Last weekend was my first trip back to Copalis beach without my boy Bud. Bud loved it so much. I'm so happy that Bud and Rusty and Joe and I were able to make 2 trips to Iron Springs last year, one in April and one in Sept., both beautiful.
Last Saturday Joe, Rusty, Devi and I went, arriving about 3pm. We dumped all of our luggage and gear then hiked the short hike to the beach. Copalis beach is about 30 miles north or Ocean Shores. It is a huge expanse of soft, light colored sand bordered by picturesque red bluffs. Iron Springs Resort sits on one of those bluffs, overlooking the ocean and beach.
Bud loved to feel the sand between his toes, the sea breeze in his face and to trot all over the beach, leash-free. Little Rusty was always just behind Bud, following his "buddy" everywhere, fully trusting that the journey would be fun and safe.
This was Devi's first ocean visit as far as I can tell. She was excited but not overly so, to the point of getting too far away from us. She was such a good girl. Joe and I enjoyed throwing the flying disc as far as possible for her and watching her run fast and free. We encouraged Rusty to go too, to run after Devi, or the disc. He stayed close to us, running out close to Devi when she wasn't too far from us. He was doing it for us. Poor little guy. I think he missed Bud. He hasn't bonded with Devi much yet.
Our second day was a rainy, grey Sunday. We braved a walk on the beach anyway. The tide was way out and we actually made it pretty close to Copalis Rock and got completely soaked. The dogs were not only soaked, but caked in sand.
A couple baths later and after a short nap we found Devi's left eye was swollen shut. After my initial panic, I was able to track down the one emergency Vet. on call within an hours drive in Hoaquim. Dr. Westby was great. He found that she had cut her 3rd eyelid, probably from grabbing and shaking the crab legs she found on the beach earlier. An eyewash and antibiotic ointment treatment helped her out and I felt much better knowing she was safe.
During the journey back we were pulled over by a State Trooper for speeding! Crap! What a day. After Joe explained the whole story and the Trooper saw the dogs, especially Rusty and his smiley little face, he let Joe off with a warning saying that we were lucky he was a compassionate person:-) Nice guy. Joe was careful to keep the cruise control engaged as much as he could after that.
We had a really nice time even with the rain and the health scare. A day on the ocean is a good day, regardless of the weather. Can't wait to get back again.
