I was admiring this puffin on Coquille Point in Bandon when I heard about the missing dog.
I was up on a cliff studying one of Washed Ashore’s sculptures made out of ocean trash when I heard the statement. It was a classic. The perfect senior moment! “Excuse me ma’am,” the young woman called, “do you know there is no dog on your leash?” I turned quickly. At 76 going on 77, I take notes on such incidents for future reference. Yes indeed, a bent, elderly woman was walking down the pathway holding a leash that was strung out behind her— without the dog. She turned, glared at the leash, muttered something, and stared back down the trail like Clint Eastwood on steroids. There came Fido (the name has been changed to protect the innocent), who was equally old in dog years, about 30 feet down the path, tottering along with no obvious desire to catch up. I could almost hear him chanting “Free at last, free at last,” as he stopped to smell the dog pee and dream of his puppyhood days.
Once Fido was captured and leashed again, he dutifully walked off with his mistress and the young woman, waiting patiently for the moment when he would once again slip his leash.
With the help of the young woman, Fido was soon recollared and the three went on their way. As did I. But I wanted to write down the story down before it wandered off like Fido. And since I was still hanging around Bandon, I decided to show you more rocks today instead of the American River flowers I promised. I am sure you are excited. Plus, Friday is Valentine’s Day, the perfect day for flowers.
A rock.A bigger rock.A really big rock. There, are you satisfied. No? Well how about a rock with a hole in it?I think the hole was supposed to represent an elephant’s eye. I had an uncontrollable urge to go down and photograph waves crashing through it.The stairs to the beach. I’ve included this photo for my WP friends who are into perspective.The hole showed great promise.The spume, blown by a hard, cold wind, was gorgeous. But it wasn’t what I came for. I wanted big waves crashing through the hole. I quickly leaned that there was a problem…Yes there were big waves, but they blocked the light, making photography difficult. But you get the point. I headed on…And found some chubby seals sunning themselves on a rock. Fat is beautiful from a seal’s perspective. A layer of blubber keeps them warm when they dive up to 500 feet in search of food. It’s so dark, they use their whiskers to check out lunch. The whiskers operate independently and are apparently quite sensitive. “Ah, I feel lobster is on the menu today.”After checking out the elephants eye and the fat seals, I moved on to the Face Rock Wayside. Can you spot the face?Here’s a clue. BTW, I did a post on Bandon a couple of years ago, so some of these photos may be familiar.There are many other impressive rocks on the beach at the Face Rock Wayside. You are free to name them whatever you want. I thought of these as a pointy headed mom with her pointy headed kids.The sea stacks, as they are called, were once part of a massive cliff stretching out into the ocean. The forces of erosion— wind, rain, sun, ice, and waves— had worn them away to their present status. Existing cliffs are sea stacks in waiting.I hiked along the beach merrily naming rocks. Behold the turtle who only makes progress when it sticks its neck out.I thought this sea stack seen from a cave might be up for the ‘Fickle Finger of Fate’ award Rowan and Martin used to give out on their TV program. Boy could we use that today. I’m not sure that there are enough fingers to go around, however. Before your time? Google it.What does this sea stack resemble to you? Inquiring minds want to know.I decided this rock was decidedly frog-like with its bulging eyes and shiny white teeth. It was grinning like the Cheshire Cat.A seal, perhaps, with its head up barking.I’m thinking naked Hindu goddess, here. But it takes a stretch of the imagination.Of course there were lots of sea stacks that I was happy to admire for their beauty alone.This one had a halo and a reflectionA sea stack bathes in the late afternoon sun.Certainly, there were other things to admire down on the beach, like this cave.And this lone seagull with its massive perch.And water flowing across the beach leaving behind unusual tracks.This was one long piece of driftwood!In line with my theme, I’ll close with this dog that ran across the beach in front of me. Remember when I mentioned the wind? The dog pretty much says it all!
NEXT POSTS: I promise flowers for Valentine’s Day. On Monday we will visit the Devil’s Kitchen. Scary? We’ll see.
Grin. Anything to amuse you, Peggy. It is Date Day after all, which is a bit tough with you on one coast and me on the other.
I see that you have turned Cody on to the blog. Now I will really have to watch what I say given that our grandkids are reading the blog. 🙂 –C
Of course, no one can rock our world like you.
