Tammy Malgesini and the General take a break after romping on the beach at Hug Point State Recreation Site, located about 5 miles south of Cannon Beach.

I lived on the Oregon coast during my teenage years. While I experienced my share of gray and gloomy days, there’s nothing better than a wide expanse of blue sky with a few cottony clouds dancing above the ocean shore.

I can almost feel the sand between my toes and smell the salty mist in the air.

Since moving to Eastern Oregon in 1985, my husband and I have taken numerous trips to the beach. At some point in their lives, all our dogs have enjoyed taking romps on the shoreline.

While all our other canine kids quickly learned it wasn’t very palatable, the General continued to lap up the water during his first trip to the beach. He looked at John and I with puzzled eyes that seemed to ask “Why does the big water taste funny?”

Another funny memory is when John and the boys got caught in a hailstorm in Lincoln City. Captured on video, Lucifer is trotting along the beach while pawing at his head trying to keep the ice pellets from smacking him in the face.

Trips to the coast are special. And as autumn begins to paint the fall foliage, I get giddy about my upcoming girls’ weekend at the beach. I’ve only missed the annual pilgrimage a couple of times since 1996.

Over the years, up to two dozen local women have caravanned across the state to laugh, bond and eat way too much. Although the numbers have diminished since the pandemic, the fun and excitement have not.

This year, it’s just four of us — “The Matriarchs.” I’m the youngest at 64, while the other gals range from 65 to 71. We’re staying at what’s described as a “cozy ocean front cottage.”

With five picture windows and a deck, I can’t wait for the views and the hypnotic sounds of the ocean.