Written by robert on January 16th, 2017
In 2016 I undertook three tours, the last of which end abruptly. This is the tale of that tour. My plan was to take the bus up to North Bend and then ride to the Iron Horse Trail which I would then take nearly to Cle Elum. From there I’d ride to Roslyn, Cle Elum Lake and then to a campground on the very edge of the Alpine Lakes region. There I would camp for several days and hike toward The Enchantments. Finally I’d make my way back. I also thought if it looked good, that do the Stampede/Tacoma Pass loop off of the Iron Horse Trail. So this was going to be a mixed-terrain, bike packing, hiking adventure in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness region of the Cascades.
Issaquah-Preston Trail
I left Beacon Hill in Seattle September 12th for a week long jaunt before 9am. A good start! I rode a couple of kilometers to a bus stop on I-90 where I caught Sound Transit 554 to Issaquah. Unfortuently I was too late to make the connection for King County Metro 208 up to North Bend. As that bus only runs every two hours (!) I decided to ride up to it’s last stop before entering I-90 and meet it there. So I rode through Issaquah and onto the Issaquah-Preston Trail. Absolutely glorious day, with a pure blue sky, and the sun filtering through the trees. Being mid-September it was comfortably warm but not hot. Looking to be a great week in the mountains. I made it to High Point where that bus stop was with still more than an hour till the bus would arrive. Oddly there was a car fully in the ditch in the freeway underpass. I decided that I would give up on the bus and just ride on from here.
Snoqualmie Falls
I continued on the Issaquah-Preston Trail, to Preston where I then transitioned to the Preston-Snoqualmie Trail. All familiar routes so far. But instead of the various ways of working my way up to Snoqualmie Ridge, I instead rode down to Fall City and then up the road to Snoqualmie Falls. With all the attempts I’ve made to avoid this route with a full touring load, it turned out to really be no big deal. It’d be less fun for sure with dense tourist traffic, but on a Monday morning mid-September, not bad at all. I arrived at Snoqualmie around noon, so of course lunch was at the Snoqualmie Falls Brewery.
Rattlesnake Ridge
It was pretty warm in Twin Peaks, err North Bend and I was happy to get back into the woods and make my way further up into the mountains. I was going to be riding all the way across the back and camping on the east side this night (why I wanted to bus to North Bend and cut out some riding) so there was a lot of miles on gravel ahead. The ride through the woods was quite enjoyable. The seasons are always in advance in the mountains and the signs of Autumn was everywhere. Yellow, golden and red trees stand out amidst the bountiful evergreen trees. People were out, but with it being during the workweek and school back in session, there were no crowds.
Autumn in the Cascades
Long distances on gravel wears you down, the extra resistance, the vibration in your hands, needed to hold on more firmly to the handlebars. Riding the Upper Snoqualmie Trail and then the Iron Horse Trail for around forty kilometers, you definitely feel it. These trails keep to a minimal grade, around 2-3% but it does so for pretty much the whole way. That just adds to the effort required. But it is great to be in the woods, in the foothills and the Cascades. I-90 is always nearby, but you are completely out of traffic and I love it. The sun sets early in the mountains, even on the longish days of the end of summer. The shadows were getting longer as I rode through the two mile long Snoqualmie tunnel.
Moonrise over Hyak
Through the tunnel I was at the Hyak trailhead. I stopped there briefly but soon rode the last few kilometers to Cold Creek Campground. There I filtered water, made dinner, setup camp and all of the other details of camping out in the woods. Soon it was dark and cold and I was happy to get into my tent in the moonlight and retire for the night.
Photos taken today: Tourus Interruptus Day 1
Complete Tour photoset: Tourus Interruptus
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Tags: Alpine Lakes, Cle Elum Lake, Enchantments, End of Summer Mountain Tour, Iron Horse State Park, Iron Horse Trail, Northern Exposure, Roslyn, Snoqualmie, Snoqualmie Falls, Snoqualmie Valley Trail, Tourus Interruptus, Twin Peaks
Written by robert on June 21st, 2016
yr humble narrator at Heceta Head Lighthouse
Coastal Contemplations index
In June 2016 I spent two weeks touring on the Pacific Coast. A leisurely tour, the emphasize was on the scenery, the environments and contemplation. As usual I blogged the tour here as it went on the links of which I have collected here. Additionally I took over a thousand photos on this tour and a selection of these from each day have been uploaded to Flickr. Links to each days photos are included here along with each days report.
