Back On Track

I was at Burger King when they opened at 6. It was right next door to my motel, so it was an easy choice. I was finished in 15 minutes and on my way down Highway 101. I could have walked the beach for 3 miles, but it would have been an extra 1/2 mile to get over to it and a 1/2 mile back. Plus there wasn’t much traffic at 6:15AM. It took an hour to hike down to Siletz Bay then another hour and a half of road walking 101 before I could get around the bay and down to Gleneden Beach. In all, about 7.5 miles of 101.

I met a cyclist headed south and we talked while we were moving. His name was Harry and he had a bike trailer with his dog, Lizzy, (I think.) He had been on the PCT in the Cascades and left due to snow. He decided to cycle the Oregon Coast as an alternative. Lizzy seemed to be having a great time. Eventually he sped off and I slowed down.

The tide was full when I hit the beach, so there wasn’t much wet sand to walk on. It made for kind of slow and tough going for the 3 miles I was on the beach. I was able to get off at Fish Rock which is a low rocky point..

From Fish Rock it was up and down, sometimes on 101 and sometimes beside it on a trail. Occasionally off in the deep woods. Eventually the trail went through the town of Depoe Bay.

It was almost 11 when I rolled into town and the HWY 101 Burger Restaurant caught my eye. So I stopped and ordered a 202 which is 2 patties with cheese. It was surprisingly good! They only serve burgers with 1, 2, or 3 patties. Comes with lettuce, tomato, and onions. You can add cheese and that’s it.

I finished and crossed the harbor bridge. And proceeded south sometimes on 101, sometimes beside it, and sometimes in deep forest. You may detect a trend. The trail did take you by Whales Cove which you can only really see on foot. A charming little cove which is a marine research site, so it is pristine. It is really lovely.

Finally I left 101, and the in and out trails, for Otter Crest Loop. A scenic two lane one way road that hugs the coastline and climbs Cape Foulweather, at 1377 ft. Great view of Beverly Beach to the south which was where I was headed. So I walked down 1377 feet to the beach and strolled the last couple miles to Beverly Beach State Park, where I am camped tonight.

My knee did great, but I will reserve judgment to see how it feels in the AM. It was a long day, but I was able to get a hammock site, so I should get a good night’s sleep. Safe travels, all.

Happy Trails