Well rested, clean clothes and recharged batteries (literally and figuratively..) I’ve got Cannon Beach in my sights. It’s a nice day and I’m feeling good! The trials and tribulations of Washington State have made me very excited for Oregon. I’m in a new state of mind!
I’ve perceived Cannon Beach as a milestone in itself right from the start of the trip. I try not to think too far ahead, taking each day as it comes. However, for some strange reason, I felt that if I could cycle through the harsh elements of winter on Vancouver Island and Washington, I could cycle forever. Also, the thought of being back beside lush coast line appealed to me. I was sick of riding alongside rows of pine trees. I needed a change. Oregon is so diverse in its landscapes and I couldn’t wait to explore.
The ride to Cannon Beach was the nicest day I had experienced in a long time, the sun had finally emerged from the clouds and I felt like the universe was sending me a message. A small applause if you will. Embracing every last bit of the sunshine, I feel amazing! But, when I arrived at Cannon Beach right before sunset, I was surprised to see just how much of a tourist hotspot it is. Summer rentals, seasonal cafes and gift shops litter the main stretch of beach. I was not interested one bit , deciding to scope out a small bay that resides on the other side of the coastal cliffs. A steep, winding hiking trail takes you down to the bay, trying for a short moment to get my bike down with me, but after seeing the decent opt to leave my bike unattended just off the trail. “I am not missing this sunset” Ditching the bike and taking the camera, I race down the trail. Small snippets of the bay present themselves through gaps in the trees, as I race down the steep tracks. Launching out from the tree line and onto the sand, I’m overcome with a profound sense of pride and joy. I finally made it, what was once a thought is now a reality. I can do this, I can ride anywhere, do anything I put my mind to. My mind is replaying all the struggles and challenges I’ve faced over the 18 days prior to making it here. The places I’ve been and the people I’ve met, so much has happened and its only the beginning.
Day quickly turns to night and I’m still on the beach, without a single clue of where I will be sleeping tonight. The highs of making it here, instantly flip to “where am I gonna sleep”. I try my best to find a stealth camping spot along the coast but it’s steep and the tourist town doesn’t have any campsites open cause it's winter. I cycle for an hour trying my best to find a spot, with no success I once again opt to risk camping on someones private property. It’s risky but I’m confident that if I am out before sunrise it’ll work. I awake to a 6am alarm and I’m gone. Hoping for a nice sunrise, I head to the beach and listen to the waves rolling in. A normally busy beach, now still and quiet. There will be no picturesque sunrise this morning, reality creeps back in along with a dense and grey skyline. Rain gear that only just finished drying out is wet once more. Goodbye sun, ill see you soon!
Riding as far as Tillamook, I make the decision to head inland. With a WarmShowers host organised in Portland, taking some time off the bicycle to let myself thaw out. I’m sick of being wet and this weeks forecast is looking miserable. So why not enjoy some music and a beer, after all, this journey is about taking things slow and enjoying life. I’m staying with a women named Cassandra, an anaesthesiologist who has been on a couple smaller bike tours. She and I are total opposites! However, I find it very refreshing to converse with someone who has a totally different approach/outlook on life. Sick of my own cooking and excited at the thought of a nice meal. We head out for dinner, but with so much choice, we naturally struggle to make a decision. Eventually choosing a place called Mississippi Pizza. Little did we know, the venue also doubles as a live music space. It’s a Thursday night and it’s open mic night. 40 local artists have their names down, all performing originals. The room is overflowing with love and support for each performer and I feel I’ve won the jackpot. This is all I wanted from my break. Music, food and good people and I’ve got it all in one room. The Atlantis Lounge!