The dog running in the wind picture and the story – darn those leashes they are so slippery and take a leash on life of their own.
Great picture – I like the one after the first sea stack/info – it looks like a sleeping dragon … Game of Thrones style
There is nothing like a fertile imagination and rocks to create a whole panoply of creatures! No drugs required. It’s like looking at clouds but a heck of a lot more permanent. Leash on life? Ha. Punning as always, I see. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. –Curt
The aged dog can’t have been too much of a bother on the lead not to be missed! Great shots of Brandon. We have a fellow blogger who used to post about the Brandon beaches very regularly although she did tend to go there on less clement days. Feel like we know it well.
I was mildly suspicious that possibly the lady let Fido off the leash and then forgot that she was dragging it along behind. 🙂 I wish I had been closer enough to hear the conversation. It is a special area, AC. And the odds are that the weather will be inclement. Some of the Northwest Coasts best weather is in the winter, however. It tends to be foggy in the summer. Next step is for you to visit it yourself! –Curt
I’d forgotten the FFofF myself. I never could quite get with Monty Python, but Rowan and Martin were great. So are your photos, for that matter. When I read your title, I did have a vision of those joke leashes that come without a dog and aren’t meant to have a dog attached — the stiff ones, that make it appear you’re walking a dog. This was even more fun. Clearly, Fido’s turned his escape act into a fine art!
I thought of Fido as an escape artist, myself. Could have been the elder made it easy for him. There were strict rules about keeping you dog on a leash. But who could blame her if the dog escaped? Maybe she and Fido were in cahoots! 🙂 I remember the stiff collars as well. Even saw a couple. Always good for a laugh.
Thanks on the photos. The sea stacks found along the Pacific Northwest coast make for interesting sculptures. One of the reasons I enjoy wandering up and down it.
Couple of flowers coming in tomorrow’s post I haven’t identified yet, Linda. Maybe you will know them. –Curt
Another great show of photos. Our Jack Russell is difficult on a leash, even in his old days he insists on stopping every few metres. He just freezes and no amount of pulling of the leash will make him walk without thoroughly having investigated a particular spot.. He has to investigate…
Thanks, Gerard.
The dog’s nose knows! I had a 70 pound basset hound once who had the same attitude. We had lots of interesting discussions over his behavior. All to no avail. The promise of a milk bone worked, however. Food trumped everything. 🙂 –Curt
I’m pleased your mind didn’t wander off like Fido, because where would we be without strange rocks to look at? That first rock resembles an egg. And I like your temporary abode, but not the neighbours. I’d not be chasing after any boa for a photo. Another interesting post, Curt! thank you.
Chasing after boas adds a bit of spice to life, Cynthia. Strange rocks add variety.:) Speaking of rocks, my Monday post features an evil turtle. Not at all like Myrtle!
This was the first time I did so many backlit shots, Arati. I am always captivated by the forms of the rocks. Nature doing her thing. I though the stairs were special and appreciated that Oregon’s state park people had made them so attractive. –Curt
Those shots bring back some good memories. I wish that area was as close to my backyard as it is to yours. Sounds like that leash was going to the dogs.
It’s a beautiful area, Dave. It took a while for Peggy and I to find it considering how close it is. I think the doggy was keeping whatever secrets he had on the leash to himself. Or maybe he was Houdini the Dog. –Curt
On Thu., 13 Feb. 2020, 1:19 am Wandering through Time and Place, wrote:
> Curt Mekemson posted: ” I was admiring this puffin on Coquille Point in > Bandon when I heard about the missing dog. I was up on a cliff studying one > of Washed Ashore’s sculptures made out of ocean trash when I heard the > statement. It was a classic. The perfect senior moment! ” >
Wandering through Time and Place 
Hilarious! You are having way too much fun! Peggy
Grin. Anything to amuse you, Peggy. It is Date Day after all, which is a bit tough with you on one coast and me on the other.
I see that you have turned Cody on to the blog. Now I will really have to watch what I say given that our grandkids are reading the blog. 🙂 –C
Curt, you sure had rocks in your head today, eh?! 🙂 Love that bit with the dog; if it was on TV you wouldn’t believe it!!
