Winter Wonderland (& warning)

 This time of year the beach is a wonderous place to be. Massive whitewater from dune to horizon... and on a clear day it can be breathtaking.

It can also be "risk taking"...

the large logs on the beach can be an "attractive nuisance",

luring people to sit or stand on them as the water comes and goes.

It is difficult to imagine that a few inches of water around

and under a massive hunk of timber could be a problem.

But each year on the beaches of Washington and Oregon

people get swept off of logs and once in awhile... the log

rolls over someone with fatal result.

It can happen pretty fast. One moment there is a small

wave that wraps the log harmlessly...

Today I explained the potential problems to these 2

girls and they had the good sense to get off of the log.

Not 3 minutes later a "sneaker wave" came ashore,

turbulently swamping the stump.

The receding water drug the log westward about 10 feet.

With the kids far up the beach on dry sand watching

instead of stranded on a moving tree trunk in the winter ocean.

The ocean is a powerful and beautiful force

that deserves your respect...

and of course your appreciation.

We hope to see you at the beach soon.

Beach Vacation Rentals

White Christmas (beach style)

Snow on the coast is a rare occurence (we actually look forward to it) but in it's absence we always can count on the "white christmas" that comes with winter waves! Miles of whitewater, stacked up from the beach to the horizon is a breathaking and exhilerating experience as you stroll the sandy beach.

The rumble of the pounding surf is intense and it has been written that the molecular composition of the air around the massive pounding walls of seawater is altered making it "hyper-oxygenated" providing a perceivable health benefit to those fortunate enough to breathe it!

If that isn't enough of a reason to head to the coast and get your feet in the sand (and your lungs in the sea air) consider the reduced price of "off season" lodging... the fresh seafood available and the unique shops where that perfect little Christmas gift can be found as reason enough to get in the car for the short drive to the closest ocean beach to you... Westport.

Lodging Link

Winery Link

Real Estate Link

Santa by the Sea

Each year the man in red arrives at the marina... escorted by the US Coast Guard. They tie up on float 6 and Mr & Mrs Claus (and an elf or two) greet the waiting families with christmas music by the Ocosta High School Band in the background.


Then the Westport Fire Department transports the entourage to the Maritime Museum where boys and girls get the opportunity to let Santa know whats on their list. The Rusty Scupper Pirates provide refreshments and entertainment in McCausland Hall.


Great opportunity for pictures from start to finish...

December is a wonderful month to be at the beach. Next year why not make it a new tradition to spend the first week end of december at the coast? Check out vacation rental options HERE

Why Westport in Winter?

As Fall turns to Winter... and as the temperatures along I-5 take a deep drop... the coast is often mild and beautiful. Here at dawn, the wind turbines on the bluff overlooking Grayland stand tall over the cranberry fields.

Temperatures can dip down here too (note the frost on the dune grass) but rarely stay down long and in the absence of wind (yes...it actually happens :-) even the colder moments allow an enjoyable walk on the beach!

Of course... your best friend doesn't mind the brisk air at all.

Colors are intensified by the rising sun and a solitary stroll in the sand is an inspiring way to start the day.

Beachcombing can be rewarding as well with the chance to find true treasure on the beach... or a seashell or agate for your collection.

Whether you find that rare glass ball... or simply find fresh air and open beaches... a visit to the coast will refresh your senses and may put life back in perspective. Why not rediscover the South Beach soon?

Vacation Rentals - CLICK HERE

Real Estate - CLICK HERE

Thankful for the beach...

The snow dumped on most of Western Washington recently but the beach was dry and clear... with whitewater as far as the eye could see.


At the marina the decorations are up for the holidays with the arrival of Santa... by Coast Guard Cutter scheduled for the first saturday in December.

Tis the season to gather family and friends and take time to enjoy the beauty of the Pacific Coast! For waterfront vacation rental options... CLICK HERE

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Dramatic November Weather

People talk about living in a region that has "changing seasons" but here at the beach we have some days where you get to experience several seasons... in the same day! These pictures were taken all on the same day...

