Here I am at the start of my big adventure. This is just north of the mouth of the Columbia River. Jack dropped me off and headed to Astoria. "Well begun is half done" is an old expression. For me, just beginning this walk, after so many years of thinking about it, was fulfilling enough. I was finally doing it! |
So after walking just maybe 20 minutes, I come to the bridge across the mighty Columbia River. The government has different ideas about traveling along the coast. A quick cell phone call to Jack and I'm back on my way. |
Here is Jack driving me on the Astoria side of the Columbia River. I decided he might as well drive me all the way through town. (Thank goodness for the support van!) |
From the Fred Meyer, I headed south on 101. The further from town, the narrower the shoulder on hiway became. A few times I had to scramble into the bushes as the old men were barely able to keep their RVs between the lines. After about 3 hours the support van picked me up about 1/2 mile short of our rendezvous point. |
Jack had discovered the obvious. I had missed a path to the beach. I could have been walking there instead of along the hiway. |
He drove me to the beach where we set up a rest area. Once again, the support van made many aspects of this walk much more enjoyable. |
Jack on the edge of the Pacific. |
Resting and cooling my feet. |
I continued towards Seaside, about 8 more miles. Jack went to town and found a hotel for night. |
On the first day I walked about 6 hours -- only about 3 hours (or 9
miles) along the beach. Jack picked me up on the beach before Seaside,
as there is a larger river cutting across the beach. He drove me the
mile or so to town where we had nice motel with pool and Jacuzzi -- I needed
it!
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