Day 1 - Mt Ranier National Park and Cannon Beach

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An early start with some coffee in French Press. I had to google how to use it because I am inept at these finer things apparently. Then the Frey Family Farm Breakfast was dropped off for me in a nice basket. I felt bad asking for it a bit earlier then expected but I needed it for what was about to happen. A long long day.


Let me tell you those scones were to die for!!

After that it was off to Mount Rainier for my big hike of the day. There was a book in the AirBNB that was titled Easy Day Hikes Mount Rainier National Park. I will not lie to you. It was hard, borderline strenuous for me. I am sadly very out of shape and it showed. I was so upset. BUT I made it. The Comet Falls Trail via the Van Trump Park Trail was tough, roots and scrabble, rocks everywhere. Even the steps set up were difficult. But once you get there. It makes it all worth while. 

One of the best things that happened on this hike was that at the very beginning hikers have left multiple hiking sticks if you have not brough your own. I had trekking sticks in my car but left them because.. idiot.  So I selected well worn "staff" and set off on my adventure.

Comet Falls lived up to its name!






This trail took me a good 3 to 4 hours I think. I know it took me an hour to get down. So I guess it took me 2 1/2 to 3 to get up. At least it sure felt like forever. It was funny, once at the top, there was a young guy who was like hey man how old are you and I was like 50. And he was like dude your rockin, im half your age and this trail almost killed me. I was like well yeah it pretty much killed me ha ha.

On the return hike I ran into a Deer snacking on the trail. No pictures but did try to get some video. 

After the hike it was time to enjoy the clear skies to get some killer shots of Mount Rainier and get some swag at the Visitor Center, oh yeah and to stamp my book!





So beautiful and just super worth every inch of ground I tread today. BUT wait, there's more. That is right my day was not done. Four and Half hour drive starts NOW.

Okay so Google Maps offered up some interesting "Faster routes" to me. Instead of sending me to Astoria and then down the coast to Cannon Beach well it took me through the wild mountains surrounding Mist, OR. It was twisty, windy and a hell of a lot of fun. Sadly it also took me through tons of one of Oregon's big industries, logging. So many trees they take down. Granted they do replant them so that is something. But still it was just so much. 

Finally I arrived at my evening stay Cannon Beach. Goonies Never Say Die!  

I am going to be a bit sad at this point. In 2017, my daughters Erin and Cara were with me as we arrived here at the Pacific Coast. With the way things are right now it stung a tad that they were not here. I did manage to get some decent shots of Haystack's Rock and some seagulls doing seagully stuff even if I were a tad sad.








Location: Cannon Beach, OR, USA

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