Two young 50-something females. One big adventure exploring the Americas. Have liquidated everything they own and packed a Saturn Vue with bare necessities to set out on this journey. Planting seeds at each juncture symbolizing their new growth. With an open mind and heart, ready to get a true view of this world.
Showing posts with label cliffs. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cliffs. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Cape Tour

Today's adventure is the 3 Capes Scenic Drive, a spectacular tour of more of this beautiful Oregon coast. Our first stop is Cape Meares, which offers an easy trail along dramatic cliffs, further enhanced this morning by the fog that has yet to burn off. At points we can barely see more than a foot ahead of us and then the shoreline peeks through in all its splendor. A breathtaking sight!



Another trail further in takes us through some beautiful sitka trees, providing neck breaking gapes upward as we marvel at the grandeur of these magnificent treasures. The legendary Octupus tree and one of the largest spruce trees are both incredible sights along this route. A beautiful wake up for the start of our day!






As we continue our drive, suddenly the canopy drive opens up and desert sand dunes are present, evergreens dotting the landscape. It is such a contrast from our early morning views, all the more beautiful as we witness such diverse scenery within such a short distance. The beauty of Oregon increasing with every turn.




A picnic at Cape Lookout gives us a very pretty spot to watch agate seekers and enjoy a lunch of baked fried chicken, broccoli salad and cole slaw we've picked up the night before from our little village food market. It's delicious and while we are still bundled as the sun has yet to make an appearance, the food definitely warms and the quaint picnic spot and beautiful view provide the most perfect mid-day break.




Cape Kiwanda is the final stop on our tour, and the fog has finally cleared enough for us to get a pretty clear view. And, what a view it is. A lone seal welcomes us to the cliff's dune as we explore the nooks of this pretty place.






Families set up cozy sitting areas while their kids enjoy the climb and slide of the dune. It's quite a sight. We are especially amazed as the boaters speed right onto the beach to exit the water - no need for boat launching ramps here evidently!




Venturing off the beaten track after our cape tour, we find a beautiful waterfall at the end of a very pretty trail. An easy hike leads us through a lush forest and along a babbling brook culminating at the lovely waterfall. It seems a most fitting end to such a special day. The contrast of rich green and foggy cliffs is an amazing sight to behold. We are loving this beautiful state of Oregon!





Beach Fun

After a good night's sleep in our little beach cottage and a slow wake up this morning, a beach hike seems to be a grand idea. Though chilly and foggy, the coastline is spectacular and we enjoy an amazing journey along the shore.


The beach is easy to walk on once we pass the deep white sand at the entrance, the low tide brings hard packed sand and a very wide walking path. Exposed rocks toward the cliff area provides a fun and good workout, as well as a discovery spot for interesting marine life.






Horseback riders saunter down the dune area as we head back toward the little city's town core. The quaint town has a wonderful little book store where we spend a good amount of time finding new reads and make some great purchases for future escapes. It is well past noon by the time we finish our walk and book tour and the sun has still not peeked through. As we have several days in this area, we opt to stay close to home this afternoon, reading and enjoying the sleepy town's energy.











Later in the day, dune buggies traverse the pretty beach and kites easily float in the windy skies. With all the beauty surrounding, we don't even miss the sun. We throrougly enjoy our lazy day and the comforts provided by our little beach cottage. Resting up for a big excursion tomorrow seems to be the perfect decison. The quiet we experience here is very welcomed!