Posted on by agilejack

A Much Needed Beach Day and a Bucket Hat

We went to the Beach today. It was fabulous.

But first, I finished up this bucket hat tonight. It really went together quite easily and quickly.

How cute is that?!?!?!

If you’re gonna make one of these, make sure you have your pins handy.

I didn’t trim off the excess on that quilt back that gave me such pains yesterday. I want to be fresh and alert when I do it because I’m afraid I’ll make even more trouble if I’m not. I’ll tackle it tomorrow after measuring five or nine times.

Ok. Now to the beach.

We left home around 8:15 this morning and were on the beach at about 10:30. There were only four cars in the parking lot when we got there. That’s always a really good sign.

I always check the tide tables before I go the beach because this beach has a cliff and I’ve seen it completely swamped at high tide. You don’t want to be caught between a cliff and the ocean when the tide is coming in.

Low tide was at 10:55 this morning. And this was an extremely low tide, which meant that we could easily walk north onto Cannon Beach with plenty of time to get back before the tide cuts off access.

Cannon Beach features the iconic Haystack Rock. It’s likely you’ve seen photos of it. It’s the large rock formation on the right in this photo.

The beach was covered with these tidal pools today. And that meant fun for doggos!

We walked almost two miles north onto Cannon Beach before we turned around and headed back south. It felt so good to get out and move around after so many days of being stuck at home and so sedentary.

That’s three happy campers!

If you’ve never been to the Oregon coast, I feel a little sorry for you. It’s very rugged with lots of rock formations and it’s often harsh weather. But it’s stunning. The skies can be amazing and the water is gorgeous.

Here’s some more photos of Cannon Beach.

Did I mention that Bender and Rico whole heartedly enjoy the beach?

I walked 6.5 miles today. I’m guessing they RAN close to 20 miles. They are both exhausted tonight and they got a solid 90 minutes of sleep on the drive home. I had to stay awake.

And they LOOOOOOVE the water! They are in and out of it the entire time. But the good thing is that they don’t go in too deep.

Once we turned around and headed back south toward Arcadia Beach the tide had turned. But it was still waaaay out there. It’s about 1.5 miles down to the south end of Arcadia Beach. But first, we took a closer look at the rocks. And look what we found — sea stars. (click on the photos for a larger image.)

When I first moved to Oregon in 2010 it was very normal to see lots of sea stars on the rocks. And then there was a terrible wasting disease that wiped them out. And for a few years you never saw a sea star. But now they are making a comeback! It’s so cool to see them again! Look at those vibrant colors.

And speaking of vibrant colors. Look at this one! I’ve never see one this color purple before! It was so amazing!

Isn’t is amazing to see that color on a live animal!

Here’s the view looking south along the coast. That’s me in the foreground.

On the south end of this beach is an outcropping of rocks. It’s really unusual to be able to walk around that point. It’s almost always impassible except in these extremely low tides. I made a video of it for my friend Linda who used to visit often before the pandemic.

We were all slowing down a little by the time we made it back to the car. I felt really good considering that I’m on the tail end of my Covid experience. It felt so good to be outside and moving around. And a day at the coast always does us so much good. It felt really normal.

I’ll close tonight with this final photo of Bender with a crab on his head. It’s a long story, but I just had to do it.

He’s such a good dog.

59 Replies to “A Much Needed Beach Day and a Bucket Hat”

  1. I so enjoy your posts. The beach looks amazing, I live in New Zealand right by the beach and your photos are not unlike ours here. We lost our 17 year old poodle during the first lockdown in 2020 so beach walks are just not the same now.

    Really love your bags and , of course, the Aboriginal fabrics, aren’t they just fabulous? As a child I lived in the Northern Territory of Australia, schooled by correspondence and played endlessly with an aboriginal girl . We swam in billabongs and raced down an unused airstrip. We had so much fun and the fabrics always recall such great memories for me. We attended many a corroboree where they painted their faces with the ochre from the ground. The tiny dots ever present in their war paint.

