After two nights of relentless cabin isolation, his garments clung to him, drenched as if he had never escaped the ocean’s icy embrace. Those coastal woods, ancient and shrouded, were like sponges, hoarding the sea’s moisture. Fog threaded through gnarled trees, rain pattered on like a ceaseless ritual. Wetness seeped through everything, an ever-present touch. […]
Category: Hiking Journal
The Fall before Tillamook Head
The tide had betrayed him, leaving him stranded on an impassable beach. Undeterred, he aimed to climb over Bird Rocks towards Crescent Beach and Ecola State Park, avoiding the road. But fate had other plans. A careless misstep on the cliff sent him hurtling towards the icy waters below. With just fifteen feet to fall, […]
Hidden Coves, OCT
From the hidden coves along the Oregon Coast, he hiked north over Cape Falcon, fueled by 200 mg of caffeine and a half liter of water. The old growth forests welcomed him with their moist embrace, a haven for life both subtle and threatening. Moss-covered branches played host to creatures lurking in the shadows, and […]
Vanaprastha on the Coast
Once again, he treaded the endless expanse of beach, barefoot and unburdened by water or food. The weight of his pack seemed to vanish, lifted by the clear, warm weather and the cooling caress of the ocean breeze. Time was of no concern, and he strolled without haste. He ventured into Manzanita, feet now shod […]
Nehalem River Stealth Camp
He walked the beach north until the Nehalem River prevented forward movement. There he’d have to hire a boat to take him across the bay. He filled up on water at the crab cleaning station and realized that the few cookies and a little salami were all he had left for food. Luckily the town […]
Camping at Rockaway Beach
For no reason at all he headed north. Two short but easy rides up 101, then he hiked along the abandoned rail line that traced the rugged coast, eventually arriving in Rockaway Beach. The journey had been long, and he was weary of lugging around milk and cookies that had no business being on the […]
Cape Lookout State Park
It was the last night of my secret island retreat. A secluded haven of my own that was neither an island nor a secret. As the sun began its descent, I caught sight of a couple down the beach, strangers who didn’t speak my language. Our eyes met, and we exchanged nods of understanding, silently […]
Raccoons!
My quiet little campsite in the trees got overrun by intruders after sunset. #sunset #raccoons
No Cell Service, No Worries
Lost in the trees a stones throw from the roaring ocean. No cell service. Had to climb a mountain just to post this. Might not be online for a couple of days. I’ll be at the beach if you need me. #OregonCoast #wandering
Tacos in Town
The first time Sacajawea saw the ocean she used this trail over Tillamook Head into Cannon Beach to trade for whale blubber that had been scavenged from a beached whale. They hated the hike, but they also did it in January. It’s cool enough in July for me. #OCT #wandering