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It was a short drive to Tillamook. It was early enough in the day that I avoided the crowds heading to the coast from the city. The search for breakfast was harder than expected as the first several restaurants along the main drag were closed for the day or even the week. Apparently the main tourist season hadn't fully begun yet. One of my goals for this trip was to stick to small, local restaurants when eating out. In desperation I pulled up to the IHOP. After a hot breakfast and way too much coffee, I headed to Fred Meyers for supplies and to make some calls. I had a feeling I wouldn't have cell coverage at the campsite, which would turn out to be true for much of the coast. After finding space in my already overloaded car for the groceries, I was on my way. I had barely gotten back on the 101 when I spotted a sign for route 131, aptly named the "3 Capes Scenic Route". I made the turn and was glad. Much prettier than driving through farmland on the main highway. I had to fight the urge to stop every couple of miles for pictures
as every turn brought a new and amazing view. I found the park without trouble and was grateful to see my name on the list of reserved campsites. And what a campsite it was. It was very private due to the way the shrubs had been planted. It was also right across from the beach and near the restroom/shower facilities. As soon as I pulled in I grabbed the camera and headed to the sand. This particular stretch of beach was at least 5 miles long and was bordered on both sides by large, dramatic rock formations. I returned to the beach several times that evening to see it as the sun went down. After a good dinner cooked over the fire, I headed to bed, lulled by the sounds of crashing waves nearby.
Late that night, I was awoken by something making noise in my campsite. I grabbed a flashlight and unzipped the tent. I immediately saw a pair of eyes looking back at me in the dark. I pointed my flashlight and discovered it was a raccoon, who was in the process of breaking into my cooler. It looked at me for a moment, and then gave
my cooler another shove. I slapped my shoes together and it took off into the brush. I sighed, got up, and put my cooler into the trunk along with anything else that smelled of food. With that done, I went back to sleep.
I had originally planned on leaving the next morning, but as I sat and ate my breakfast, the sun came out and made it obvious that it was going to be a spectacular day. I got cleaned up, paid the fee for another day, and headed back to Tillamook for more food. On the way back, I stopped at a restaurant that sat right on Netarts Bay and had some terrific clam stew. That night I made my dinner and then locked all the food in the car. I learned my lesson. It was almost 10 but I wasn't quite ready for bed so I headed to the beach and walked in the dark, listening to the waves and looking at the stars. I wish I could finish every night that way.
Packing up the next day took forever. It's amazing how disorganized the car got after only two days. With some semblance of order
restored, I hopped back on route 131 and headed south.
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