    I have saved a lot of your posts and plan to make some bags when we return from a 3 month trip to the UK to visit a son and his family. I have my trusted I Pad with me so will be able to view your posts as usual.

    Best regards

    Liz Emtage

    Sent from my iPad

    >

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. So sorry to hear about your dog. 17 years is a long life. But still not long enough.

      I love your story about your Aboriginal friend in childhood. Amazing how some things can trigger memories. Interesting about the dots. I think those white dots are one of the main things that makes those fabrics so amazing. They just sparkle!!!

      Enjoy your trip, and be sure to visit some fabric stores!

      Anne

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  4. Oh, Anne! What a great beginning to my day. I was along the Oregon coast almost 50 years ago and these photos are killing me. I want to go back!! Florida is no longer the nice place it was while I was growing up.

    Love, love, love the videos and all the photos. My beaches are narrow by comparison and usually packed with people unless I get up really early to head out. Also, the shore is lined with condos and businesses. The Gulf of Mexico is beautiful but far too populated.

    As for Bender……. What can I say? I have an album on my iPad labeled “Funny Photos.” I took a screen shot of Bender and the crab so I could keep it in the album where I can find it.

    I’m so glad you’re feeling so much better! 🌺🥰🌺

    Susan

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    1. the Oregon coast is definitely different from the Florida coast! I would not like heavily crowded beaches. I like having lots of space for my boys to run without worrying about them bothering other people. We can walk for six miles and not come within 200 yards of another person! I’m really fortunate to live so close.

      Bender is a good sport and very tolerant!

      Anne

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  5. I love your beach photos, such pretty scenery, who doesn’t love tidal pools ! The sea stars are beautiful ! I’m amazed there aren’t “peoples” all over the place, it looks like such a neat place to visit! Thank you for sharing. Glad you had an enjoyable day !

    Liked by 1 person

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    1. Early on week days is usually a good time to go to the beach and have it to yourself. More people show up as the day goes on, and the weekends can be crazy. Especially Cannon Beach.

      It was a really good day! I’m so lucky that I can hop in the car, spend a few hours with my boys on the beach, and be back home in the early afternoon!

      Anne

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  6. Thank you for sharing so many pictures. It has been many years since my husband and I traveled down the coast of Oregon, stopping at both Cannon and Arcadia beaches! I always remember it as rugged and beautiful. Glad you are on the mend from Covid. I’m on day 3 of it and am grateful it’s shaping up to be a mild case.

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    1. Here’s hoping that your Covid stays mild. I’m almost completely back to normal… just some minor head congestion still. But I’m done with my isolation! And the weather this weekend is glorious. Drink lots of water!

      Anne

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  7. Oh so much beach fun! Now you really made me home sick! Bender looks a little crabby! Thanks for all those beautiful photo’s. Love the bucket hat too.
    Happy weekend❣

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  8. Great pics!!! I lived on the Washington Coast for 3 years, miss it terribly. You’re one lucky, talented woman!! Love the bucket hat, planning to make one myself just waiting for my new fabric to arrive, probably make a practice run first. Take care, Deb

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    1. Yeah, I thought this was for a practice run too. It turned out nice, but I did have a few things to figure out. The pattern can be a little confusing in a couple places. the first run for me is usually for fit. And this came out a little snug. I was able to spray it and stretch it a little. But I’ll probably take a smaller seam allowance on the next one.

      Anne

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  9. Thank you from New Brunswick Canada…I too use to walk the beach in Amherst Nova Scotia with my dog too….good memories Your scenery is beautiful! So enjoy all your posts…especially the pic with the crab Betty

    Sent from my iPad

    >

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    1. I think the beach is so much better with a couple of dogs who are having such a great time! They are in heaven for the entire time on the beach. It’s so good for all of us!
      Anne

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  10. I so enjoy reading about your dogs and your sewing of bags and quilts. You inspire me to get moving and sewing ! I live in New Hampshire.

