THE SMELL OF THE SEA

Take me down to the smell of the sea
Where lions laze and crabs roam free

If any of you are planning a visit to Oregon's Pacific Coast on any day this winter, you may end up in a fishing port with crab boats tied to the docks, drag boats lounging about waiting, and sail boats battened down hoping.  You will undoubtably be welcomed by shouts from hungry gulls and roars from sea lions protecting their turf.  Yes, they are very territorial when it comes to the particular section of wharf they inhabit at any given moment.  They sing and shout like someone would actually dare to dislodge them.

Fresh tidal water caries it's particular aroma, as does tide flats.  The sea breeze will deliver both fragrances to your nose while the lions and gulls send shouts to your ears.  Your eyes will revel in the delight of huge fluffy clouds borne along on breezes careening over water.  Water is all around.  It is under you as it floats the dock, it is probably dropping on you from those clouds, it is crashing in the surf nearby.

What a wonderful way to spend some time!  Gather up the rain coat, wellies, camera and head out to the coast.  You may even find some fish and chips to tickle your fancy.  But mostly, your senses will thank you for the pleasures of smell, sight, sound and even taste to be found no where else but at the ocean's edge.