Cannon Beach, Oregon is a magical place! My friend, Anita, has made a pilgrimage here annually. With a glimmer in her eye she has spoken of the solace found while sitting on a deck at The Ocean Lodge overlooking haystack rock. This year, she invited me to join her. Seeing Cannon Beach with Anita was thrilling! I was ready to wrap myself in our friendship and in a true sense of peace that only the Pacific Ocean can bring.
Little did I know that this caper would create connections with so many strangers! Not only did I find peace, but the unexpected adventures brought me a renewed sense of hope for this world! Come along with us!
High Tide
Anita
Anita has always impressed me throughout our decades of friendship! I babysat for her boys, Christopher and Sean, as I was growing up. When Anita suddenly found herself single, she picked up the shattered pieces and built a secure life for her family. (Her husband had filed for divorce.)
Anita went back into the workforce as a third shift nurse. She arranged her new home so she and I each had our own beds. I would sleep over and get Chris and Sean ready for school. In the early hours she’d come home and spend time with her children. Anita was a model of strength for me as I was beginning to carve my way into the world!
As she worked the nighttime shift, Anita continued her education and earned a doctorate in nursing. Anita secured a professorship at Seattle University after Christopher and Sean had moved to the state of Washington. She’s been on the west coast seventeen years now. It was so meaningful for me to reconnect with her at Cannon Beach!
Our First Evening
Armed with our favorite wines and popcorn we perched ourselves on the patio. The waves lapped the shoreline as we flapped our jaws. As the sun slipped passed the horizon we recounted our cherished memories and caught up on our recent life events. Connecting with others has always been a precious commodity to me.
Several campfires glowed along the beach.
During a past era the famous haystack rock and needle rocks had traveled from a volcano in Idaho to the Pacific shoreline along the Columbia River. Soaking in the awe of nature is another favorite pastime of mine.
Low Tide
“Let’s see if the starfish are back!” Anita tied her laces on her running shoes. Starfish and sea anemones used to cover the rocks but five years ago they’d died from a bacteria labeled, “sea star wasting syndrome.”
Walking along the western edge of the United States with my dear friend was magical! I was hoping to find some starfish and sand dollars.
Unlike the loose sand of the Great Lakes, the Pacific Ocean shoreline was densely packed. This allowed us to wear tennis shoes for our stroll. Jellyfish littered the beach. I was thankful for the foot protection.
A sign said “If stung, douse area with vinegar and seek medical attention.”
A sign posted by volunteers read, “Sea Nettles should be approached with caution.”
As we stepped around the jellyfish, constantly scanning for sand dollars, we made our way to the tide pools.
Up ahead we spotted multi-colored sea stars clinging to rocks. “Oh some are back!” Anita sang as we investigated at a respectful distance.
Mussel-covered rocks sat in tidepools. In order to eat the orche sea star has to open the mussels’ shell, insert part of its own stomach and release digestive enzymes. Within 24-48 hours the inside of the clam will be liquified and eaten by the sea star.
The sea anemones remained closed as they waited for the tide.
Cannon Beach Bunnies
On our walk back to The Ocean Lodge, we spied a bunny sitting proudly up on the hill. “Did someone loose their pet bunny?” I inquired. “Oh, rabbits are all over Cannon Beach.” Anita explained nonchalantly. I knew I needed to learn more about these creatures. Were these bunnies magical? Were they like the ones in the Monty Python movie? I had to find out more! But, first we were planning on going shopping. The bunny mystery would have to wait!
Auto Mishaps
After our stroll along the beach we got ready to go into town. Cannon Beach only permits privately owned shops. Large chain stores are not allowed. I was looking forward to buying some one-of-a-kind art pieces.
Anita started her two year old Ford Escape and backed out of the parking space. A “thud” shook the car. We gave each other a wide eyed glance. “That was odd.” Anita stated. “I’m sure it’s nothing.” I surmised. I held hope that it wasn’t a bunny.
Then as we pulled onto the street. Her car shuddered and it wouldn’t stay in gear. It rolled backward down the hill. “What do I do?” Anita asked with wide eyes while her hand on the gearshift. “Pull over there.” I pointed to an empty driveway.
The engine rattled. Oil blew out the back. As Anita pulled over, I silently thanked God that this hadn’t happened yesterday on the highway as we’d made the four hour drive to Cannon Beach. “I am sorry, Anita. I thought that clunk wasn’t anything to worry about. Boy, was I wrong.”
Steve Saves The Day
After calling the insurance company, we met Steve. He was a kind and knowledgeable tow truck driver. Anita’s car only had 17,000 miles. The car’s engine had already been replaced once in it’s short life. Anita wasn’t sure if it was still under warranty. Steven opened the hood. The engine was rattling around. “This is a complete engine failure and should go to the dealership. It’s too big a job for our repair shop.” Steve’s honesty was refreshing!
“Welcome to my shoreline tour. I’m Steve and I’ll be your guide today.” His comic relief was needed. He actually gave us highlights about hiking trails and Hug Point’s caves. He gestured to a famous ice cream shop as we bounced along in the cab of his truck. Steve’s entertaining antics and storytelling made our 45 minute drive along winding, shoreline roads much more pleasant!
