More of the Oregon Coast

We went to the beach today; however, it wasn't to swim in the ocean or work on our tan.  We went to see the magnificent Pacific Ocean meet up with the shores of Oregon.  Sometimes the shores are miles of sandy beach.  Other times they are rocky cliffs, many of which are old lava flows.

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

At the shore of Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

At the shore of Cape Perpetua Scenic Area

Heceta Head Lighthouse

"Darlingtonia Californica" is a carnivorous plant.  Nectar inside the plant's hidden opening attracts the insects. Once inside, an insect becomes confused by the transparent areas that appear like exits. It's all "downhill" for the insect from that point as it eventually drops into the lower part of the tube, is trapped by downward-pointed hairs and falls into a pool of water at the bottom of the stalk. Bacteria in the water decompose it into nitrogen that is then absorbed by the plant. Oregon has a 18 acre state park dedicated to the preservation of this species.  RoxAnne and I took a hike to see these plants.  They were quite amazing and the nectar gave off a very pleasant smell.

Darlingtonia Californica