Sum and I escaped to Nehalem Bay for the weekend.
We camped out and had a very quiet night. This is our
simple camp, our tent and a tent for the pups on the
right. The sun was out here but the rain came about
an hour after we went to bed. We were glad that we
decided to put the rain fly on before calling it a night.
Walking along the beach on a beautiful evening.
Arwen clearly having fun after playing with her stick.
Max basking in the sun, enjoying the beach
The next morning, rain and all, we met up with our
friends Sam and Chey who live in Tillamook. We hiked
Saddle Mountain which is about 15 miles east of
Seaside. It was raining and a mild 50 degrees at the
base of the mountain, that would change soon. More
on that later.
This is a very pretty hike, uphill the way out and
an easy trip down on the way back. The hike is 5 miles
round trip and gains about 1400 feet in elevation.
Arwen, atop a fallen tree. Queen of the mountain
This rock cliff was about half way up the hike.
This is also where Sum and Chey stopped for
the day and headed back to the car. They made
a wise decision. More to come about that.
We were soaked by this point, but enjoying the
view and the company.
About a mile later Sam and I were still making
our way up the hill. And yes, that is snow.
And yes, Sam is indeed wearing shorts. There
were some areas where we were knee deep in snow.
By this point, however, it is about mid thirties in
temp, wind blowing 30-50 mph, rain pelting us as it
came at us in sheets sideways. There are several
exposed areas that I am sure are pretty in the summer,
rather cold though mid-April. At one point I actually
had a headache from the cold rain and wind
hitting me in the side of the head. Sum and Chey
indeed made a wise decision.
They, however, missed this incredible vista.
Just look at the beautiful, well, grey wall of
clouds. First rate in our book. On a sunny day you will
have 360 degree views from the summit. In mid-April
you get a cold, wet, mean wall of gray. Still worth it though.
Sam and I on the summit
We did get about 45 seconds on clear sky on the way down
and I snapped this shot of what must be a
great view of the valley.
All that cold really took it out of Arwen, she slept like this
the whole ride home, no kidding.
