If you see Forrest Gump, say hi for me. July 1, Part 3.
Continued from: If you see Forrest Gump, say hi for me. July 1, Part 2.
When I finally arrived at the third of the "three capes," Cape Kiwanda, I had already hiked 20 miles - my longest day so far on this trip by quite a lot - and I gazed at the sand hill I was now supposed to climb with a kind of horrified disbelief. (Photo 9).
But just at the foot of the sand hill I found a driftwood log to sit down on, and ate a snack and rested a little, and watched a group coming running and laughing down the sand hill. "You make it look easy" I told them. And they told me they had found the easiest way and coached me to hike over it on the left and then head south thus avoiding the highest part.
As I scrambled up the soft sand, I was aware of two little girls and a dog scrambling up beside me and a parachute glider (that's not what they call them but I've lost the word) floating overhead (photo 10) I noticed how happy everyone was to be at the beach. It was kind of hard to keep sulking.
If you see Forrest Gump, say hi for me. July 2. Part 3.
When I reached the summit I felt exhilarated. Photo 11 is a collage of approaching the summit, looking back at Cape Lookout and the beach I had just walked ( with a few vehicles) and looking forward at the beach at Pacific City, packed with people and cars.
As I walked down into the crowd I was struck by how happy everyone was to be at the beach, how much humans (and dogs) really love the sand and the ocean. It moved me to see large families spread out near their cars, sitting comfortably in folding chairs, with food on folding tables or tailgates. It is really a pleasure to see people as happy as they are at the beach.
From there I made my way into town and to the small noisy campground - but hey it was a place to put down my tent and to sleep - where I spent the night.
More later about today - which had so far been a roadwalk and a walk through lush rainforest, but no beach yet. See you later - and thanks for making it possible for me to do this. It's the "story-ing" of my experience to share it with loving listeners like you that really transforms it into a rich adventure.
All so amazing.
ReplyDeleteYou meet such good people out there in the world; they take you in as one of their own. Really uplifting to read of your encounters with them.
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