In one of my daughter’s social groups there is another mom, when I ask, “What should I see here locally? Where and what do you suggest?” Each time she with now expected circularity suggests, “In Manzanita…” or “There is this restaurant at Manzanita…” and “My family loves …. at Manzanita Beach.” It started to make me smile, and after picking up my daughter from one of her events I suggested to my family, “We could visit Manzanita Beach on the Oregon Coast for spring break. We could take our dogs with us, and just explore the beach in this calm coast town during its last off season before the crowds of tourists descend in late spring and summer.” I wasn’t met with any praises for my suggestions, everyone basically replied, “I can’t think of anything better to do and I’d like us to take our new puppy on the trip.”
A short drive out to Highway 101, left us all staring out into the Pacific Ocean from Manzanita Beach on the Oregon Coast. The reassuring sounds of the waves crashing and sea gulls squawking, the smell of seaweed and salty air, and the feel of the sand sliding under your feet with fresh air pushing gently into you made me realize why this local neighborhood mom was consistently raving about Manzanita! It was a lovely trip and a beautiful place in the world to relax and explore during spring break as a family with our fur babies.
Erica Steele Photography 