November 8: Soft Soothing Sandy Beaches

Strolling along the soft sandy beaches on the Oregon Coast today, I breathed in the wet salty air, gazed at the seagulls flying overhead, and giggled as the foamy white waves chased me up the beach. After a busy week preparing for motorcycle trips to both South American and Europe over the next few months, a relaxing afternoon was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Heading west on highway 26 this morning, I reveled at the breathtaking lush countryside all around - rolling verdant hills topped with evergreen trees in the distance, brown and green patchwork quilt patterns of farmer’s fields on both sides of the road, and striking pops of purple, red, and pink rows of grapevines in vineyards along the way.

Barreling up and over the passes of the Clatsop State Forest, I headed south on highway 101 and pulled into the seaside town of Cannon Beach. Throngs of tourists strolled along the sidewalks taking part in the weekend’s “Stormy Weather Art Festival,” ducking into galleries to admire local artwork and munching on tasty snacks.

Parking at Tolvana Beach, I walked along the wet sandy shore, refreshed by the sound of the breaking white frothy waves, the feel of the damp wet gritty sand under my motorcycle boots, the smell of the sea salt in the air, and the stunning sight of the 230 foot tall Haystack Rock monolith, beautifully framed by the bright blue sky above.

Relaxing in the sun on a large damp piece of driftwood, I almost didn’t see a rogue wave coming right at me and laughed as I ran up the beach to avoid submerging my boots in the salty water.

Hopping back on the bike, I continued south along the shoreline, catching magnificent glimpses of the Pacific Ocean through the trees, sand dunes, and scrubby brush lining the winding road before turning west on highway 6 to head home through the Tillamook State Forest. What a great day on the bike!