Cape Disappointment, WA

Following our visit to Cannon Beach, OR, we decided to look for the sun and headed north on the Oregon Coast Highway, aka US 101. A few patches of it broke out around the town of Seaside. Undaunted, we continued north to Astoria, OR, and when things didn't improve, figured, might as well cross the Astoria-Megler Bridge and see what was on the other side- the state of Washington, of course. Learning of a place called Cape Disappointment not far off, headed there. 

Even with the fog and heavy air, I can't say we were disappointed, the gray gloom adding to the mystique of the park, even if it didn't provide us with the picture perfect postcard view. This also coincides with my sense that there is always something of interest to photograph if you are open to seeing in terms of being in the moment rather than letting  preconceived expectations cloud your vision of it.

 

As if to be rewarded for persevering in the face of such a foreboding seascape, we discovered the existence of the North Head Lighthouse. 

Though not as tall and magnificent as the lighthouses we visited on Long Island in May, it does have it's unique charm and utilitarian dignity standing as it does on a cliff overlooking the Pacific. Unfortunately, we arrived after the last tour of the day and so were unable to go inside. Nevertheless, it did present a number of graphic possibilities as the detail of the entry door attempts to portray.

Detail of the entry to the North Head Lighthouse

Lighthouse keepers lived large. This is the lightkeepers house for the North Head Lighthouse you can vacation in. There's a smaller assistant lighthouse keeper's house on the grounds, too, also available for overnights. It, too, seemed more than adequate for the task.