Kraig and I are not hikers (yet). We didn't have the proper gear, we didn't know how to go about finding great hikes, and we certainly didn't have the experience.
But two weeks ago we bought some hiking shoes and were determined to explore some of the most beautiful areas Oregon has to offer.
We took our first "real" hike (i.e. with a plan in mind, good shoes, and a spirit of adventure) with a much more experienced group of folks.
Here's where I would start waxing poetic about the Djupes and how it's hard to describe them in certain terms, i.e. as "family" or "friends" or just really special, wonderful people that we have in our lives. They're all those things. We loved having them in town! (It was also confusing to give them titles to Owen. We settled on Aunt Kate and Uncle Paul since it seems most fitting and yet not at all accurate in the technical sense (Kate is my cousin)).
Anyway, they love hiking (and biking and rock climbing and camping and all sorts of adventurous things that two pansies like K and I try to avoid.) Not only do they love it, but their boys (ages 4 and 2) love it and are REALLY GOOD at it. I was impressed by how quickly they would speed ahead of us, exploring all the little pinecones and trees. Their agility was seriously amazing to me as I struggled to maneuver different sections of the trail. Seriously, if I'd put Owen down on this trail of steep inclines, tree roots, fallen trees, and rocky, sandy patches he'd have fallen flat on his face in 2 minutes or less. Either that or he'd have been begging to be picked up. He's just not a hiker. (Yet.)
I could go on but this post is going to be really long already with all the photos, so just enjoy.
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| Our view for our picnic lunch. That is Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock |
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| This is Crescent Beach, just north of Cannon. It's empty because it's not accessible by car and the trail to it is for experienced hikers. Seems everyone opts for Indian Beach (like we did). |
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| Our pic-a-nic basket |
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| Haystack rock |
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| Little blurry- taken by some lady who was a "professional". Meh, it's a family photo, right? |
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| TheKate with Owen and Bear |
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| Getting ready for our hike! Paul and a hiding Bear |
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| Totally excited and ready to go! |
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| And we're off |
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| See the agile 2-year-old in front of me? I liked his pace. |
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| Ecola point- sometimes there are sea lions on those rocks |
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| Oh my was this steep and sandy. They picked me to go first since I chose this direction at the fork in the trail. Oops. |
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| The steep trail gave way to Indian Beach. Finally! Our destination! |
Don't let Bear fool you. That water was seriously cold.
I love this photo. Gust will sneak up and plant kisses on arms, shoulders, cheeks. He's such a lover, but often I'd miss what was happening until after he'd already done it and had run off. We were lucky to catch his sneak attack in action.
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| "Terrible Tilly" Lighthouse. Oh, and surfers. |
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| I love the Oregon coast- there is always a mysterious haze to be seen. |
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| Sand in the eyes. Mom to the rescue. |
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| She is a talent behind the camera. Seriously. |
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| A little jellyfish washed ashore! The boys were happy to check it out. |
Two of many takes:
All cleaned up and ready to hike again, we hit the trail to head back toward the cars.
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| This was the most treacherous section of the hike. About 2 feet of walking space before a cliff edge. Egads. |
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| Potty break- err, I mean, a really cool old tree. |
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| Happy hiker! |
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| We were lucky these clouds reached the shore just after we returned from our hike. Hiking in dense fog doesn't sound fun to me.... |
So here's what we learned: Hiking is fun. Even 2-year-olds can do it. The main reason people hike is for the views. Oh, those views.
