Spring Break in Seaside

Escaping to the coast is something we talk and dream about on a regular basis. Luckily, it's only a 4-hour drive from Yakima to the coast, so we take often take advantage of the proximity. This year, we decided to spend Spring Break in Seaside, Oregon and enjoy some decent forecasted weather (for April). 

Over the last couple years, we've been following Meriwether Lewis and William Clark's adventures along the Lewis and Clark Trail , specifically in Idaho, Washington and Oregon. Seaside is the terminus of the Oregon Trail, and nearby is Fort Clatsop where they spent the winter of 1805-06 after finally reaching the edge of the continent. As such, there's a lot of explorer history tucked away in this town. 

We spent a lot of time visiting the aquarium, dumping money into the Funland Arcade and of course sampling saltwater taffy and ice cream. We walked all over and explored the shops as well. It was time well spent together as a family.

One of the most riveting moments this week was when I was walking the edge of the tide towards Tillamook Head at sunrise and the sky suddenly opened up on me. The rain soaked everything I was wearing, while at the same time, the sun's rays were coming up over the eastern mountains and illuminating the lower half of Tillamook Head, under the clouds.  A rainbow appeared. It was a surreal scene, and I involuntarily found myself hooting loudly as I was *fully* immersed in the scene and the moment. 

I realized, at that specific time, I am ALIVE and SURVIVING the trauma of colorectal cancer and the treatment, surgeries and mental heaviness that accompanied it. I'm here, now, and enjoying this sunrise soaking at the edge of the mighty Pacific. Miles away from 1 year ago when I was in the midst of chemo and unable to do anything physical. It just floored me and at the same time, I was laughing because this was one of those moments where I just knew everything was going to be....OK.

I captured a photo quickly with my iPhone, and it is in the gallery below. That event is burned into my memory forever, and I'm grateful for it.