Last Day on the OCT

Yesterday, as I walked through Neskowin, there were signs warning residents to secure their trash as bears roamed the streets at night. Neskowin is nestled at the northern base of Cascade Head, a 102 thousand acre bio preserve. When I got to the trailhead for Cascade Head, there were warnings for recent cougar sightings ( and these weren’t those older women looking for younger men type of cougars.) As I climbed into the forest I even saw occasional bear scat. So, by the time I set up camp I was a bit paranoid. Still, by that time I was over the top and partway down the other side and had not seen any sign of bears for several miles. Still I was extra cautious with my food, making sure all smellables were safely stowed in smell proof bags and the food hung far from my hammock.

The night passed without bear or cougar attack and I was chalking up my paranoia to an overly active imagination when I made a discovery. There, not 20 ft from where I had hung my food bag was bear scat less than a week old. One is not paranoid if things really are out to get you. Still, I’m betting the bears were over in Neskowin last night, where the pickings were easy.

I hit the trail about 7 and found out why it’s called the rainforest trail. For almost the whole 3 miles to the road the trail wound through heavy brush, bushes, and vines. The occasion fallen tree that you had to climb over or under were there to keep it interesting. Plenty of roots, rocks, and muddy spots, too. All and all it was slow going, but I was in no hurry. After an hour and a half I made it to the road, unscathed.

I got on the shoulder of 101 and steeled myself for the 4 mile road walk into Lincoln City. After I had gone a quarter mile, a car pulled over with two college kids and offered me a ride, unsolicited. Well, yeah!

A few minutes later they were letting me off at the outskirts of Lincoln City. Many thanks, nameless college kids! As I walked the block to the next intersection, I saw a sign for a laundromat. My lucky day. It was open and 45 minutes later I walked out in clean clothes. ( I’ve become adept at quick changing clothes in semi-public. The trick is strategically positioned washing machines and timing.:^ ) MacD’s provided second breakfast and then I wandered over to the bus stop to catch the 11:50 to Salem. Nancy will pick me up in Salem and that will shorten her trip by an hour.

So I’ve finally completed the OCT. Very different trail, but worth it, I think. But more on my final thoughts about this trail next Wednesday.

Happy Trails…

Addendum: My lucky day continued. The bus to Salem arrived early and a connecting bus to Eugene was waiting to leave as we arrived. So I was able to board and make it all the way home without me waiting in Salem and Nancy having to drive up there. Yes!!