Day 5 Cannon Beach to Cape Lookout State Park, OR

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Seattle to San Francisco

Day 5 Cannon Beach to Cape Lookout State Park, OR

Foggy Bridge
A Foggy Climb

It was a foggy day today on the Oregon Coast. I left my secret little camping spot around 7:15 a.m. I immediately began climbing. I passed though the Cape Arch Tunnel. This tunnel also had the lights warning motorists about bikes in the tunnel.

After completing the two big climbs, I descended into Manzinita and sent my E-mail. The bike route went inland for about fifteen miles. This got me out of the fog. Along this road, I met a group of cyclists doing a supported tour. I spoke with several of the riders and they were amazed at how much stuff I am carrying. Several of these riders expressed feelings of inadequacy when I passed them on my loaded touring bike. The tour leader asked me if I needed anything. I borrowed his floor pump to add some air to my tires.

The bike route rejoined the coast at Bay City. Next, I passed through Tillamook. Tillamook is famous for cheese. I passed by the cheese factory and got some lunch instead. However, I have been carrying some Tillamook Cheddar and it is quite tasty.

Along the Three Capes Route

Tilamook is the start of the Three Capes Scenic Route. I rode along Tillamook Bay, then started up the steep climb to Cape Meares. It's too bad that coast was fogged in today because Cape Meares has impressive cliffs. I visited the lighthouse and got a good view of its fresnel lens. I also saw the giant Octopus Tree. The supported tour group was arriving as I was leaving.

The Cape Meares Light

The Octapus Tree

I met two women from Edmonton on loaded mountain bikes. They were headed to Cape Lookout too.

I bought groceries at Netarts where the supported tour group ended their day.

I arrived at Cape Lookout around 5 p.m. There are lots of cyclists here including the two Germans, the women from Edmonton, a young couple from San Francisco and a guy from Colorado. The Germans are an interesting pair. The guy's name is Wolfgang and he doesn't say much. Anya the woman is very talkative and spent a couple of hours talking with me because Wolfgang won't talk with her.

Wolfgang had placed an advertisement in Germany for a touring partner. Anya (I'm not sure how to spell her name) answered the ad. They had only spent a couple of hours together before starting on the trip.

My stove is acting up. I already took it apart once tonight. Of course this would happen on the night I splurged on fresh salmon. Arrrrgh!

I'll deal with the stove tomorrow morning.

Cape Lookout had the nicest hiker/biker camp of the entire trip. I highly recommend it