Over my birthday weekend, Chad and I went camping at Devils Lake in Lincoln City, Oregon. I used to work at a camp just north of the city and there is a hike that I’ve been bugging Chad about pretty much since we met. We went just the two of us and stayed the night at the KOA campsite. It was my mistake, we were heading for the state park but I saw the signs for camping and Chad didn’t correct me.
The campsite ended up being great. There were a ton of old people, a huge family (like 15 people) in two sites, and a few other neighbors. Best part, heated bathrooms with flushable toilets. TMI? maybe… but such an important factor for my camping happiness.
We went to the beach and it was beautiful! I think it was upper 70’s, sunny, light breeze. Perfect and unexpected for June at the beach. We found some awesome tidepools and explored. Chad wasn’t interested (cough, cough, scared, cough) to touch the giant green sea anemones we found but I did it and he had to do it too. We found two hermit crabs, lots of anemones, mussels, barnacles, chiton, limpets, snails, a seastar, and some fish. After plenty of playing time, we headed into town for dinner at the Lighthouse McMenamins. Then we went back and enjoyed the campfire and stars.
The next day we woke up, packed up camp, ate breakfast, and left to go on our hike. Just a couple miles north of the 101/18 junction is Three Rocks Road. At the end of the pavement in Knight Park where the trail begins. Cascade Head is the most amazing hike I’ve ever done and each time I hike it I love it more. We saw a couple deer along the way and we also saw (eek!!) a snake. I am proud to say I didn’t really freak out. I push Chad and said “please go faster” running until I felt safe. Then I hugged him until the anxiety attack passed. I didn’t cry or scream or have an epileptic fit. Yay me! We made it to the first viewpoint overlooking the ocean and turned to go back. It took us 1.5 hours to make it up and 30 minute down. The day was cloudy and drizzly but it made for a comfortable hike.
It was a really fun camping weekend and a great way to start my 27th year.
No comments:
Post a Comment