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  12. Wonderful pics. I’ve been to Portland twice (many many years ago) and thoroughly enjoyed it both times. We went to Cannon Beach, and saw the “Worlds largest Sitka Spruce” when it was alive and well. We did the Columbia River Gorge loop and saw the waterfalls, and Bonneville Dam (my husband and I worked for the US Army Corps of Engineers) and ate at a restaurant near one of the falls where I saw my first and only chipmunks. Isn’t it funny that seeing chipmunks is one of my clearest memories from that trip? All the beautiful things to see and remember, and I remember chipmunks. Hahahahahaha. I’ve often said that I would love to live in Portland IF it didn’t rain so much. Now in my old age, I’d take the rain over dealing with the increasing number of hurricanes along the east coast. Thanks for the trip down memory lane.

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    1. It does rain a lot here. I moved here from the desert and I’m still not accustomed to how wet it is here… and how GREEN it is!

      Funny about the chipmunks. They were all over the place when I was a kid, but they also stand out in my mind! I’ve seen them jump right into your hand for food! They are pretty adorable! And the name is so cute!

      Our weather here is changing as well. When I moved here 12 years ago, our summers were incredibly mild and it was really easy to get by without air conditioning. Now, it’s so hot that I had an AC installed a few years ago. I just have to have my home a place I want to be and I found myself dreading to go home.

      But it does rain here about nine months of the year. And it’s dark at 4:00 in the dead of winter.

      But it has its high points too!

      Anne

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  13. Love the bucket hat.
    Those are beautiful pictures. It’s amazing the true colors you can find in nature. The crab on Benders head, priceless!😆
    Cannon Beach is my daughter and son-in-law’s favorite place to visit. They plan on taking me on my next visit to Washington.
    Happy to see you are recovering well from Covid.

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    1. I’m also happy that I’m feeling so good! I really got off easy with this Covid thing!

      Definitely take a trip to Cannon Beach. I hope you have a nice day when you visit.

      Color! Yes! that purple was so unexpected!

      Anne

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  14. Cannon Beach is one of the most beautiful and serene beaches I’ve visited. Your photos remind me it’s time to plan another trip to Oregon – a true jewel. I’m hoping next year for a Sisters Quilt Show road trip.

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    1. I’ve been in Oregon for 12 years and have never gone to the Sisters show. I really need to go. It’s only three hours from here. I could do a day trip!

      Anne

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  15. Wow you did a lot in one day. Such wonderful photos and descriptive conversation..Oregon Coast is beautiful and that Purple Starfish. Looks like you had the place to yourself. Healthy outing. thanks for sharing. And THAT HAT you made so darn cute.. love it.. ❣️

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    1. I’m not a morning person, but I like getting to the beach early because I like it more when we have most of it to ourselves. Arcadia beach is never terribly crowded, but Cannon Beach is. So I don’t spend too much time on Cannon Beach, or just stick to the extreme southern end. My dogs are good dogs, but sometimes too friendly with other people. Rico will go right up to people and jump in them to say Hi! No one needs that!
      Anne

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  16. This is my first reply. I’ve been following you for a while and adore your pictures and “chats” The pics of Cannon Beach are amazing and brought back many Oregon Vacation memories. Oh….I forgot… I also get a lot of inspiration from your sewing projects and lifestyle.😄 I am a “young” 73 and reside in a “lively” retirement community in Rocklin California. You are the “BEST”.

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    1. I’m glad you’ve found us!

      And I think physical activity is so important. As much for my mental health as my physical health! I just love getting out and walking on the beach for a few hours! And then we all sleep really well!

      thanks for reading and for finally making a comment!

      Anne

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  17. Oy, good smelly dog. I’m assuming that a dead crab you found on the beach? I hope he went back in the water after that. I enjoy your blog and stories of the pups. I live near the Mendocino coast, another equally beautiful place.

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  18. Can you box one of those stars up and send it to me🤣🤣. I have a saltwater tank. I want to come visit the Oregon coast, and your pictures make it look so beautiful. Maybe someday…. Glad you’re feeling better and got to get that much needed fresh air😁

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    1. It would be so cool to have one of those stars in your tank! But you’re going to have to source it somewhere else!!!