I took a long lunch break and got the surfing and pelican pics...

and then in the afternoon as I left work I got this picture of the storm tower overlooking halfmoon bay...

Down the beach not 30 minutes later I spotted this young bald eagle in a tree top...

and then caught the sun on the wind turbines overlooking the cranberry bogs in Grayland.

Then I headed over to the beach to take this sunset picture before getting home at the end of a "days work".

All in all... an enjoyable day and more proof that the opportunity to appreciate nature (in all of it's forms) abounds here on the South Beach. Why not immerse yourself in it soon?

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Vacation Rental

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Westport Winery
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Westport Winery - From Farm to Fork

Last night we got to experience the new restaurant within the Winery. Seating Friday & Saturday, this new eatery offers a select menu of regional dishes and as anticipated... it was well worth the short drive from Westport as it would be from Aberdeen. I suspect once the word is out people will be driving from much further to enjoy the delicious creations at the Winery!

The dinners are served in four courses... soup, salad, entree' & dessert accompanied by homemade oat rolls or you can skip the entree' and enjoy the other three at a reduced price. Hors d'oevres are available and of course an impressive selection of local wines and regional artisan beers.

Sausage Stuffed Mushrooms on a bed of Spring Greens - An ample plate of delectably moist and flavorful mushrooms had just enough spice to add another layer of character to the dish. A fantastic beginning.


Tomato Basil Soup with Italian Sausage - Rich & flavorful. Served at the perfect temperature, this soup went very well with the oat roll. (sorry no picture of the razor clam chowder... my guests raved about it's flavor and texture... and the mixed green salad with baby spinach dressed with homemade herbal ranch was fantastic too)

Chicken Cordon Gold - This Chicken Breast stuffed with Cougar Gold cheese and maple smoked ham was a crowd pleaser. Moist and flavorful... it came with Rosemary Red Potatoes & oven roasted Asparagus with Bearnaise Sauce.

Dungeness Crab Cakes - My wife (international crab cake lover) gave these crisp and meaty cakes the highest praise. The best crab cakes on the coast... were served with Cranberry Rice Pilaf, Oven Roasted Asparagus House Remoulade.

Beef Washington - Prime Angus Filet with caramelized sweet onions baked in a puff pastry and served with Rosemary Red Potatoes and Asparagus with Bearnaise Sauce. Another 3 star dish! The meat was "melt in your mouth" tender and cooked to perfection.

Pappardelle Pasta - served with Oven Roasted Asparagus and a choice of Seared Filet with sour creme sauce, Sauteed Prawns with a light garlic cream sauce or Caprese with sun dried tomato, fresh basil, olive oil and fresh mozzarella. Our guest opted for the Prawns and was very happy with the choice.

The Beef Washington was chosen by two of us leaving the Pacific Salmon for another visit. It sounds equally tantalizing... baked in a phyllo wrap with an herb sauce. (can't wait to return to try it)

As for the Desserts... Owner Kim Roberts has said that she judges a restaurant by the Dessert Menu and accordingly the selection at the Westport Winery was impressive. 3 out of 4 in our party could not pass up the Molten Chocolate Souffle' which was amazingly delicious. (my camera skills in focusing on a dark souffle in low light prevents me from sharing a picture with you but trust me... it was beautiful)

I enjoyed the Vanilla Bean Cheesecake. The texture was perfect and it was the most flavorful cheesecake I have ever eaten. A drizzle of Blackberry Sauce and a dollop of Chantilly Cream... perfection!

All the while in the background... as we were enjoying each course, the wine and great company was music by soloist Ericka Corban. So often music during conversation around a dinner can be overbearing or distracting but Ericka's delicate voice was the perfect accompaniment to both the beautiful setting and the delicious food. Check out her page CLICK HERE

All in all the dining experience at the Westport Winery was first rate and one that I can recommend without hesitation. To view the full menu or learn more about the Westport Winery CLICK HERE