Cape Lookout State Park...the trail home.

"There's nothing more beautiful than the way the ocean refuses to stop kissing the shoreline,

no matter how many times it's sent away"

Sarah Kay

Along with Dick and Melinda, we departed Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground, and headed southwest toward Tillamook, Oregon and Cape Lookout State Park. The park is nestled in a very lush coastal forest on a sand spit between Netarts Bay and the Pacific Ocean, offering terrific views of the ocean while at the same time easy access to it's beautiful beach.

This park proved to be a wonderful destination for sightseers, campers, hikers, beachcombers and of course "Lifedancers" who appreciate the harmonious blend of nature and recreation. 

Imkelina and her "girls" never grew tired of walking the miles of open beach. It seems her day is different at the beach as her passage doesn't move hour to hour. Her adventures are guided by the currents, planned around the tides and follow the rise and setting of the sun. Her day seems timeless...and they are as she never wears a watch. As I watch her stand before this beautiful beach, I can hear the waves whispering to her...continue to choose the simple things and find the joy in nature's simple treasures...life and living need not be so hard.

There is also a short walking trail, The Nature Trail, through the campground which is pretty tame. The Cape Lookout Trail, a five mile round trip hike, is also located nearby. During World War II, a B-17 bomber was flying north along the Oregon coast on a transit run. On that day in 1943 Cape Lookout was shrouded with fog. The pilots mistook the cape for a cloudbank and flew straight into its 800-foot cliffs. There were no survivors. Although the trail passes just above the crash site, the wreckage is no longer visible.

Santa Maria Ribs and grilled veggies

We enjoyed our last day here, savoring weather that stimulated Weber time and a vivid sunset that provided an opening act to our campfire talks. Soon it would be time to head south and home to our "Central Coast Hidey Hole." Driving south along the coastal headlands, soaring sand dunes, massive rock formations, mile long beaches and old growth forests always leaves a lasting remembrance of this beloved state.

At Waypoint 45.366820, -123.962148

Nehalem River

"Mother Nature is always speaking. She speaks in a language understood 

within the peaceful mind of the sincere observer."

Radhanath Swami

Nehalem River

We had never heard of Clatsop State Forest. But our wish was honored for this beautiful wilderness area provided welcomed reprieve from the smoke of the countless fires within the state. We later learned, this northwest corner of Oregon is very historical as it was the terminus of the continental Lewis and Clark expedition two centuries ago. 

Established in 1947, Henry Rierson Spruce Run Campground is one of the oldest established campgrounds in Clatsop County, Oregon. Located on the Lower Nehalem River, with Spruce Run Creek winding it's way through the camping area, it was a stunning backdrop for a reunion of friends. 

All our grassy campsites provided some filtered shade and were choice waterfront locations. A short walk to the river's edge offered us some nice rifts to float a fly or a serene deep pool for "water boy and girl" to take a brisk dip (Patrick and Imkelina). Camp life was pretty blissful and relaxing. Abundant quality time to catch up, reflect our blessed offerings and solve the trials of the world. 

Spruce Run Creek Trail

Lost Lake 

The trailhead for the Spruce Run Creek Trail is located right at the campground, teasing all of us to attempt this difficult two-mile climb over the Coast Range ridges. We did take a "snapshot" of this heavily wooded trail, before deciding we prefer the sanctuary of the river and a cool drink. Sydney and Kiah were disappointed as the trail scents and sights were way too alluring to turn back. Imkelina, Cheryl and Melinda did find the time though to hike around Lost Lake, a 14-acre natural forest lake. Thank you Patrick for your enduring and devoted efforts toward the discovery of this natural jewel...it was perfect.

Thick healthy forest canopies, a steelhead rich river and a canyon skyway for mighty eagles to soar...a perfect tripod to create a snapshot of my thoughts. I imagined a drop of water flowing steadily along the upper part of the river, tumbling over hidden rocks, swirling through the soft rapids and riding the current downstream. I thought, a true metaphor of my life. I am like a drop of water in this river. Life has moved me along, occasionally banging me against some hard, sharp rocks, tumbling me over an unknown edge and offering deep, blind fall, but that is not the end. I swirl around awhile, once again gain momentum and pick up the current once more, continuing on my life journey.

As we gathered for our last fire, we pondered what new talking points we would have during our next rendezvous. It seems our world is at the will of who has the largest ego and alienation is the trend. Times are frail indeed and there may be a high cost for those of us seeking only peace, compassion and understanding. Sydney and Kiah just don't see why swim time had to end. Until then, we head west to the coast and the Pacific Ocean. 

At Waypoint 45.811876, -123.61111