Cascade Head - A day of firsts!

Saturday September 1^st 20121 was a day of firsts for Laina and I in this hiking adventure.  Not only was it the first day of the month but it was the first time we hiked the coast, up to this point we have always hiked where there were trees and waterfalls.  Both of us love the ocean so needless to say we were excited to go.  We had heard from a twitter friend that this was a great trail, so we headed out for the 2 hour drive to just north of Lincoln City, OR.

Not knowing this area we thought we should stop at a local store and buy a map so we drove through town and went to a few stores until we got the map that we would later not need….but at least we had it.

After we parked the car we walked down to the boat ramp and saw some people heading out in kayaks, this will be our next adventure so needless to say Laina and I were envious and drooling wishing we were going with them, but today’s adventure is hiking so with our packs on we head up the road to the trail. 

Our hike started out through a grassy field area then up a road and then through some woods that contained 30 year old Sitka Spruce trees – this is where we encountered another first.  Just so you know Laina and I always move aside and greet people when we are on the trail because we know we are slower and well it’s just polite.  We were about half way through the wooded area when these fairly fit hikers were coming towards us so in normal fashion we moved aside and asked how the view was.  The lady hiker looked up and down at us and in a snobby tone told us that the view point down below was good and that there was no need for us to go to the top.  Laina in normal fashion said well we are going to the top anyway.

   

    

After we continued on both Laina and I were like what the heck, how dare that skinny bitch give us that look, if she only knew the trails we have been on.  This was the first time that ANYONE had ever given us that look and tone that we should not waste our time.  Well that just gave us more determination to make it to the top – which we would have done anyway.

Soon we broke out of the woods and headed into a meadow, again this was another first as you see this trail was all out in the open and we are used to hiking in the woods. 

    First view of the ocean

I have to say the trail was a bit more intimating looking when you can see the whole thing but we knew we could do it.  The last part of the trail that we could see from the meadow is about 1 mile high and 700 ft in elevation gain… in other words straight up hill. 

But once we were sitting by the ocean and viewing the beauty of the water and the river dumping into the ocean made all the pain and intimidation melt away.  For me I truly love the ocean and all my stress just melts away when I am near it. 

 Ahhh what a beautiful view

When we got the first viewpoint we stopped and had our snack and took in the beauty of the day….then up the hill we head.  About 1/3^rd of the way up the big hill we again moved aside for some hikers and again we asked how is the view from the top, at first she said oh it’s good, then she stopped and yet again we got the once over look and she said it’s not really worth it unless you want to see the more of the lake and the city.  Well again we said thank you and continued on UP the hill….you see for us it is not only about the view but also about the accomplishment, because although we are not skinny like those ladies we are on our way there and we are getting fit…..the view is an added bonus.

  pretty purple daisies

 

   the big hill!!!

About ¾ of the way to the top, we got to another view of a cove in the ocean and we could see whales blowing water in the air.  It was so exciting to see first-hand….but up we go to the top.

  Hearts cove

Once we made it to the top we stopped and rested had some water took some pictures and then headed back down.  One of the memorable things for me that day was four older ladies that were sitting at the top having a picnic in the tall grass just visiting – I looked at Laina and said in about 30 years that will be us….as you see I don’t for see our hiking and nature viewing ending anytime soon.

   A picture of me from the top

When we got back down to the car, we drove into town and then went to the beach to relax, take in the beauty and to stretch out muscles since our legs were so tired, before we got back in the car for our 2 hour drive home.

My hope through this journey that we educate people on the will of the human spirit, I know those ladies judged us and I hope people learn that it doesn’t matter what size someone is if they have the will they can do whatever they put their mind too – because as you see we also have 2 feet just like them and we know how to put one foot in front of the other.

This day was full of firsts and some of them will not be our lasts.