This beauty arrived on the beach. It's a small stretch of beach that can only be accessed if you live on that street or the tide is very low, crossing the boulders from another larger beach. I happened to be staying on that little street and had walked down with Michael and the dogs to say hello to the ocean. There were more people than I had ever seen as the tide was very low and She was there. People were flocking. She was laying flat, her eyes and head rolling back and forth trying to see all the movement around her. She lay still, crying aloud if a dog came too close. I thought that she might be hurt as soon as I saw her. We approached slowly, far behind her, Michael taking the dogs further on. Oddly, the beach cleared. We watched as all the people walked back to the opposite end and disappeared except for a random couple who were taking in the scene as we were. Why was everyone suddenly leaving? I slowly approached her where she could easily see me, keeping my distance so I didn't scare her. I introduced myself and she lifted up. I'm pretty sure my jaw dropped open at this point. Absolutely beautiful. Majestic. I crouched with her, snapping a couple photos but mostly just being with her. I cannot really explain what happened next as it seemed like I dropped into a journey instantly. Everything slowed. She talked and then I did and she did again. I wanted to soothe her. I don't remember what I said. She lay back down, watching me. I remember that the Wind picked up and it blew so hard I felt lifted to my feet, my arms riding up and out above my head. I swayed to the ocean waves as she too rose up again. We stared at one another-the wind whipping my hair into my face. I dropped back into a crouch and waited. Many long moments passed. Suddenly, the water came rushing in and I stumbled towards the beach to avoid sinking. She looked at me one last time and entered the water, calling out as she hit the spot where only her head was visible, looking back at me. I bowed. What else was there to do! Magic had just happened. It was a moment encapsulated in the elements. Incredible! #cydneyfrench #oregon #ocean #oceanstory #sealion #sea #animal #mammal #connect (at Hwy 101 Oregon Coast)