Laughing. They bounce around there all of the time, G. There was no way I could skip telling the missing dog story! Thanks. –Curt
I remember the Fickle Finger of Fate. Too funny.
I don’t think I ever missed one of Rowan and Martin’s shows, Peggy. 🙂 –Curt
Of course, no one can rock our world like you.
The dog running in the wind picture and the story – darn those leashes they are so slippery and take a leash on life of their own.
Great picture – I like the one after the first sea stack/info – it looks like a sleeping dragon … Game of Thrones style
There is nothing like a fertile imagination and rocks to create a whole panoply of creatures! No drugs required. It’s like looking at clouds but a heck of a lot more permanent. Leash on life? Ha. Punning as always, I see. 🙂 Thanks for stopping by. –Curt
I especially like the driftwood.
Pretty neat, huh. I meant to show a photo of just how much there was but forgot. That long tree was something else! –Curt
The aged dog can’t have been too much of a bother on the lead not to be missed! Great shots of Brandon. We have a fellow blogger who used to post about the Brandon beaches very regularly although she did tend to go there on less clement days. Feel like we know it well.
I was mildly suspicious that possibly the lady let Fido off the leash and then forgot that she was dragging it along behind. 🙂 I wish I had been closer enough to hear the conversation. It is a special area, AC. And the odds are that the weather will be inclement. Some of the Northwest Coasts best weather is in the winter, however. It tends to be foggy in the summer. Next step is for you to visit it yourself! –Curt
I’d forgotten the FFofF myself. I never could quite get with Monty Python, but Rowan and Martin were great. So are your photos, for that matter. When I read your title, I did have a vision of those joke leashes that come without a dog and aren’t meant to have a dog attached — the stiff ones, that make it appear you’re walking a dog. This was even more fun. Clearly, Fido’s turned his escape act into a fine art!
I thought of Fido as an escape artist, myself. Could have been the elder made it easy for him. There were strict rules about keeping you dog on a leash. But who could blame her if the dog escaped? Maybe she and Fido were in cahoots! 🙂 I remember the stiff collars as well. Even saw a couple. Always good for a laugh.
Thanks on the photos. The sea stacks found along the Pacific Northwest coast make for interesting sculptures. One of the reasons I enjoy wandering up and down it.
Couple of flowers coming in tomorrow’s post I haven’t identified yet, Linda. Maybe you will know them. –Curt
Another great show of photos. Our Jack Russell is difficult on a leash, even in his old days he insists on stopping every few metres. He just freezes and no amount of pulling of the leash will make him walk without thoroughly having investigated a particular spot.. He has to investigate…
Thanks, Gerard.
The dog’s nose knows! I had a 70 pound basset hound once who had the same attitude. We had lots of interesting discussions over his behavior. All to no avail. The promise of a milk bone worked, however. Food trumped everything. 🙂 –Curt
I’m pleased your mind didn’t wander off like Fido, because where would we be without strange rocks to look at? That first rock resembles an egg. And I like your temporary abode, but not the neighbours. I’d not be chasing after any boa for a photo. Another interesting post, Curt! thank you.
Chasing after boas adds a bit of spice to life, Cynthia. Strange rocks add variety.:) Speaking of rocks, my Monday post features an evil turtle. Not at all like Myrtle!
I love all the rocks and the images they conjure up. The stairs are great, especially the shadows and patterns they create 🙂
This was the first time I did so many backlit shots, Arati. I am always captivated by the forms of the rocks. Nature doing her thing. I though the stairs were special and appreciated that Oregon’s state park people had made them so attractive. –Curt
Those shots bring back some good memories. I wish that area was as close to my backyard as it is to yours. Sounds like that leash was going to the dogs.
It’s a beautiful area, Dave. It took a while for Peggy and I to find it considering how close it is. I think the doggy was keeping whatever secrets he had on the leash to himself. Or maybe he was Houdini the Dog. –Curt
On Thu., 13 Feb. 2020, 1:19 am Wandering through Time and Place, wrote:
> Curt Mekemson posted: ” I was admiring this puffin on Coquille Point in > Bandon when I heard about the missing dog. I was up on a cliff studying one > of Washed Ashore’s sculptures made out of ocean trash when I heard the > statement. It was a classic. The perfect senior moment! ” >