We spent about 12 hours on the beach this Saturday, joining the community on a city wide easter egg er – Glass Sand Dollar hunt.  The city has several people put out 300 Sand Dollars over the course of 2 days. We have seen them handed out, found, stumbled upon. In the low tide, near the sea wall, on the grass and in the driftwood. We have seen tourists from all parts of the US who have journeyed here to join us, and locals out for the joy of discovery.

Our family has heard comments, given to other locals, that simply, these events are for the visitors, and not the locals. I’ve given this alot of thought recently – and would like to jot down a couple of my thoughts– in all actuality, the City Staff of Lincoln City should have us on either their payroll or their yearly Thank You for Promoting Tourism in Lincoln City Dinner Party.

We spend countless hours at the beach – besides the obvious joy – there really isn’t anything else to do here in town. We listen to several stories a day, some fulfilling their dream of seeing the ocean up close for the first time, some who journey here every weekend. From far and near. In fear and joy. Most, 9 out of 10, have never heard of glass floats, Japanese balls or glass sand dollars. We share every piece of information/rumor we have heard along the way. Part of the joy of the hunt is fact/rumor finding. We eat caramel apples from local vendors, share a hot dog at a stand, visit the galleries, eat a lot of soup. Give directions, listen to stories, carry a bag. The boys pass on their beach knowledge, we share our Oregon history. We also host many people from out of town!

So – As for our family – we will remain tourists at heart. Joy and Excitement and realizing people pay top dollar to stay here for the weekend and relax on vacation. Let us not loose sight of the glorious environment to which we’ve been transferred !!!

We did find a Glass Sand Dollar at sunset, after 10 hours of enjoying every part of the beach, not nearly as much “looking” as we did last weekend for floats, just enjoying the surf, the low tides, the sun, bon fires and people. 🙂