Loop Trip - 3rd & 4th days: Rain Forest, Westport and Beyond

Over the years I've been to the rain forest several times. Only once, on my honeymoon with Nancy in 1983, has it rained while I was there. It seemed extra dry in the forest this time. The ranger said it was normal -- only about 4 inches of rain in June. But it hadn't rained in a long time. We couldn't find any slugs.

The rain forest is nice, but it always strikes me as no big deal. Maybe if I went hiking and camped out far away from the roads it would be more impressive. But not likely... big trees and moss just don't fill me with awe. I'm not saying the place should be sold to a lumber company, no. It is just that I'm more impressed by expansive vistas, rushing water or exciting geology.

On the 3rd morning, we left Mora Beach, listening to ABBA on the CD and headed to the Rain Forest.

We were looking for slugs so Guy could get a picture for friends back east, but all we found was this old tree.

BIG old tree.

Who is callin' who a 'ho!

On the nature trail -- about a 30 minute walk in park.

Wood Spryte?

It wasn't raining in the rain forest, so we move along to Ruby Beach.

It wasn't raining here either. But I enjoy this spot more than the rain forest.

We continued driving to Twin Harbors State Park in Westport.

We went into town and bought some fresh salmon fillets to cook over the fire. It was great.

It wasn't raining, but the skies looked threatening, so we put up a tarp.

On the beach.

I didn't take any pictures in Westport. But I was amazed ("freaked out" is more like it) by the erosion that had taken place there because of the break water. Nine miles south, at Wash Away beach it was more severe. Dozens of acres have been taken by the waves since I first was aware of the problem about 15 years ago.

On the 4th day, we woke up to a heavy fog/drizzle. We packed up and headed south toward our Cannon Beach destination. We stopped at the Pacific County court house along the way.

The court house was nicknamed "gilded palace of extravagance" back around 1910.

It was built back when timber was king and there was a lot money being made from it.

How appropriate!

At the Cape Disappointment light house near the mouth of the Columbia River.