Hello from Florence. . .  Oregon, that is. 

I recently told one of my friends I was going to a Plein Air competition and art festival in Florence for the weekend. She responded,  "That is a long way to travel for just a weekend!" I explained that I was driving and the Florence I was visiting was only 3 hours south of Portland on the Oregon Coast. We both laughed and started joking about planning my next painting trip to Florence, Italy. 

One of the unique places I had the opportunity to paint at and explore on this trip to Florence was Heceta Head. 

Heceta Head used to be part of what was once a volcanic island. Around 35 million years ago, the Oregon Coastline was much farther inland, so far that the places we now call Salem and Eugene were covered by the ocean. The remains of this island are evident in a dramatic shoreline change, with rocky black basalt formations that stretch out into the ocean and fewer sandy beaches from Yachats to Heceta Head. At the center of it all was a very active volcano that would later be named Cape Perpetua. 

That's right, Cape Perpetua was once a mighty, active volcano. If you have ever walked out on these ancient lava flows, you have felt the boom of the waves in your chest as they collide with the ocean. Exploring the curious geological features of Thor's Well, Cooks Chasm, and Devil's Churn inspires pure awe. 

As I drove on 101 after the opening reception for the festival, Cape Perpetua towered ahead of me. I imagined it as an active volcano lighting up the night sky and forming the cliffs beside me. But in reality, the only light I see comes from the Heceta Head Lighthouse and fellow travelers as they drive past.