WINTER SUNSETS - NOT AS RARE AS YOU MIGHT THINK

If you don't watch the evening news and haven't been on the Oregon coast recently you wouldn't have the slightest idea that for the last seven days we have experienced exceptional weather -- A week of perfect blue skies, calm winds, beautiful cool, crisp mornings and moderately warm days (for Winter.)  When I tell people that aren't familiar with this weather anomaly they say, "Yeah right! Sun in the Winter on the Oregon Coast?!" Especially those that have been shrouded in fog and freezing temperatures over in the Willamette Valley while we've enjoyed sun (Thank you inversion! Sorry Portland!)

Well believe it.  I have been here a little over six years and during each and every one of those years in late January, or early February we are fortunate enough to receive a string of days, sometimes as long as two weeks, of clear blue skies, full sun, calm winds and what seem to be slightly warmer than average temperatures during daylight hours (thought it's still cold at night.)  I have gone as far as verifying my observation with people that have lived in and visited this area for 20 years, or more.  Some even describe this stretch of weather as "Nicer than the weather we have in June and July."  Now that is a bold statement!  One I stand behind fully. 

I HAVE PICTURES TO PROVE IT!  While I have been busier than usual (for January) helping people sell, find and buy homes at the beach {a very good sign for the market in general I would say} I have managed to catch a sunrise and a few sunsets {now slightly after 5pm} during this magnificent week. I did miss a couple, for which I feel regret, but the few I caught I can without hesitation describe as breathtaking.   I miss very few sunsets throughout the year with my eyes, or my camera. I make a conscious effort to see the sun set into the ocean every day it is physically (and atmospherically) possible.  It keeps me grounded.  Like a reset button.  I don't know if it's the event itself, or the process that gives me this feeling (most likely a blend of the two), but it gets me through the day and makes me eagerly look forward to the next. Thank goodness for Winter sun.  If you are like most and can't see the sun set into the ocean on a regular basis, I have good news.  I always carry my camera.  Which this time around means if you missed it this week you can catch a recap below...proof if you will of what I am trying to describe to you!  

January 21, 2013 - Sunset over Netarts Bay from Schooner Beach

January 20, 2013  - The dune at Happy Camp, Mouth of Netarts Bay

January 19, 2013 - Reflection of the sky in the sand just after the sunset - Happy Camp/Netarts Bay

January 19, 2013 - The color of the ocean and sand just after sunset - Happy Camp

January 18, 2013 - Sunrise over the Tillamook River

January 16, 2013 - Sunset from Netarts Bay Road

January 14, 2013 - Reflection of the setting sun at Happy Camp

Yeah, all of that really happened, but without these absolutely gorgeous Winter days none of these photos would be possible!  Now pay close attention:  If you have a chance to get away for a week in late January, or February the Oregon Coast is the place to be (in particular Oceanside, Netarts & Cape Meares if you want to know how I really feel!)  Unfortunately, this time around tomorrow may be the end of the blue skies for a while, but I am holding my breathe (ever so slightly) for a repeat in February!  If it's happening you'll be the first to know about it!  Busy, or not I will make a point to report it here in my blog. If you want to learn more about this area shoot me an email:  wendy@iwantabeachhome.com.  I am always happy to help!

Thank for stopping by!  I hope you enjoyed these sunsets and such as much as I did.
p.s.  Thank you, Jill Princehouse for the push to write in my blog tonight!  I needed it!  

Until next time...
~Wendy