Renting a Car?
Our hope was that the dealership would have a car for us to borrow, but they didn’t. So we searched rental car options, but there weren’t any available. We asked Steve if he could give us a ride back to Cannon Beach. Of course Steve graciously agreed. He was our hero!
Steve’s father, Gary, had inherited this family run auto business from his boss. Gary’s dedicated reputation kept his small operation hopping. Steve helped his dad when he could around his firefighting career. Sadly, Gary recently passed away. Steve and his brother, John, have proudly taken over the shop while providing loving care for their mom.
Steve and John continue their father’s legacy with pride and hard work. Steve’s entire day became centered around our needs. He cheerfully went out of his way to take care of us, putting aside other tasks. All the while he was delightful and entertaining! If you ever have car issues along the coast, contact Gary’s Cannon Beach Service Center.
Patrick
As we arrived at The Ocean Lodge Patrick, the concierge, opened the door and greeted us. He reassured our worries and offered to give us a ride anywhere around Cannon Beach in the 1957 Chevrolet Bellaire. What a treat!
Anita and I decided to head into town for a quick look-see before the shops closed for the day. We also wanted to enjoy some outdoor dining. Patrick got the door for us. As we climbed into the car he had Beach Boys’ “Help Me Ronda” playing.
“I was a carnie, ya know, traveling with a carnival for 17 years.” Patrick shared. “I went from 16-38 in the blink of an eye.” He reflected on his life. “I’ve worked at The Ocean Lodge for 3 years now. Driving this, the police just wave at me. They don’t chase me.” He chuckled over the song, ‘Surfing USA.’ Patrick continued, “Grandma always said, ‘Find a job you love and you’ll never work a day in your life.'” Patrick was delightful! He put us at ease with his laughter and stories.
Patrick had been a bartender, too. His down-to-earth manner and ability to connect with people was charming!
Cannon Beach Bunnies
Remember those rabbits that I was curious about? Well, I knew I could get the inside scoop from Patrick. “So, what’s the story about all the bunnies?” I asked. “They are hopping around every bush at The Ocean Lodge.” I noted.
“Well,” Patrick shook his head. About forty years ago a teacher was raising 100 bunnies in a shed. Some students thought it would be a practical joke to release them.” Patrick explained. “Well, you know about rabbits?” He paused for effect. “They have just kept multiplying!” There’s even a Facebook Page, “Cannon Beach Bunnies.”
Cannon Beach Was Captivating
Cannon Beach has hosted many movie making endeavors. These mountainous structures capture an eerily stunning, other-world feeling.
The film list that I found contained the following movies: “Chances” (1931), “1941” (1979), “Hysterical” (1983), “Goonies” (1985), “Permanent Record” (1988), “Kindergarten Cop” (1990), “Point Break” (1991), “The Temp” (1993), “Free Willy” (1993), “Twilight” (2008) and “Cold Weather.” (2010)
How Do We Get Back To Seattle?
Sean and Christopher called regularly to offer assistance and to check on us. They are such thoughtful men! Being four hours from Seattle, we didn’t want to trouble them with a long round trip to pick us up.
Without a rental car available, we needed to investigate other modes of transportation. It built a heaviness of worry during our weekend stay. In the midst of the angst, we met many amazing individuals who shared calming kindness with us! It was heartwarming!
The people at The Ocean Lodge beamed with reassurance and assistance. The front desk ladies helped us navigate bus and train schedules. Juanita, another Ocean Lodge employee, had offered to have her son give us a ride to Portland. There we could get on a train to Seattle. All of this care from strangers has rebooted my confidence in humanity!
Our Solution
Anita and I hitched an early morning ride in the 1957 Bellaire to the Cannon Beach bus stop. We arrived in Portland and then boarded a train. When we pulled into Seattle, Anita’s friend, Toni, picked us up. We made it home safely!
A New Car
Anita had contacted the Toyota dealership and had been communicating with C.J., a salesman, about the availability of vehicles on the lot. The following morning, Anita’s neighbor, Ginny, dropped us off at the Toyota dealership where Anita bought a Camry.
The Ford dealership in Tillamook called later that same day. They planned to buy Anita’s car from her so she wouldn’t have to go all the way back to Tillamook. The car was still under warranty, so the repairs wouldn’t be her responsibility. Anita was relieved to have THIS Ford ‘Escape’ her!
Smiling Daily
This is a wonderful way to remember our time together!
Not only did I have the opportunity to reconnect with Anita, Christopher and Sean, but I was able to connect with many new friends. This has always been a precious commodity to me. As well, soaking in the awe-of-nature has brought me a sense of peace. I will continue to carry Cannon Beach with me! Anita bought me a blown glass hummingbird which I have hung in my kitchen window. It will continue to bring me a smile daily!
Related Links:
Restless Viking merchandise is now available!
Resources:
Gary’s Cannon Beach Auto Repair – 280 N. Hemlock, Cannon Beach 97110 503-436-2280
The Ocean Lodge – 2864 Pacific Ave, Cannon Beach, OR 97110•(888) 777-4047