Washington
day 1: Seattle to Twanoh State Park – report, pictures
day 2: Twanoh State Park to Lake Sylvia State Park – report, pictures
day 3: Lake Sylvia State Park to Cape Disappointment State Park – report, pictures
Oregon
day 4: Cape Disappointment State Park, WA to Astoria, OR – report, pictures
day 5: Astoria to Nehalem Bay State Park- report, pictures
day 6: Nehalem Bay State Park – report, pictures
day 7: Nehalem Bay State Park to Cape Lookout State Park – report, pictures
day 8: Cape Lookout State Park – report, pictures
day 9: Cape Lookout State Park to Beverly Beach State Park – report, pictures
day 10: Beverly Beach State Park – report, pictures
day 11: Beverly Beach State Park to Beachside State Park – report, pictures
day 12: Beachside State Park to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park – report, pictures
day 13: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park to Honeyman State Park – report, pictures
day 14: Umpqua Lighthouse State Park to Eugene – report, pictures
day 15: Eugene, OR to Seattle, WA – report, pictures
Tour photo album on Flickr: Coastal Contemplations
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Tags: 101, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, June, June bicycle camping, OR, Oregon Coast, wa
Written by robert on June 20th, 2016
Amtrak Cascade train captured on a stop in Portland
in beads of dew
one by one
my home village
-Issa
all things must pass
I made one last stop in The Whit at the New Day Bakery – which was great – before I made my way to the Amtrak Station. This being the beginning of the Amtrak Cascades route the train was ready and waiting for me. I pulled off my bicycle bags and helped the porter left it into the baggage car. I found a seat with a table where I would spend the next seven hours.
clouds obscure The Mountain —
traveling northwards
It was a fine day with cloud strewn skies and plenty to watch as the train made its way north: Mount Hood, Mount Adams, Mount Saint Helens and finally Mount Rainier. When I finally got off the train and reattached my bags it was late afternoon. It felt good to do even the short ride home after seven hours on the train. Back home I unloaded the bicycle, put everything way, cleaned up and cooked some dinner. As the sun set over the city long spine-like clouds lit up with dark purples, reds and oranges. Tomorrow is the first day of summer.
the sinking sun
lights clouds on fire —
last day of spring
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
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Tags: Amtrak, Amtrak Cascades, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, Eugene, June, June bicycle camping, King Street Station, OR, Oregon Coast, The Whit, Train, wa, Whiteaker
Written by robert on June 19th, 2016
Crossing the rocky stream
in summer cool
ambling down my
road to hell
-Issa
a step east
On this day I would leave 101 for the first time since joining it in SW Washington. I was riding to Eugene which was a fair piece and since I desired to spend some time in the city I left early. It was partially blue skids when I left camp but it clouded up as I made my way north (still on 101 for the time being) to Florence. I began to hear thunder in the distance. Big, threatening clouds rolled in and fat drops of rain began to fall. I quickly made my way to Natural Market and Cafe, where I had more coffee and a second breakfast. While I was here the storm passed right overhead – lightning flashes followed by thunder almost right away, which would shake the glass of the windows. It poured rain which was whipped around by the winds. Pretty Dramatic.
Siuslaw River
But soon enough it had roared by and the blue skies were back and things began to dry out. I had put my bicycle under an overhang and had missed the bulk of the rain so I was nice and dry. But I’d lost that early start. So I hit the road and quickly turned onto Hwy 126 which I’d be following all the way to Eugene. It began with a flat fifteen miles or so right along the Siuslaw River. The shoulder was good, the road flat but lots of traffic., more heading west than east, but still pretty busy. But in the main this was good riding.
outlined against
green trees —
a white bird
At the tiny burg of Mapleton hwy 36 split off and the road headed into the, well not quite mountains, hills maybe? The shoulder faded away and it had the feel of a paved forest road. If it wasn’t for the traffic, which didn’t really let up, this would be my kind of riding. I still enjoyed being right in the trees and the many little rocky brooks that the road croused over and often followed along. There was a good long ascent, not to any really epic elegation but it went on for a long time. And then there was a tunnel. The hill actually crested right at the end of the tunnel. This of course was followed by a descent into a forest valley.
under fluffy clouds
a profusion of pink roses
I’d almost caught up with the thunderstorm and the roads were wet and ahead I could see the storm clouds ahead and to the north. But it outpaced me, or moved north and I was riding under blue skies with these big cotton ball like clouds. The winds were out of the west as usual and helped push me along. There was another long climb out of the forest valley this one actually had an elevation sign at the top: 756 feet. Made me smile. This was followed by a long descent into the Wilamette Valley which I’d be riding in the rest of the way to Eugene.
