September 13: Peaceful on the Pacific

I’ve always been drawn to the Pacific Coast, perhaps partially because it brings back memories of frolicking in the frothy waves at the beach in my swimsuit as a four-year-old, running up and down the wet sand with a snack in my hand and without a care in the world. So, I was especially happy to make my way back to the ocean today after a summer apart.

Heading out on highway 26 west through the Tillamook State Forest, I breathed in the cool early morning air filled with the fresh scent of dew-filled evergreen trees, gazed at the thick layer of fog blanketing the rolling foothills, and leaned into the curves, glad to feel the rumble of the road and the wind in my face after a busy week.

Turning north on highway 103 towards Jewell and riding under the overpass, I admired the arched concrete bridge above, beckoning me onto the quiet country backroads filled with farmhouses, rustic barns, and grassy meadows. I shifted my body left and right along a delightful series of switchbacks through the Clatsop State Forest, making my way north to Youngs Bay.

Emerging onto the bay, I was struck by the peaceful stillness of the vast vista of silvery blue water reaching out into the horizon, dotted with both small fishing boats and larger container ships and beautifully framed by the 4,200-foot steel truss bridge crossing over highway 101 to the coast.

Circling the roundabout at the entrance to Astoria, I turned west onto the bridge, feeling like a bird spreading my wings as I flew just feet above the surface of the water heading west.

Following the shoreline south, I took in the broad sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean to my right, a serene, muted shade of blue in the still somewhat foggy air. Stopping at Arch Cape I peered out at the rocky promontories, rolling white-tipped surf, and rugged cliffs topped with tall dark trees, their branches creating stark silhouettes with the light sky beyond.

Continuing past Garibaldi and then heading East on highway 6 through the Tillamook State Forest again, I made it past a long line of cars, opening the throttle as I roared back towards home. What a great day on the bike!