We spent the rainy morning sitting in our truck in Yachats (ya-hots), Oregon trying to take advantage of some connectivity. There is none at our campsite, limited out on the beach but only during low tide and three bars in Yachats “Gem of the Oregon Coast.” We couldn’t enjoy the rest of our day until we got some administrative chores done first. So we conscientiously confirmed the mortgage was paid along with the utilities as well as the taxes on Prescott and checked for any urgent mail. Just as we finished completing all our immediate obligations (we are such rule followers), the sun magically appeared.
We decided a nice picnic at one of the plethora of seaside parks would be our reward.


Then we strolled along the walkway at Seal Rock State Park.



We were in great spirits and had no way of knowing at the time, that within an hour, we would knowingly, willfully and with malice break the law. Now it may not surprise you to know that Kim has some experience in this area but other than the occasional visit with a police person for driving well in excess of the speed limit, my familiarity with blatantly disregarding the rules of society is somewhat limited.
Our plan was to take advantage of our unexpected sunny day by going to visit the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area and Lighthouse.

I think it is very cool that they tell you right in the name of the place that it is “Outstanding”. The “Area” is out a mile long spit of land that juts into the ocean and features Oregon’s tallest lighthouse. (I do plan to continue to post lighthouse pictures primarily because I love them but also because my good buddy, Kellye (proprietor of Lighthouse Lutherie) loves them as well.
We drove to the parking area and were greeted with this signage:

Well, I am sure you can tell where this is going. We thought this was a State Park but apparently it too is federally funded. Let me just say, I think Kim and I have been pretty good sports about having our National Park adventure screwed with by the federal government. We have gone to Plans B, C and D and other than the occasional expletive deleted, we haven’t said much about it. But when we saw this sign, something just snapped and we knew immediately that we had every intention of grabbing our binoculars and cameras and waltzing right past the closed sign, climbing over the barricade with yet another “Do Not Enter” placard and going to see the Freakin Outstanding Area and Lighthouse.
I should mention that there were many other cars and people around who appear to have been breaking the law as well which did embolden us a bit. It is interesting to note that in an uncharacteristic act of defiance, I mocked the “Do Not Enter” sign and had Kim take a picture of me doing so. I am not posting the picture here to protect each and every one of you. That way, if you are asked in a court of law, if you have any knowledge of this incident, you can honestly say you never “saw” anything. Actually, that isn’t true. For some reason, that picture, for whatever reason magically disappeared when I downloaded my other photos. It is probably for the best.
We encountered three older women climbing over the barriers, leaving the park as we entered. They laughed and said “I guess we are all breaking the rules today.” One woman wanted to be sure we knew that the restrooms were locked up tight so we could plan accordingly. We walked past the Interpretive Center

where we noted cars in the lot. hat prompted us to wonder if parading down the street right in front of the building was our smartest move. But then I thought, if the folks in there are federal employees, they aren’t getting paid so most likely they aren’t overly insented to chastise or otherwise report us.
We finally caught sight of the lighthouse and I took a picture, not only of the cool structure, but one that included all the other people who decided to break the law as well.

Not that it will help should I have to explain myself to the authorities. As my dad used to say, “If 500 people jumped off the Empire State Building, would you do it?” Which by the way, really is kind of a ridiculous parental teaching tool if you think about it.
I got a few photos of the lighthouse:


Kim spotted some Harbor Seals down in the surf but I didn’t get a great picture of them. So please look very closely at the miniscule black dots in the surf and use your imagination.

As we walked back to the parking lot, I was feeling pretty good about myself. Even though “The Man” tried to keep us out, our bravery and courage were rewarded and we got to see the entire area. As I pondered again, the breaking of the rules, I suddenly realized that I might not be as smart as I thought I was. Throughout our unauthorized visit, I had reassured myself with the thought: “What is the worst that could happen?” The local sheriff from Newport would come and yell at us for trespassing. And if he was really a stickler for the rules, he might give us a ticket but it probably wouldn’t be for much money. Or if he is a real hard ass, he might actually put us in jail. I have never been to jail but a small town jail would be the way to go. Besides that, I already have a “prison name” thanks to some of my rather strange friends, so totally no problem for “Teeny.”
Finally, some additional and crucial information made its way into the forefront of my brain and thought process. This data really should have been fully considered when we began our little, bad-girl, rebel after 50, journey across the barrier. I am standing on FEDERAL land and therefore, I have to believe that TRESPASSING on Federal Land is probably and most assuredly a FELONY rather than a MISDEMEANOR. Can we all say “DUH” at the same time? Not quite so full of ourselves anymore, are we?
Kim did suggest we walk another 45 minutes or so down to the tide pool area before leaving but now I am a bit freaked out and so I recommend we not push our luck. So we hike another 15 minutes back up to the parking lot. On the way, I have decided that if they aren’t paying the Park Rangers to keep the parks open, they probably aren’t paying them or anyone else to patrol the area for trespassers, so we are probably safe. The sad flip side of this last revelation is that it just proves we are not nearly as “outlaw” as I wanted us to be on this particular adventure. Who knew this first foray into the outlaw life would be so damn difficult? But fear not, we might try again on the way home. I wonder if anyone is watching the gates at Yosemite?