and seek between the empty spaces and concrete, rendering a breath taking vista. More feasts were waiting for me inside the room. I opened the back window of the room we had checked into and to my awe, I saw the most beautiful landscape consisting of only the water and more water and much more water and more water beyond anything that could possibly be caught by my eyesight. Wow! Was the only word that came out of my mouth and there it ended, I just sat there for a couple of minutes staring at the background and a unique emptiness conquered all over my mind and heart. Isn’t that just wonderful to be in such a state of mind?

The second day was mostly occupied with visits to sea lion caves, hecetalighthouse and Oregon Acquarium. We didn't get too lucky at the caves to catch few sea lions roaring, however that dint fail our visit though – we admired the folks who were wildlife enthusiasts to have discovered a concealed cave as such that nestled so many of the sea lions and converted that into a very safe and secured observing cave. Descending down 208 feet below earth surface, you really feel oneness with the nature’s creation, how they are created by god just like us and they are no different, they have equal right just as we possess to live in this universe –how I wish all the hunters help their souls by visiting such places. Right from within the cave, one can see the heceta lighthouse – its so widely photographed that I have seen 3 pictures of the light house hung in my office that has about 50 ppl, so this should speak for its acceptance! One shouldn’t miss a single chance to explore the Oregon aquarium. Comparing to the other humdrum aquariums that I have been to, this is by far the most unique one that welcomes you with a wide variety of exotic species of sea creatures and amicable sharks bidding a smiley good bye. Must See!

At this point our camera was full with loads of colorful pictures and so was our hearts fulfilled with loads of memories blended within various vicissitudes of nature. Meandering through different phases of life, if one ever wants to enjoy the nature’s true gift for mankind, come visit Oregon to just fall in love for the best, for the rest of your life!

2 comments:

Anu said...

after reading your blog i am sure everyone will fall in love with Oregon...now i've started thinking that its not that bad :D

Rashmi Mudiyanur said...

yes, truly! you must visit oregon to really enjoy the gift of nature given to us by the almighty!