When the Willamette Valley heats up into the high 90's, the Oregon coast pulls up a white blanket of fog, tucks it under it's chin and sighs. Here by the beach, where Lake Marie snuggles up next to the sand dunes, the fog lifts to reveal a clear, deep, pristine little lake. Circumnavigating on the one mile trail takes a hiker through forests and next to sand dunes. Treasured for swimming, boating (non-motorized), fishing and just plain gawking, Lake Marie epitomizes peaceful perfection. The morning I stopped by, I was the only one there. Just think, fresh ocean breezes, cool fog and clear fresh water all in one spot.
Highway 38 always provides beauty. The field of Queen Anne's Lace with ribbons of buttercups winding through made my camera happy. The forest of the Coast Range hems this little valley with the Umpqua River flowing smack-dab in the middle. The air is balmy, fragrant with hay, sun-warmed myrtle and black berries. Aaahhhh, summer...breath it in!
