One of the things Steven and I like to do when we have a free day is drive out to the Oregon coast. If you’ve never been there, it’s a magical place. It seems like every time I go, I discover something new to marvel at and love. Last Sunday we drove out to Devils Punchbowl State Natural Area.

It was an unusually clear and warm day, especially for early May, and there was actually a surfing competition going on (you can see some of the surfers above). The area is named for a collapsed sea cave that forms the punchbowl. But I didn’t take any pictures of it from above, partially because when we went, the tide was really low, and it didn’t look as impressive without water in it. So you’ll have to click over here or here to see a different (stunningly beautiful!) perspective on the punchbowl. But the upside of the low tide meant that we could walk around inside the dry bowl.

It was a pretty dramatic spot, strewn with boulders and rocks, which formed tidepools. Below is the hole through which it fills up with water. You definitely don’t want to be in it when that happens.

There are a bunch of tidepools to one side of the punchbowl, and even a little waterfall. 

The tidepools are filled with cute little anemone, and other sea creatures.

If you’re ever on the Oregon coast, or just need an escape from city life, you should definitely visit this spot. There’s even a tiny Mo’s  (an Oregon coast institution), where you can have lunch, or drink a beer.