The Oregon Coast
by Tya Widmer
Oregon City, OR
My head fell angrily against the glass window as we pulled out of my driveway in Ohio for the last time. Tears fell messily from my eyes and my face curled into a pout. We drove for three days without stopping except to eat, get gas, or use a restroom. Finally we arrived, passing a sign that read in big, bold, white letters “You are now entering OREGON”.
Oregon was much different than Ohio, or anywhere else I had lived. The air felt cold, fresh, like the state had better oxygen to offer my lungs. Green trees stood strong and tall against gray skies. The skies were filled with angry clouds all spitting their fury upon those unfortunate enough to be outside instead of the warmth of their homes. We arrived at a hotel and decided that before we would search for a house, we wanted to explore this state and everything it had to offer. We hiked up mountains, went under waterfalls, visited the zoo and more. The one place that I fell in love with immediately was the Oregon Coast.
I had never been to a beach before because my old state was surrounded only by other states, no large body of waters. I was enthralled by the way the waves beat angrily against the shoreline, and the wind whipped through your hair leaving you breathless. It was absolutely beautiful to me. We walked along the beach, my brother and I would run into the water, pause for a brief minute until the cold was no longer manageable, and then run out to the sand with squeals of laughter escaping our lungs and bubbling over our lips. My mother and I walked hand and hand, our footsteps leaving a trail behind us. We looked for shells and were captivated by the uniqueness of a sand dollar. My father and I pushed our overly dressed bodies on top of rocks, looking deep to see the bright orange or purple form of a starfish. Each of my family members found something to love at this beach.
The beach really does make Oregon inimitable. It may be colder and darker than other beaches, but its completely beautiful and full of life. I fell in love with Oregon from this day, and I’m proud to be here to see Oregon’s 150th Birthday.