Fern Ridge Wildlife area South Marsh
The valley was farmland at first and then wineries showed up as I came into Veneta. From that point on it was fast traffic and lots of it and the road both deteriorated in quality and the shoulder bexams rather minimal. I went through this vast wetland of the Fern Ridge Wildlife Area which once I exited I was in the edge city portion of Eugene. A sign pointed me toward the Fern Ridge Trail which I was able to ride most of the way to my hotel. Leaving the trail I rode through residential streets filled with funky little houses and streets with lots of life.
Sunset in The Whit
My hotel turned out to be right on the edge of the Whiteaker Neighborhood (“The Whit”) of Eugene, which is clearly a funky, happening area. Art, tons of foodie type restaurants, coffee houses with character, breweries, all in the midst of those unique houses and a lively neighborhood. Nice. I’d arrived late afternoon and I was able to spend about five hours walking around this area, checking out various places and enjoying the vibe. As I walked back to my hotel, the sun was setting, lighting up the lingering clouds. I crossed a set of tracks and as I did the Amtrack Cascades went by. Tomorrow morning I’d be on that train.
fiery sun set over train tracks —
no real road home
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
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Tags: 126, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, Eugene, Honeyman State Park, June, June bicycle camping, Lighthouse, Newport, OR, Oregon Coast, The Whit, Whiteaker
Written by robert on June 18th, 2016
Umpqua River Lighthouse
dancing butterflies—
my journey forgotten
for a while
-Issa
the butterfly flies anyway
Umpqua Lighthouse State Park was the southern most extent of my journeys. In fact I had gone beyond the road where I needed to start heading east. So this day requires back tracking north for a ways. But I was going to camp just before the turn east so this was going to be a short days ride. I began by heading down to the Umpqua River Lighthouse. This was the sixth lighthouse I’ve checked out this trip. Almost a lighthouse themed tour, which one could easily do in OR as they continue to be present as you move down the coast.
Clearcuts with the coast in the distance
From the lighthouse I found a backroad that let me skip the climb out of the campground, which on reaching 101 would just descend. In steam I took a nice pleasant road to the banks of the Umpqua and rode along the river to Wincehester Bay. Then it was on 101 with its rolling hills until Reedsport where I stopped at Jitterbug N’ Java. A really interesting coffee shop it had a dance floor and stage fully loaded up with instruments. They did live music and jam sessions along with dancing. I lingered over lunch there before returning to the road.
the shadow of a bird
crosses my path —
yellow wild flowers
Apart from the typical northerly winds this was excellent riding weather. Blue skies, clouds blowing by, warm but not hot. There was the long climb up to the clearcuts and along the way I noticed a tiger swallowtail struggling on the shoulder. I pulled over and grabbing a stick helped it walk onto it. Then I transferred it to a stalk of grass – these big winged butterflies can’t take off from the ground. It immediately flew off and crashed right into the road. I rescued it again, and this time holding the stick aloft it flew off and wobbled across the road. On the other side it randomly encountered another Tiger Swallowtail and they began that timeless dance.
at the far end of the lake
amidst the trees
a lone cabin
At the top of the hill I stopped to look at the clearcuts. On the other side of the road I go down a short access road and there, beyond the clearcuts is woods and hills as far as I can see. Nestled in a valley is a lake, the north end completely wooded with the exception of a train trestle running across and one solitary cabin.
Dunes and the last glimpse of the Pacific
Now it was the descent from the hill, and riding in the National Forest land amidst the lakes. There was also a long stretch of roadwork in progress but like yesterday they were actively working on it. Then pretty early still in the afternoon I came to Honeyman State Park. This is on the Oregon Dunes and after situating myself I hiked to the edge up the dunes and up the fine sands. Far in the distance I was able to see the ocean. The last sighting of the pacific this trip.
amidst the devastation
stands one lone
pine
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: 101, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, Honeyman State Park, Jitterbug Cafe, June, June bicycle camping, Lighthouse, Newport, North, OR, Oregon Coast, Reedsport, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Written by robert on June 17th, 2016
Fingerpaint the sky
where I saw
a pretty bird…
they burn the mountain
-Issa
without intentions
This day was mostly clear, with an unusual southerly wind blowing white streamers of clouds across the blue canvas. On the road I almost immediately reached Yachats where I stopped at the Bread & Roses Bakery and lingered over their fine coffee and baked goods. Departing I found my rear tire flat. I fixed that in Yacharts but all of this found me fairly late on the road. And this was going to prove to be one of the most memorable stretches of the coast.
