The Pacific Ocean looms just out of sight beyond the sandy barrier that creates Willapa Bay. Fierce winter storms slide over the horizon and into the bay creating a world of swirling cloud above, and windswept tidelands below. Nowhere is the rhythm of nature more apparent than here. The vastness of the Willapa Bay tidelands at low tide is striking. They seem to extend to the edge of the world and beyond. From the tideland farmer’s perspective, it would seem that the broad shallow bay had been created for the sole purpose of growing oysters. Oysters grown nearer swift currents and stronger tides in the bay develop fluted, heavier shells. While oysters grown further up the bay have smoother, lighter shells. The flavors vary as well, from mild to crisp with a hint of saltiness. Serendipity may have a lot to do with just how your Hawk’s Point oysters will taste this time.