Strange bicycles built for 2, or 4, or more rattle along Seaside Oregon streets. Salt Water Taffy gets swallowed to the beat of bumper cars and arcade games. The Prom walk swells with bare feet of all sizes. Yes, it's hard to tell the difference between us and a Theme Park. But the difference stops short when one ventures off the paved road. Those are real cliffs. Those are real wild animals. Those are real waves.

As sub-divisions greet clear cut, the wild needs some place to go. Theme Park mentality and wild critters are a bad mix. True Born Oregonians have always ventured into the wild and returned safely. Some of the basic rules, are 1) Never go hiking alone. If you are out there without map or compass, stick to the main trail. That small trail could be a short cut, or it could be a critter trail that loops and dips into the unknown zone. 2) A campfire is always a good plan for night as critters stay clear and their eyes reflect so that they can be seen. 3) Explore your trail, pick your campsite carefully. By that I mean, look for signs of critters who dwell in the area. Don't expect the critters to leave just because you pitched your tent in their bedroom, or kitchen. 3) Never assume that there are no critters around. We would be wise to adopt some Denali Park, Alaska philosophies, such as: 1) The wild does not belong to man, the wild belongs to the wild. 2) The smell of food attracts hungry critters. So keep a clean camp. Keep food and garbage, stored and sealed, so that the smell does not attract. Never put food in your sleeping tent. (The car parked on the opposite side of the fire from the tent is a good place for sealed food at night.)

As cotton candy spreads to the shoreline, the wild has the upper hand. Theme Park mentality and our waters are a bad mix. One of my favorite southeastern watering holes was in Georgia, the "Atlanta Ocean," a man made water park. I used to chuckle while sunning myself, near the central swimming pool. Every few minutes, a bell would chime, a wave maker would start up and folks would squeal with delight, diving into the pool, to ride the evenly spaced 3' waves. Our Pacific Ocean waves do not arrive evenly spaced, nor on command of man. They answer only to the winds, underwater rock slides, and a spirit that is greater than human will. Our ocean should not be feared; it must be respected. Never turn your back on someone you respect. Never under estimate its power. Check a tide chart. Know if the tide is going out or in, before you swim, or explore. Know how to swim before you dive in. Take a little time to see how the waves break, where is the rip. If words such as "break," "rip" and "undertoe," are meaningless, then don't get in above your knees. If you don't know how long it takes the tide to go from low to high then avoid the base of cliffs and stick to sandy beaches. If you look to the ocean and only see sand, run. If you don't know why, don't stop to ask, just get off the beach and fast. (You'll know why in a couple of minutes.)

I have spent a lot of time in the deep woods, and along the ocean. I have no scars or fang marks on me. I stay aware when I'm out there. Being in nature is the inspiration of my life. I wish every person on earth could enjoy this beautiful place. Oregon's mountains and coastline are jewels to be treasured. So. . . Enjoy our Theme Park in Seaside's center. Hike into the wild. But when you step away from the crowded streets, remember, this is not make believe. This is the real thing.

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