Logbook: Film from Manzanita
Reminiscing on summer in the PNW
January’s here, which means only one thing is for certain: the summer cravings are in full swing. There’s lots of ground to cover between now and then, so in the meantime here’s a film dump from a July camping trip in Manzanita, OR last year.
Now I’m no photographer, but I love me some good old-fashioned family memories on film. This isn’t a comprehensive look at the trip, but just a few favorite moments I was able to capture. So please enjoy, and I hope you feel inspired to creatively log your adventures too.
Camera: Olympus Accura View 90
Film: Portra 400
(We’re calling this official retirement roll for the ol’ Olympus, as you can see the focus isn’t quite right. The camera’s served me well since I found it in a dirty ziplock bag in the back of a Savers five years ago. Rest easy, Olympus.)
Short Sands Beach - A quick hike through the woods led us down to the cove. This spot is no secret to tourists, and a summer holiday weekend meant the beach was packed. Nevertheless, I’m counting it as a must-see. Sheltered by rugged cliff-sides where lush vegetation meets clear, rolling waves, this spot transports you to another world. One can (and should) easily lose track of time here.
Manzanita News & Espresso - A very “PNW” coastal coffee shop. This cozy nook is filled to the brim with various handmade arts representative of the local scenery. Giant ceramic mugs, paintings, keychains, puzzles and books. Oh, and a line out the door (people and dogs). This was the perfect spot to fuel-up on bagels and lattes before hiking to the stunning Cape Falcon Lookout.
Like all the vacation spots dotting the coast, Manzanita is teeming with tourist shops— surf rentals, hotels, spas, gift shops, cafes, and the like. There is always a cool shop to pop into as you explore the town. We also happened upon a small farmers market with fresh local produce and artisan goods while there.
Nehalem Bay State Park & Sunset Beach - What’s a trip to the Oregon coast without frolicking over sand dunes haloed in pompous grass towards a golden low tide? I sure don’t know. We took advantage of seemingly endless miles of beach in all directions— patting the tops of jellyfish stuck in the sand before they washed back in with the shore, and chasing a couple of rowdy collies through the foam.
On July 4, we watched sporadic fireworks light up the beach as the stars came out, then found our way back to camp to get drowsy by the fire.
Here’s to more time outside, under the stars, in the water, with loved ones around us. Happy 2025!