Oregon

 
After a month in Cali, we were ready for a change. Though still planning to work our way up the coast, we felt it would be different in Oregon. Well, the first difference was the rain. Pretty much as soon as we hit Oregon, it was cloudy and misty, and rainy. And a bit colder. But beautiful, lush, rocky and emptier of people.
We started with a some beautiful views of beaches, again, and a great hike through the forest that ended on the beach. We realized we were a little tired of travelling and needed a break from maps, so we headed into the national forest in hopes of finding a peaceful place to camp. We did, or so we thought. As we drove down a gravel road, we looked ahead and saw what looked like hard mud. Kim said "Uh oh" (always the more cautious one), Jake said "it will be fine" (the less cautious one) and 2 seconds later, we were sinking into the deep mud. Well, it was messy, and rainy and the sun was starting to go down. 2 hours later after using wood, rocks, ropes and a lot of pushing, we managed to get it out, much to our surprise. We drove back out to a trailhead, without mud, and spent the next 2 nights, doing nothing but reading, playing cards and eating. It was wonderful, quiet and exactly what we needed.
Off again up the coast, we saw some beautiful light houses and the most beautiful beach we've been to, Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint. The lighting was beautiful, there were caves and rocks and we had so much fun playing with the ocean!
Found camping that night just down the road from the dunes on this beautiful lake. The rain kind of dampened the idea of hiking in the sand and after a quick visit and a short walk in the sand, we decided we would have to return another time. We arrived in Portland that night, to visit Jake's friend Jason.
The weekend was wonderful. It was sunny and warm. Jason had organized for us to have bikes and we rode around the city, down by the waterfront, visited the market and Voodoo donuts (yumm) and enjoyed the day. Saw an old friend from the Red and ended the day with a beer. Supper with Jason and his girlfriend Kelly and roommate Matt, we all had a great time. The next day we hiked through the Columbia River Gorge and saw some beautiful waterfalls and wonderful views of snowcapped mountains. The night ended with a bonfire in the backyard, a perfect weekend!

Photos: http://picasaweb.google.ca/tjkuenzli