Mighty Mammal Mars Beach

New Years day became more than a simple family vacation to Cannon Beach. Looking for something to do on this not-so-average weekday when most of the stores in this quaint Oregon Beach town were closed, my family and I wandered into the depths of Ecola State Park. The wilderness here is breathtaking. We strolled from the upper peninsula where an older couple offers binoculars and brochures for whale watching, through a winding trail that leads up some steep elevation before turning downhill and curling its way along the cliff-side down to the beach-head below.

On the upper peninsula we were led to believe that there were no whales in the water that day, at least nothing visible, when normally the Grey Whales are in full procession to their winter haunts in Baja California. So, we gave up our voyeuristic impulses to relish the hike, letting Revi wander ahead of us on the trails to be our canine compass and first line of communication with all passing hikers.

For a good mile we wandered, marveling at both the standing trees coated in moss, and their fallen brethren who were toppled during the massive storm that hit the region a month ago. Throughout the hike, while the path was clear (though mud-caked) many trees were ruptured, their splintered innards exposed to the elements. Yet, when we came to the top of a prominent cliff-side, we saw a white body laying on the beach below.

At first glance we couldn't determine what exactly was there, it was a great distance away, laying isolated in a cove behind sharp rocks, well away from the path we were on. Yet, using the power of technology I was able to capture a shot of the creature, and on my digital camera zoom into the photo until the distinct fins and tail of the whale were discernible. How such a creature dies and washes up to the beach is a mystery.

Apparently the deadly Orcas are responsible for the death of many a baby Grey whale, and perhaps were culpable here as well. A fearsome hit-squad patrolling the choppy seas of the Pacific. We couldn't determine how to get a closer look, but the carcass was clearly a marvel to behold, even from the gargoyle's perspective.

Strange then that someone would exploit this body, trying to steal the jaw for the sake of rare whale teeth. If human appendages were so prized, what would stop criminals from raiding the morgues and coroner's offices?

Who knows what the whale's last thoughts were before it washed up on the beach, or what level of consciousness it had to begin with. Yet, regardless of how the authorities dispose of the body, it is clear that they won't be able to bury it with the proper respect befitting the majesty of the creature.

I guess we can find some small comfort that the authorities are smart enough now not to explode it. But for one Colorado family, the appearance of a dead whale on an otherwise glorious hike, infused our trip to the Oregon Coast with morbid curiosity.