Summer Vacation

Every summer we head for the beach for an extended weekend. This summer there was a scheduling error that prevented us from going until September, which in Washington is practically winter. Although the forecast was for low 50’s and rain we lucked into unseasonably mild weather and clouds - perfect wine picnic temp.

We usually frequent a remote place on the Washington coast called Iron Springs where the beach is sparsely populated and beautiful, dogs are allowed to run freely in the surf and there are no distractions like internet access, phones or restaurants. Extremely crude cabins are nestled into the mountainside heading up the bluff from the beach. The oldest ones were built just after the turn of the century and the newest ones were built in the fifties.

To call Iron Springs a time capsule would be pretty accurate. Little has been updated over the years which is sad because the property is stunning. The furnishings have seen a lot of use and the cleaning leaves some to be desired. We have always come back because of the remoteness and isolation.

This year as we were checking in my husband wheeled the ice chest through the kitchen area and somehow nailed a field mouse. I quickly scooped him up in the coffee filter and threw him in the trash. The next night as soon as the dog had gone out to do her duty his brother darted out from under the stove. We chased him around with a broom but he was too quick, or we had drank too much wine and were too slow. Luckily that was the last night. I think next year we’ll board the dog, head back to Seaside, OR and fight the crowds instead.