Devils Churn
The route entered the Cape Perpetua Scenic Area and while the traffic was higher, the shoulder smaller, it was just stunning. I climbed for a a spell and was on these rocky outcroppings right on the wave cut edge of the mainland. The first stop would be at Devils Churn (with Devils Lake, Punchbowl and now Churn the devil is well represented on the Oregon coast). The last time I was in these parts I was running late so I just took a picture of the churn and moved on. Not this time. I walked the trails right down to the rocks and looked into the narrow passage where white water would shoot up. There was a little food counter at the info booth where I was able to get a sandwich for lunch which I eNyogen as a picnic at the Churn. On the menu for the counter they had posted a favorite quote:
A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving.
-Lao Tzu
I continued to crawl up the cape, which went up and down and had an overlook every quarter mile or so. One of these had a rocky sealevel shore with a hole in it where the wave action made a natural waterspout. Another area sealions would come in to rest. Everywhere there was these stunning views of the rocky shore, the blue ocean, and the white streaked sky.
blue sky
blue waters
no seperation
Heceta Head Lighthouse
Making my way to Heceta Head, there was the turn off for the lighthouse. This road descended right down to the water and then there was a half mile trail right back up to the headlands. “No motor vehicles” was posted but it said nothing about bicycles. So I rode the gravel trail up to the lighthouse. As I arrived the volunteer tour guides noted that was the smart way to do it. A classic lighthouse right on the edge of the coast, it cuts a dramatic figure against the blue sky. Leaving the lighthouse I found there was a back road from the keepers house to 101 that let me avoid the long descent and climb back up!
The route ahead
Just past the lighthouse 101 crosses a stone bridge and then goes into a short tunnel. Uphill of course! Then it hugs the coast line for a spell and then climbs up to the Sealion Caves. I was able to check out the sealions and a lot of birds before the official attraction so I didn’t go in. But from here the coast dramatically changes. It becomes quite linear and all sand dunes. 101 goes inland and I would be away from the coast for a while.
at the summit of the forest climb –
clearcuts
It had taken me hours to do this 20km stretch of coast so it was pretty late when came into Florence. I got some supplies and then had to really make time to my destination. The road was all through trees now and coastal forest lakes. A long stretch of National Forest Land there was quite a few campgrounds, boat launches and recreational areas. There was a good long climb through the trees which culiminated in a massive clearcuts. But then it was a descent to the Umpqua River which I crossed via two bridges into Rockport. A couple more ascents and descents as 101 cut off the mouth of the river and I came to Umpqua Lighthouse State Park where I would rest after this epic day.
whits cranes
fly away
as I draw near
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: 101, Beachside State Park, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cape Perpetua, Cyclotouring, Devils Churn, June, June bicycle camping, Lighthouse, Newport, OR, Oregon Coast, Sealion Caves, Umpqua Lighthouse State Park
Written by robert on June 16th, 2016
Yaquina Head Lighthouse
plum blossoms—
in my account book
I enter “cash for sake”
-Issa
beach to beach
It rained all night only ceasing upon the dawn. So it was a damp morning of packing as I broke camp and headed south. A scant distance Down 101 I came to Newport and the turnoff to Yaquina Head Lighthouse. A classic lightouse right at the end of the headlands overlooking the dramatic and rocky coast. There were vast amounts of birds nesting on the rocks and a young bald eagle was also sitting there digesting one of those birds.
