Leaving The. Beach

Nancy dropped me off at Del Ray Beach and said goodbye. I hiked into another blue sky day and headed down to the beach toward the towns of Gearhart and Seaside. 

The Necanicum River empties into the ocean there and a road bridge is the only way across. So after a couple miles of beach walking, I ducked into town and walked through neighborhoods to 101. Aftercrossing the bridge, I worked my way southwest though town to a pedestrian walkway known as the Promenade. 

This pleasant walkway runs for more than a mile parallel to the ocean with dunes on one side and dwellings on the other. It was, indeed, a promenade with scores of folks out for a walk. I stopped at a bakery and grabbed a coffee and pastry, before continuing to the end and picking up the beach again. 

After three quarters of a mile I joined Sunset Blvd and started climbing to Ecola State Park on Tilamook Head. Tillamook Head is a massive piece of land jutting into the Pacific. Covered in 100 y/o second growth forest, it rises over a thousand feet above the ocean. 

After a mile, Sunset Blvd ended and the trail began. Muddy and rooty, it climbed relentlessly for four miles. My climb was compounded by my getting off trail and having to bushwhack my way nearly straight up a steep slope to reconnect. Lots of climbing over blowdowns and pushing through brush in near vertical terrain, but finally I got back on the trail. 

I pulled into the Hiker Camp about 12:30 and finally was able to sit down and enjoy some lunch. I met a group of three day hikers from Seattle during lunch and later a nice couple, also from Seattle who were on a day hike. I also met Tom and Angie from Astoria who are doing the OCT. 

I will camp here tonight press on tomorrow. 

More tomorrow. 
Happy Trails!