Skip to content

Seaside Stories

Our timeless ocean

September 7, 2010 | by Gini Dideum

Last Sunday, my husband, Tom, our Wheaten Terrier, Murphy, and I went walking on the beach. The day had been beautiful.  The Hood to Coast Relay was finished and the participants were leaving town. When we first moved to Seaside over five years ago, we went to the beach almost every day. We had spent the previous 16 years in Colorado and Kansas and were happy to be back home in Oregon. As the years have passed since we moved here, our trips to the beach for a walk with Murphy have been fewer and fewer. Murphy and I walk the Prom almost every day but rarely go down on the sand.

There were few people on the beach.  The tide was almost all the way in so we walked on soft sand.  Five years ago we would say “Beach” to Murphy and he would eagerly run to the door, wait impatiently for his leash, and charge out the door as soon as it was open.  When we got down on the sands, we would throw the ball for him to retrieve and he would charge off and bring it back most of the time.  Sometimes he would keep the ball in his mouth, content to walk holding it.  Digging holes in the sand, rolling in stinky, dead sea creatures, and marking sand castles in his own particular way kept him busy. Sometimes he would find something he wanted to keep, usually a stick that he would dance around with because he had a stick and we didn’t.  One time he found a Nerf rocket that came home and another time a Nerf football that he still carries around in his mouth.  He would greet other dogs if we let him, particularly liking puppies that liked to play doggie tag.

But this Sunday was different.  Murphy retrieved the ball once and that was enough.  Tom threw the ball again and had to retrieve it himself.  Murphy dug one hole and marked one lonely sand castle.  He found a stick but it was too big for him to carry very far.  So he walked with Tom and I as we made our way from the south end of the beach to the turnaround.  It felt good to walk in the sand and listen to the ocean.  We talked about how quickly the summer had passed.  We talked about Murphy showing his age.  He still is in great shape and gets around easily but doesn’t have the desire to chase a ball anymore.  The ocean is timeless.  As long as we can, the three of us will continue to walk the beach remembering to do it more frequently, with or without a ball.

Leave a Reply

and so much more!

King Tides on the Oregon Coast

Although the sunny days of summer are long behind us, winter brings its own special flavor to the Oregon Coast, in the form of kin...

Learn More
Painted Rock Beach
Painted Rocks & Secret Spots

Rock beach offers something relatively unknown amongst a beach that's well known

Learn More
Bird is the Word

Birding opportunites abound in Seaside and the surrounding area.

Learn More
A volunteer assists those watching whales at an unknown location along the Oregon Coast.
Where to Watch for Whales

It’s possible to see gray whales off the Oregon Coast year-round, but one of two peak periods occurs in late March, when some 20...

Learn More
Clamming Chronicles

History of clamming in Seaside, Oregon

Learn More
Episode One: Grave of the Unknown sailor

The Seaside Audio Walking Tour exploring the mysterious grave of the unknown sailor.

Learn More
Step Into Vintage Charm at the Times Theatre

Moviegoers love a good comeback story, and that’s exactly what they’ll find at the “new” Times Theatre & Public House...

Learn More
Beach Books is an independent book store in Seaside, Oregon.
Where to Shop for Souvenirs in Seaside

Hunting for bargains? Searching for Seaside souvenirs? Seeking one-of-a-kind gifts? You’ve come to the right place. To your deli...

Learn More
Seaside’s History is an Honored Guest in Its Present

There are many local landmarks that celebrate the rich history of Seaside, a town that has been enjoyed as a popular beach getaway...

Learn More
Dining Gluten-Free in Seaside

Potato Leek Soup and Kale Salad from Dough Dough Bakery / photo by Jon Rahl Avoiding gluten doesn’t mean giving up flavor or var...

Learn More
Snail Mail: the Agony & the Ecstasy

Snail mail in Seaside circa 1909.

Learn More
Seaside Watercraft Adventures

Seaside watercraft adventures await visitors of all skill levels. With two rivers and multiple access points, anyone can enjoy the...

Learn More
Seaside Inside for Kids

Seaside is known for a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy during most of the year and it’s not uncommon to have a 60-plu...

Learn More
Postcards from the Past

Ancient postcards from Seaside's distant past

Learn More
Holidays in Seaside

Some say Seaside, Oregon, shines brightest in winter — warm chowder, cheerful shops, blustery walks on the beach, all without th...

Learn More
Hot Summer Car Shows help usher in the summer season in Seaside.
Hot Summer Car Shows

Two Seaside car shows help usher in and wind down the summer travel season

Learn More
RECAP: Chalk Art Contest on the Seaside Prom

*** Register here for our 2nd annual Chalk Art Contest July 29/30! In celebration of the Prom Centennial, the Sunset Empire Park a...

Learn More
The Sweet Side of Seaside

Above photo: A tray of sweets on display at A Sweet Affaire, held every February. In February, we invite you to bask in the sweet ...

Learn More