Oregon Coast at Yaquina Bay
From the headlands the route mostly winds around Newport skipping 101 and the edge city there. But I had to brave that edge city to find a laundromat and do my washing. By the time I had taken care of the necessities it was past noon so I also had lunch in Newport. Needless to say I left town pretty late in the afternoon, However one of the glories of the OR Coast is that there are campgrounds every few miles and with little need to make miles I only rode a couple of hours after lunch,
Sunset at Wakonda Beach
I arrived at Beachside State Park which is in a little strip of trees right between the beach and 101. The Hiker/Biker site is right near the entrance in a little stand of trees. A path through those trees led to an unofficial beach access point. My own private beach. The clouds were dramatic, torn up like sea foam. In the distance was a massive cloud with tendrils reaching down to the ocean as it shed rain. That I imagine would make landfall in a couple of hours. The wrack of clouds made for a particularly dramatic sunset, reflected in the wet beach.
paying no mind to the
surf and the traffic —
a lone frog sings
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: 101, Beachside State Park, Beverly Beach State Park, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, June, June bicycle camping, Lighthouse, Newport, OR, Oregon Coast, Yaquina Bay
Written by robert on June 15th, 2016
Devils Punchbowl and Otter Rock
low tide
in a soft, soft rain…
darkness coming
-Issa
between showers
This was another day predicted to be filled with a series of fronts moving through so I decided to stay at Bevery Beach Campground and explore the coast. Considering that I’d moved along this section of the coast pretty fast yesterday Ithis would give me a chance to check out what I missed. As I left 101 to Otter Crest the clouds that had been threatening rolled in and the rain began to come down. As I turned down the road to the Devils Punchbowl the skies opened up and fell upon me. It shortly turned to hail. Happily it was only a couple of blocks to the State Park where I took refuge at the bathroom.
Storm rolling in at Beverly Beach
The downpour only lasted about 15 minutes and then the front had moved by and the sun would come out. This would be the pattern most of this day. The Devils Punchbowl is a bowl shaped opening in the coastal rocks with gaps to the ocean. The continous action of the surf shoots into these opening creating a churning tidal Punchbowl. The tide wasn’t super high but it was pretty neat. The views of the coast here and along the other lookouts at Otter Crest were just completely stunning.
Oregon Coast at Depoe Bay
I rode into Depoe Bay and had lunch and acquired some essential supplies. During lunch there was another downpour which again really came down for fifteen minutes or so and then moved on. I looked around the shops in town but there was nothing that struck my fancy (or I could carry). So I rode a bit more north to Boiler Bay which I skipped yesterday. Another great overlook of the sea eaten coastline. Then it was just making my way south again, taking my time along Otter Crest Loop.
between rain showers
jagged gaps of blue
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: 101, Beverly Beach State Park, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cyclotouring, Depoe Bay, June, June bicycle camping, OR, Oregon Coast, Otter Crest, Otter Rock
Written by robert on June 14th, 2016
Rock off of Cape Kiwanda
today too, today too
living in mist…
little house
-issa
a long day’s journey into…evening
I awoke to the sound of drizzle pitter pattering on my tent. Now the sound of rain on the tent is an experience not to be missed, but I did intend to pack up and leave Cape Lookout today. It fell off after a spell and I jumped out and put everything I way. Then I moved to the campgrounds covered pavilion where I made breakfast as the rain really came down. But it didn’t last and my weather app said it would be mostly just overcast the rest of the day.
looking through rain
at white tipped waves
Heading south now on the Three Capes Route I found that just past the State Park was the most devastating clearcut I’ve seen on this tour. What was once a beautiful corridor of trees is now cut short on one side and just a barren, brutalized hill. Recent enough too that wildflowers or undergrowth had yet to move in. As always when I’m shocked by clearcuts I have to ask myself, “what am I doing to reduce my consumption of wood products?” If there was no demand there’d be no clearcuts.
now with homeless eyes
I see it…
blossoming spring
-Issa
and following after Issa:
empty hills
empty mind
look! look!
Just past the clearcut is the longest climb of the Oregon Coast. While never very steep it climbs over 800′; almost twice that as the climb to Cape Mears I did yesterday. Of course compared to virtually any mountain pass it is just a bump, but for the coast it is a climb. The drizzle returned as I mde my ascent and I donned rain gear before the descent. But by the time I’d wound my way back to the coast at the long sandy beaches at Cape Kiwanda (the third Cape!) it had cleared up and off went the rain gear.
