MERRY CHRISTMAS FROM THE OREGON COAST!

As of December 24 here in the Pacific NW we had only received .10 inches of rain.  We were on track to break a record set in 1876 for the driest December.  As of December 25 this possibility has become less likely -- A succession of storms are heading our way over the next five to seven days.  The winds gusted to near 70 mph briefly early this morning and in the last 24 hours we have picked up .20 of an inch of rain.  Welcome back Pacific NW Winter! 

Dry, sunny weather on the Oregon Coast in December is something to cherish.  If you were here and able to be outdoors, you know what I am talking about.  There have been 22 visible sunsets out of 25 days so far in December.  That is likely more than we see in an entire Summer!  And on top of that, while sun on the North Oregon Coast is typically associated with North wind, the sun we have enjoyed over the last month, or so was not accompanied by wind from any direction.  Many days Netarts Bay looked like a mirror.  So, the purpose of this Christmas Day blog post is to share a few of the amazing sunsets I have experienced during the most beautiful December in memory.  I am very grateful to live in such an amazing place and believe I would be acting selfishly if I did not share them with others!

Taken on the beach in Oceanside just as the sun dropped into the ocean.

Somebodys trash was my treasure tonight! Taken from the staircase at the end of Crab Avenue.

Taken from the bank of Netarts Bay just after sunset.

A beautiful sunset reflection near the creek at Happy Camp.

Foam created by heaving surf on the beach in Oceanside.

A trail of bubbles leading to another fantastic sunset in Oceanside.

  Clear nights and days also means morning fog and cold temperatures.  Just as beautiful as a sunset.

Is it a painting, or a photograph?  Nature does something to amaze me every single day.

Looking South on the Netarts Spit toward Cape Lookout. 

What a wonderful way to finish the year!

Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones. May 2012 be your best year yet!