Wave Watching at Depoe Bay

The power of nature

The power of nature is everywhere.  Last week, before my wife and I wrapped up a brief but fantastic beach trip, we saw that power on display.  While dining at a great restaurant overlooking the shore, Tidal Raves, we noticed people walking out on a rocky point. Occasional massive waves crashed onto the point, and the hikers disappeared.  We both thought the hikers may have been a bit short of brain cells.  It looked like an amazing spot, enhanced by the potential danger of big waves. So of course I wanted to go out there too.

Looking back at the town

Waves explode against shoreline crags

Note water surging up the gap in the rocks, like a blowhole

Love the juxtaposition of powerful wave and sturdy crag

Water draining in beautiful rills

After finishing our tasty meal, we found an nearby access trail, and we wandered along the shore.  Denise was still recovering from a heel injury, so it was tough for her to attempt such a walk on uneven ground. Ultimately, she stayed on a grassy shelf above while I clambered out on the rocks, feeling at home.

As I headed to the end of the point, the surface became very irregular.  It seemed to be some kind of volcanic rock.  I definitely had to watch my step.  I skirted a steep drop off and crossed a gap in the rock where wave surges came through, then clambered onto high ground to wave gawk.  In moments, I was mesmerized.  Such power, such beauty.  Even as I wanted to move about, I could not turn my back on the waves.  Not every wave was spectacular, but there was a large one on a regular basis.  A human being on the rocks seemed inconsequential.

Denise looking for whales

Other people were also watching the ocean further up the cliffs that resembled a bluff, and I sauntered that way after leaving the point.  Denise and I looked for whales but did not see any.  As we walked back to our car, a man and woman said they had seen multiple humpbacks slightly to the north.  It was good day on the Oregon coast.