2.14.2000

    The view above is from the Tillamook Head Trail in Ecola State Park. Difficult to see but there in the foothills along the beach is the little town of Canon Beach. So named when a canon washed up on shore.

    The views from the trail were amazing. Parts of the trail came close to the edge of a sloping cliff where we peered down at the crashing surf below. There's a lighthouse on an eight-acre rock that looked positively desolate. T. and I watched the waves swirling around the light-house while we ate our lunch and cracked jokes about how the keeper would get his daily paper. It was funny at the time.

    It rained on Saturday and a bit on Sunday but the hike up was mostly dry. There were a number of really muddy spots but for the most part we walked on a cushion of pine needles under a canopy of overhanging trees and lush, green moss.

    We got to the trailhead around Noon and even though there were many cars at the base we only ran into two couples during our entire hike. The length to the top viewpoint where there are somewhat creepy military bunkers overlooking the ocean wasn't more than two and a half miles. It felt like a little more than that though since the majority of it was very uphill. Got a good workout and slept like the dead last night. See more pics.

    Today is indeed Valentine's Day. Five years ago today, I went on a date with T. (though I received roses from another boy!) to see the movie Red. We held hands. We shared a kiss in the alleyway behind my house and I walked on air. I fell in love for the first time ever that night. I'm still in love, of course, but more so. He's my anchor, my quiet place, my center, my day and night. I can only try day after day to be to him what he is to me.

    I was going to write more today but I think that's good for now. Go hug someone that means something to you. Tell someone that you love them. Hand out candies. Be silly.