      The Oregon coast really is spectacular. And all of the beaches are public beaches. We all needed that trip!

      Anne

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    1. There is a sweet little fabric store in Cannon Beach that I always stop at that has a lovely collection of batiks, and they have one shelf that is only ocean themes. Waves, fish, sea stars, turtles, etc…. It’s really fun. My friend made a quilt using those batiks.

      Anne

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  20. Your dog is so patient. love the pictures – we took our grandsons with us through Oregon one time, and (they lived in Arkansas) when they saw the ocean, said “Wow, I never saw such a large lake” LOL Thank you for sharing.

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    1. Bender is very patient! He would sit there for an hour and let me put stuff on his head and take photos!

      And yes… the Pacific is basically a really large lake!

      Anne

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  21. Thank you for your lovely Oregon coast photos. It is a truly amazing place. I can feel your joy (re: the three happy campers photo–great pic!) as we spent a week camping at Sunset Bay in April. Our one-ish pup also thought the tide pools pretty amazing, after accidentally disappearing (momentarily) into one that she assumed was shallow like the creek she’d been running across! And Bender (AKA “crabhat”)–could there be a sweeter, more patient doggy? They’re both superdogs!

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    1. Hahaha! Those pools always fool my dogs too! I think they may finally getting wise to them!

      Bender is super tolerant. He would sit there all day with a crab on his head letting me take photo after photo!

      Anne

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  22. Cannon Beach is a favorite but we are east coasters now. Lovely to visit vicariously.
    Love your had and so glad you are feeling much better

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  23. Thanks so very much for sharing photos of your beach experience! Wish I could be there too. I lived in Seattle area for only a year and have been aching to return. Never been to Oregano’s coast. But you’ve inspired me to add it to my bucket list. BTW..Bender didn’t look too happy with that crab. LOL..😆😆 Hope you took it home for dinner.

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    1. You should definitely make a visit to the Pacific Northwest. June is a really good time to visit. Our summers have been getting hotter the last few years. And you MUST visit the Oregon coast! It’s so gorgeous!

      Bender will let me put anything on his head, literally! But he didn’t express any interest in eating that crab!

      Anne

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  25. OMG Anne I’m jealous, you live in a perfect place. I have a sister in Vancouver and she has much the same surroundings. I’m in Ontario by Lake Ontario, very nice but ocean beaches are amazing. Love your hat, bags and puppies and I look forward to your emails. I belong to a fibre arts group in Oakville Ontario and they all know your work. Stay safe, Jacqueline.

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    1. Holy cow! I’m known in Oakville, Ontario! Who would have known! Tell everyone I said “HI!”

      Is your Sister in Vancouver, BC, or Vancouver, Washington. The latter is just across the Columbia River from Portland.

      I am so lucky to live so close to the coast and am able to do a quick day trip, spend a few hours on the beach, and be home in the early afternoon. It’s pretty sweet!

      Thanks for reading!

      Anne

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  28. I neglected to comment about your “bad math” problems! I, too, seem to have trouble making backing. Maybe you only had this problem once, but my math skills are so-so and apparently my spatial skills stink too. It makes me so mad to work so hard to get something just the right size, to end up with it being wrong, wrong, wrong. Worse than that is not purchasing enough backing fabric! I feel your pain! Much swearing occurs when that happens. Nowadays I make a lot of kid quilts and put minke on the backs when it’s on sale at the ubiquitous fabric store. It’s wide and makes for some waste, but is much easier to use. (I AM going to use those small pieces leftover—someday!) LOL

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    1. I’m always really careful when measuring and cutting for a quilt back. This is the first time I’ve every messed it up like I did on this one.

      I’ve never had the issue of not buying enough fabric for a backing. I tend to buy so much that I have at least a couple yards left over! But I figure, better safe than sorry!

      Anne

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  29. I’ve only visited Oregon once, and that was to visit the Sisters Outdoor Quilt show in 2019. I’ll have to make another visit to visit northwest Oregon. Those beaches look beautiful! Your dogs clearly had a wonderful time. Thank you for sharing.

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