Identification: Whidbey Island WA, USA Oddball dodderish plant

I've never seen a plant quite like this one nor have I seen another since. I snapped shots of it Feb 23 2016. I went back in May to document it and it, along with others like it, was gone. Seems to me someone probably wanted to rescue or domesticate this odd beauty. Capture was on West Beach Rd in the Oak Harbor area on the beach side across from Swan Lake. This lovely whatever-it-is was snuggled up to the edge of the driftwood.

 

Armeria maritima.

 

Thank you!!!