November 25, Bay Ocean

So, winter has arrived on the Oregon Coast with rain nearly every day now.
It seems like the rare occasions that it doesn't rain (as much) we have something  going on and can't escape to hike. Such was nearly the case this time.

We had planned to go to Astoria and do the Fort to Sea hike but Jeff had an emergency at work so the plan was foiled. His one hour task turned into nearly 4, but we still managed to get to Bay Ocean. This is a GREAT place to go for training as it has beach (we all know how good the sand is for muscle building) and trails, hills and gravel road. There are so many trails and it's easy to get turned around, but virtually impossible to get totally lost.

Since we had such a late start, we only got about 5 or 6 miles in, but it was good to get out and stretch the legs and breathe the fresh air--both of which aren't as good on a treadmill!

Our new friends the "Hiking Fools" advised us that they only have 140 days left and we are leaving a couple of days before them so you know what that means...I'M PANICKING!!!

Here are a few scenes from Bay Ocean...

Self explanatory...here's where we are!

 

Looking South, toward Cape Meares

Use your imagination...can you see the eyes and mouth on this beached sea serpent???

Looking South again...with the sea serpent

Beaten beach grass

We had to climb the trail to find the sign! Really helpful...

Looking North toward Barview. See the lookout?

Seasonal pond. It almost made us turn around but we did some minor bushwhacking to get around it.

Pond reflections

More reflections

A lot of mushroom pickers out here. Not sure if this one's edible or not. I'm not trying it even though I love mushrooms!

Party favors? They really "tied one on..." ha, ha, ha

The weirdest fungi ever

Looking across Tillamook Bay to Garibaldi. See the Coast Guard boat house

Looking South a couple hours later...

More 'shrooms. These I know are not edible but they are really pretty.

The moon is starting to show

On our way back to the rig. It wasn't as dark as the photo implies.

Looking South, on our way out. Missed the sunset on the beach, but this was a nice way to finish the hike.

As usual, our love to all. Happy hiking!
Jeff 'n Sue