The high point for Cindy & I as we explore the beaches we love is finding agates and other gemstones we can polish into dazzling little treasures. When we got to Newport Oregon, not only were they in the midst of relentless high winds the entire time but the rocks on beaches were a huge disappointment. While in Bandon we would substantially fill a gallon bag we use to collect rocks in a matter of hours. After 3 days on the beaches near Newport we’ve found less than 10 rocks interesting enough to take home. Because of the wind, it was very cold and we were going to give up before we got to Neptune Beach and found these amazing rock formations and tide pools. It was at low tide so all this stuff was above water but still covered with sea creatures clinging to the rock. We spotted a tunnel through some rocks (see video below) where we could see standing water with sea anemones, muscles, barnacles, star fish and a host of other things I don’t know what to call. The rock formation with the tunnel I videoed through was easily a foot taller than I stand at 6′ 2″ and it amazes me that only a few hours earlier while the tide was fully in that entire structure was completely submerged under the sea and teaming with all sorts of life. The species that swim follow the tide out while these that live out their lives attached to these rocks just patiently await the return of the tide.
The sand was an interesting mix of very heavy black volcanic sand and the lighter white sand. Given the different weights the water would create interesting abstracts as you can see from the image in the slider at the top of the page.