Twelfth Stop - Cape Disappointment State Park - July 2 - 4, 2018

The drive to our next campground was - again - gorgeous.   We continued up U.S. 101.   At times along the coast, and this day also through Oregon valleys.  We went through Tillamook OR, and saw the high school football field home of the Cheesemakers.   Crossed a huge bridge over the Columbia River into Washington state, and soon came to Cape Disappointment State Park and our campground.   Another WOW.   Our site is again right on the Pacific Ocean.  Thirty steps away through a few low evergreen trees, and there is our beach.  And this beach comes with a lighthouse view!   Another beautiful sunset over the ocean.  Life is good.  And it is really good here, because Karl got the internet satellite to work!












Next morning, we checked out Baker Bay - and decided to kayak.  To our right - the Columbia River and outlet to the ocean.  To our left - the bay towards the town of Ilwaco.  GO LEFT!  The tide was low.  Fishing boats were heading in and out of the channel.  I was not totally comfortable, so we only went as far the Ilwaco harbor, and turned around.  Great to be on the water, but what do I know about tides and channels and weather changes near the Pacific Ocean?  Nothing.  




That afternoon, we went to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center here at the park.  Cape Disappointment is where Lewis and Clark ended their journey from St. Louis to the Pacific, at the request of President Jefferson.   Very interesting display and story told at the Center.  Hard to imagine the hardships and conditions they went through.  Took a little trail over to another lighthouse.  Saw the Coast Guard at work.  The coastline is quite treacherous here, with the huge Columbia River flowing into the ocean and waves going every which way.  It is called Cape Disappointment, because of a sea captain trying to find a safe waterway inland.  Many ships and lives lost in these waters.  







The next day we drove just a few miles north to Long Beach, to walk along the Discovery Trail, which supposedly is where Lewis and Clark explored.   Turned out to be more of a bike path than a hiking trail, but still beautiful!   And guess what - it was windy.   Walked close to 3 miles on the path, then took the beach back and wow it was windy!   People were still on the beach for the 4th of July!  Huddled against the wind.   Kite flying is a big thing here, we have noticed.  makes sense!    Had late lunch/early dinner at a great little restaurant with more great locally caught seafood.  









Comments

  1. UnknownJuly 5, 2018 at 9:30 AM

    Looks great, just wanted to tell Karl "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" and wishing him many more. Love, Jan

    ReplyDelete

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