By Gabriella Kőrösi
It was a Friday afternoon when I drove down to Gearhart from Astoria. It was a gorgeous sunny day after a whole week of rain and gloomy gray skies. Rain happens here often. I was enjoying the drive and the flush green surroundings. The sun was just hitting the trees and the Columbia river in the perfect angle. The views throughout my drive were amazing. The drive took me about 35 minutes. The anticipation to see my friend and enjoy the beach after being mostly just going to work and spending time at home because of the pandemic was high. I could not wait to get there. Even though it was the last weekend in October the temperature was nice and comfortable. The lights liked me that day and I got all greens on my way to the coast. Finally, I arrived to meet my friend by the golf course, and we walked down to the to the beach. With every step I was looking forward with curiosity: How will the water look today? Will it be calm? Will it be angry? Every time I see the ocean, all I have is amazement for its power. The water was beautiful. The awe never stops. For a moment all I could do was to just stand in front of this amazing view, and simply try to take in the constant change, the sounds of the water, the birds, and the wind. The smell of the ocean, there is simply just nothing like it. I feel like it is hard to find the words to capture the serenity, beauty, and power of the coastline. I am thankful for the moments of joy that I feel when I am by the ocean, walking the beaches or visiting the trails and enjoying the trees in our forests.
A few weeks ago, a wonderful friend of mine visited me and in three days we went around and explored three Oregon coast beaches and some of the surrounding shops in Cannon Beach, Seaside and Gearhart. We also walked around Astoria and its Columbia river front. We visited the Eagle Sanctuary just outside of Astoria. We had some wonderful meals at local restaurants. I am grateful that we had that time as now those restaurants are closed again or provide take out only because of the pandemic. I been living in the coastal area now for over 6 years, yet its beauty and power leaves me with amazement every time. There is always something new to find and discover. Although the rural coastal living can have its own challenges, I am filled with gratefulness to have the option to live here and enjoy its serenity.
Enjoying nature is one thing we can still do during the pandemic. I believe it helps healing and providing some moments of calmness in our lives. Try to get out to nature and see your surroundings: parks, trees, rivers, seas and oceans when you can with social distancing of course.
Have a wonderful day.
11/21/2020 Astoria, Oregon
