Cape Flattery

The Pacific Northwest is a place where enchanted lush rain forests carpeted with wild ferns and moss draped evergreens meet the rugged shoreline of the Pacific Ocean. Jagged pinnacles rise from the ocean floor along the rocky beaches. Weathered sea stacks stand against the crashing waves and winds of time. 

A scenic highway weaves through this magical world. Rialto Beach, Ruby Beach, Hoh Rainforest, Olympic National Park, Lake Crescent, Lake Quinault, trails and scenic drives await the traveler seeking beauty and adventure. The road leads to Neah Bay where you find the furthest northwest point in the contiguous United States. A short hike through the forest winds down trails and weathered boardwalks. Three platforms offer views of Cape Flattery. Birds nest on ledges of the sheer cliffs that drop into the pounding surf. Sea caves gurgle and echo haunting utterances from the bowels of the earth. Looking across the bay, a lonely lighthouse stands as a beacon on Tatoosh Island. 

The sound of the crashing waves as they rise and fall is mesmerizing. The stark contrast of the jade tidal waters, rocks, trees and sea is like none I have ever seen. This place is captivating. A surreal peace is present here at the tip of the world. If I chose one word as description it would be “sacred.” Surely this is a Cathedral of God.

I stood at the edge of the world
where land meets the sea
I looked over open waters
and breathed in this majesty

Waters crashed against the cliffs
bathing the rocks with waves
they sang a slow mournful song
as they echoed from the caves

Limbs of green reached out their arms
a light showed the way
ancient forests carpeted the path
bidding me to stay

I sighed a sigh of deep content
in the magical world apart
I embraced the moments left to me
and gave away my heart

I still stand in wide-eyed wonder
forever this place will be
a timeless solace to my soul
ever etched in memory.
2014