On Old Scenic 101
I followed the beaches for a while, stopping for lunch in Pacific City. The route then turned inland and left 101 on one of my favorite bits of riding: Old Scenic 101. A ten mile strench, it actually adds miles from the more direct 101, but it is in old trees, along a stream and mostly forestland. Not much traffic and only at the northern end are there houses, which mostly seem to be old school hippies.
following the lively stream
into mossy trees —
easy to forget myself
But back on the main roads I find the character of 101 had really changed. A lot more traffic and two lanes as I came into Lincoln City. The route take you on the east side of Devils Lake to avoid Lincoln City, but the road was closed for construction. So I continued on 101 through town. You can see why it avoids it – busy, the shoulder goes away and there is a solid mile or two of edge city followed by a tourist trap section of cotton candy, bead shops and other tat. Just past this was the turnoff to Devils Lake Campground where I was making for this day. It turned out to be a scant block from 101 and the hiker/biker section was literally on a residential street fully open to houses next door. Though it was getting on I decided to press on to the next campground.
Storm rolling in at Boiler Bay
Once fully outside of Lincoln City environs there is one of the absolute best sections of the coast. From Boiler Bay to Newport the coast is all wave carved rocks and weather eaten bluffs. The biking route is as good as it gets too as while 101 climbs a steep bluff, the OR Coast Bicycle Route takes Otter Crest Loop, a narrow road with only one way traffic and a bicycle lane. This hugs the edge of the bluff and the views into Depoe Bay, Cape Foulweather and Yaquina Head are just stunning. There was clearly rain coming in but I only felt a few sprinkles on this bit. Soon enough the road descended back to open sandy beaches where Beaverly Beach State Park is and I would camp this evening. Within a couple hours of my arrival the rain put in an appearance.
lost in the sound
of passing cars —
calm ocean swells
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: Beverly Beach State Park, Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cape Kiwanda, Cape Lookout, Cape Lookout State Park, Cyclotouring, Depoe Bay, June, June bicycle camping, Lincoln City, Old Scenic 101, OR, Oregon Coast, Otter Rock, Pacific City
Written by robert on June 13th, 2016
Cape Mears Lighthouse
in spring breeze
his stole billowing…
a monk comes too
-Issa
wind and waves
I decided to stay another night at Cape Lookout, so that I could explore Cape Mears which I’d missed yesterday. Taking a leisurely morning I enjoyed the first bright blue dawn in a couple of days. The sun was already quite warm as I made my way back along the Three Capes Route.
mornings clouds —
white thumbprints
on blue paper
The tide was out in Netarts Bay and flocks of seagulls, cormorants wheeled over the windswept mudflats. Great Blue Herons as still as the standing rocks pointing out of the crystal blue seas. The wind was against me riding north but in the morning it is pretty minimal. A lovely ride all around.
standing and waiting…
waiting still…
the great blue heron
In Netarts I stopped for lunch and in talking to the cafe owner I found that the “closed” part of the Three Capes Route may be opened for exclusively cyclist use. There road had been partially wiped out by a mudslide and it’s right on the edge of the rock so not much rebuilding. But sounds like a bicycle can get through and they already are. So I could have done it – the risk would have paid off. So it goes. Leaving the cafe in the afternoon the wind had really picked up.
little snail
inch by inch, climb
Mount Fuji!
-Issa
In response to Issa:
inching up this hill
a butterfly floats past
The road up to Cape Mears went up the rocks and down into coves concluding with a full 2k climb to the lighthouse turnoff. With the strong afternoon wind and constant traffic this would be a preferable northbound route! The road descends to the Lighthouse which was packed with visitors. I took the trail down to the lighthouse, which is at about the height of the lighthouse itself. What I really enjoyed was the scenic overlooks, where you’d stand in the hard blowing wind gazing out at lumps of rocks poking out of the blue waters and birds flying everywhere. At the head of the cape you could stare out to where the rippling blue of the ocean meets the blue gradient of the sky.
gusting winds
blow right through
an empty mind
The lighthouse itself is a charming relic of the past. I do though wish that lighthouse keeper was a viable occupation… After the lighthouse I walked around the cape some more, checked out the Octopus Tree and then made my way back.
Sunset at Cape Lookout
Again a lovely ride along the capes this time blown along by the strong winds. That evening I was treated to a lovely sunset, an ideal nightcap to a perfect Oregon Coast day.
setting sun
glowing red
on wet sands
Photos on Flickr: today, all days
Posted in Coastal Contemplations | No Responses »
Tags: Bicycle Camping, Bicycle Touring, Cape Lookout, Cape Lookout State Park, Cape Mears, Cyclotouring, June, June bicycle camping, Lighthouse, Netarts, Octopus Tree, OR, Oregon Coast
A record of my wanderings, be they by bicycle, camera, foot, or just daydreams.