Mackenzie and I got up and had a slow morning before our 15 mile walk into Pacific City - our last full day on the OCT. the hike started with a climb up to a 900 foot summit followed by a quick descent to the beach for a beach walk. The start of the beach walk was great - quiet with no one around. Then, we had to dodge ATVs, 4-wheelers, and other off road vehicles. It was a bit annoying watching them tear up the beach but I’d be lying if I said it didn’t look like fun.

Mackenzie and I then got to our first crossing that required us to wade with our packs on. It was almost low tide so it wasn’t too bad but the water got up to my hips, so mackenzie was belly height for sure. Our stuff stayed dry and the crossing saved us from having to walk another 3 miles around.

We then had a long road walk that was thankfully lined with blackberries the entire time. Then, we reentered the beach for an awesome view of Pacific City Beach. People were learning how to parachute as the wind off the coast caused an updraft on a large dune. Then… pizza and beer. We got to enjoy the last bit of the coast. Once we got to our campsite, a lady let us camp at her campsite for free. There’s a loud party next to us so fingers crossed we get some sleep.

Happy trails…

We got up at 5:30 this morning to catch an early bus into Tillamook to grab another bus to Portland where we had to pick up our rental car. Unfortunately for us, I don’t think too many people catch the bus that early at our spot as the driver whipped by us without stopping at the bus stop. So, we had to wait until noon to catch the next bus. It was nice to have some additional time enjoying the coast. Mackenzie and I went for a walk along the beach and had some breakfast burritos before it started to pour rain.

It was a calming storm with thunder pounding off in the distance over the ocean. The noon bus arrived and we got a ride to Tillamook where we had to wait four more hours to catch the bus to Portland. The wait was nice as there was a farmers market next to the bus stop. We then got on our final bus of the day and headed to Portland.

At the rental car center, we had a bit of some trouble getting the car but once we were on the road, we had no hiccups. We’re now at the Bend Inn and Suites.

Happy dreams…

No pictures from today. We got up this morning and dropped Devin and Tiber off at the trail before we had to take the rental car back to Bend. Since Mackenzie and I have packages we need to pick-up at Bend, we’ll have to stay in town until the Post Office opens on Monday. Given the trail route, we’ll have to wait to meet Devin and Tiber at timberline Lodge further down the trail which means another day on Bend. Our bodies are a bit banged up from some shoeless walks on the beach with heavy packs so we don’t mind the rest.

Mackenzie and I got back to Bend and took multiple long naps before grabbing pizza from a food truck out front. Loving the recoup.

Happy r&r…