You live in Paradise; do you go on vacation?

That may sound like an odd question but the answer is yes. It makes you appreciate paradise even more. Think about it, we here on the Central Oregon Coast from Seal Rock to Florence and points in between pretty much are living in Paradise.

I mean where else can you gaze at the beautiful Pacific Ocean, the vividly green hills, the wide expanses of pristine beaches, the rocky shorelines with waves cascading over them on a daily basis. Or watch the whales migrating, the sea birds soaring, eagles and hawks darting through the sky and the fantastic sunsets as the sun disappears over the horizon.

I realize it’s hard to beat that scenario but sometimes one must take a bit of a vacation and break away from this grandiose part of the world and venture away for a day or two or longer to a different setting and get a bit of a change of scenery and life styles. I know folks in Waldport, Yachats, and Florence who take mini winter vacations to go skiing at places like Mt. Bachelor or Mt. Hood.

They stay there or in nearby communities and clam it gives them a good chance to enjoy another great aspect of Oregon; the mountains and high desert. Others I know head south to California for the sights, the cities, the theme parks and the hustle and bustle of the southland knowing they will willingly return to Oregon and the coast to slow down and enjoy their piece of paradise. And there are those who travel across this big country to visit places, family and friends and some cross the oceans to various parts of Asia or Europe and the regulars who go to Hawaii yearly but return to paradise gladly. For me the most noticeable change when I’ve ventured out of paradise to another spot is the lack of the sound of the ocean when I wake up in the morning. Where I live I can hear the ocean pounding and waking up in a hotel room just doesn’t sound the same.

If I’ve chosen an urban vacation in a city like Portland the next big change is going outside and watching in amazement the number of cars zipping up and down the streets and highways. But have no fear; once I’ve acclimatized myself to the environment I begin to appreciate the amenities of a city. The opportunities to dine, sightsee, shop, people watch and explore new spots are endless and by the time it’s time to return to paradise I’ve added a few new favorite palaces to my ‘must visit again” list. However, as I cross over the Coast Range and ease down Highway 101 towards home I can see why once again it’s very easy to call the Central Oregon Coast paradise!

To reach Rick Schultze email: yarick@pioneer.net