Simpson Beach, Oregon

Maybe there are more spectacular beaches in the world, but not today. A narrow path led through the forest to breakers we had been hearing all morning. First up is a stream struggling to meet the ocean, then an elephant seal, looking unhappy as he molts in the dry sand, and then the beach itself. Too cold to swim, but just right to hang right on the thin line between land and water. Most spectacular, maybe, is how many people walk on to the sand behind us, snap a photo, then turn around leave. Cooper, of course, pulls out his trucks and starts to drive, meaning I have to pretend to drive them too, which gives Laura a precious few moments to pull out the remnants of the Sunday paper and read.