WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO CELEBRATE YOUR BIRTHDAY AT THE BEACH?

Swim across Netarts Bay, of course!  Every year birthdays come and go.  For me its in the Fall, which is my favorite time of year for many reasons!  A gift, or two, some cake, a celebratory cocktail, and there it lies before you.  A plus one to your age.  I'm not a huge fan of big celebrations for my own birthday.  The birthday of others?  The bigger the party the better!  But for me celebrating this yearly milestone is better suited for something that reminds me I am not only still alive, but able to do whatever I want [physically.]  Last year on my birthday I did a back flip off of the dock into the bay, which turned out to be the launching pad for this idea of reminding myself to live fully not only every year, but every day. 

I had been thinking about what it would be like to swim across Netarts Bay for several months.  I didn't initially plan to do it on my birthday, but as the day approached it seemed more and more appropriate.  The timing of the slack tide was going to be around 10am and the weather forecast was near perfect -- sun and light winds.  I met a client in Pacific City for lunch (thank you, Jeff!) a couple days prior which gave me the perfect opportunity to pick up a thicker wetsuit, gloves and hood from Moment Surf Co. [http://www.momentsurfco.com] before heading back to Netarts, which is what ultimately made my seemingly brilliant idea of swimming across the bay on my birthday possible.  My cold water arsenal already included a scuba mask, snorkel, boots and dive fins; with the addition of my new thicker, warmer (5ml) gear the plan solidified.   The last important piece to this adventure was having a spotter [in a kayak.]  Actually, make that a double kayak, with a great paddler, loaded with body boards, water and a snack for the other side! 

The bay was just as cold as you might imagine (water temperature between 47-49 deg F). But, only my lips and nose were aware of this harsh reality and fortunately within minutes they were both numb.  Thanks to my awesome new wetsuit and accessories the rest of my body was oblivious to what my lips and nose were experiencing making the swim possible and in the end successful. 

I was later getting into the water than I had planned (Real Estate happens when it feels like it and clients come first.)  We left Schooner beach around noon, which meant the tide was already on it's way in adding the element of current, and more water in the bay increasing its width.  I googled the distance when I returned and estimate it to be just shy of 3/4 of a mile, including drift. 

This is where the fins came in handy, though half way across I stood up on a sand bar, took them off and tossed them onto the spotter kayak [paddled by the Duke of this Bay, 'Dusty Trost'] because they were causing quite a bit of anguish to both of my Achilles tendons!  Swimming without them felt like I had lead weights on my feet, though I continued to make progress and was able to make it the rest of the way to the spit pain free.  We were shore to shore in just under 20 minutes.  After a photo opp I jumped on the kayak and we paddled North to the tip of the spit.  A quick walk to the open ocean side and we finished up the afternoon with some body boarding. Something worth mentioning: *I do not recommend swimming across the bay without being in good physical condition, being able to swim well or self rescue in an emergency, the appropriate gear for cold water, or a spotter in a kayak.* I am making all of this sound easy, but it should be taken seriously if you decide it might be something fun and exciting to do yourself one day.

For me this was definitely a birthday to remember.  Living and working right here in Netarts is where it's at!  I suppose it may be time to start thinking about what to do next year, though I am pretty certain sometime between now and then it will just come to me.  If you have any ideas be sure to send them my way.  I am always up for a new adventure! 

See you on the beach!

~Wendy

Add this to your "MUST DO" list. If you don't have one make one!

I had an opportunity yesterday to do something I have waited nearly five years to do. Thanks to my experienced paddling co-worker and friend, Dusty Trost, I was able to paddle out to the Three Arch Rocks just off the shore in Oceanside. There is, of course a good reason it has taken five years for this opportunity. You can't {shouldn't} just jump in a kayak and head out there on any given day. The ocean conditions, current weather and short term forecast must all be conducive to ocean paddling at the same time. We have been {patiently} waiting for a day like yesterday: calm winds, small ocean swell, small surf break at the shore and nothing lurking on the horizon.

Simply put: we got lucky! The important details were in-line, and on top of that we had beautiful blue skies and a decent ambient temperature -- close to 70 degrees.

There is one more factor to consider: We are Real Estate Brokers and work pretty much every day. We decided to close the office at 4pm yesterday {an hour early} and took advantage of what was before us. Turns out it was a good call!

If you are not familiar with the Three Arch Rocks you should become so. This particular rock formation was the first designated National Wildlife refuge West of the Mississippi. It is is also one of the smallest covering just 15 Acres. The rocks rest about 1/2 mile offshore, each with a unique archway through the middle, thus the name Three Arch Rocks. The arches are not visible from most locations. Paddling out is the very best way to lay your eyes on them, as they are oriented North to South making them difficult to see from the beach to the East. For a very good reason May 1 - September 15 watercraft must stay within 500 feet of the monolith formations, as they provide a breeding habitat for Oregon's largest colony of tufted puffins, along with about 100,000 Common Murre {and too several other colonies of sea and shore birds.} Additionally this is the only pupping sight on the North Oregon Coast for the federally threatened Stellar Sea Lion. We saw several swimming in close by waters on our sea adventure. They were very curious, as well as large. My kayak suddenly felt small when one swam near!

So, we did not paddle through the archways, though I have to admit it was very tempting with the seas as calm as they were. We respected mother nature and the Federal governments request for a 500 Foot setback.

I believe it was just as enjoyable from this distance. The rocks are much larger up close and personal than I imagined. At times I felt as if I was watching a National Geographic documentary. And, then suddenly it would hit me we were actually out there! It was quite surreal.

I haven't told Dusty yet, but am assuming he knows by the look on my face for most of our paddle yesterday, I have BIG plans to return to the Three Arch Rocks. I realize this may require some patience. I am willing to wait -- again. September often brings calm weather. I can only hope this year will be consistent with years past. I am very interested in paddling through each of the archways once the watercraft restriction is lifted September 15. It is nice to have something so wonderful to look forward to! As the title reads, "Add this to your "must-do" list," but keep in mind the importance of getting good instruction if you are not experienced, and/or to paddle with someone that is. Also, never paddle alone. The ocean, while beautiful and exciting on a day like yesterday, remains powerful and can be unpredictable and dangerous. People are caught off guard every year -- some lucky enough to be rescued. Don't let that person be you. My advice is to be respectful and smart, but not afraid. Oceanside is the closest beach to Portland and has more to offer than most. What are you waiting for? Get out there and do something fun!

Visit my blog often! There is much more to come! And, you can always find me, view recent photos and of course all of my current Real Estate listings at www.iWantABeachHome.com.