Cape Disappointment Part 2

It's been a few weeks since I wrote last. And in that time, I finally took the plunge and decided to go see Cape Disappointment. Early one Saturday morning, I got up, packed some snacks, borrowed my sister's small backpack, and took off into the unknown. Driving down Oregon's highway 30 to the coast, I passed narrow, winding roads, nestled in between forests. About halfway there, I drove into a bit of mist and fog. That, coupled with the dense forests and dark pine, I felt like I was truly escaping my world and traveling into a world known only to Lewis and Clark.

The drive was about two hours, but it was worth it for the view. I must say, I am not a fan of the incredibly long bridge in Astoria which spans the Columbia River's mouth and seems like you are really driving across water (minus the faith to keep you up in the storm).

On the other side, it is not far to Ilwaco, WA and that is a town I must explore another day. A combination of cute beach and state park town, it has the feel of people who live where most of us only vacation. The winters might be cold and gray, but what a way to go.

When I got to the park, I had most of it to myself. Those who camp there were located in another area and the Interpretive Center hadn't opened up yet. So, I took off to see the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. On my way up and down forest trails, I saw a fluffy brown bunny (who would show up randomly throughout my day in other parts of the park--either he is really fast, or he has a lot of siblings), hundreds of beautiful birds, and scenery I wished I could stay forever for. The lighthouse on this side isn't open to the public (that's the one on the other side of the Cape) but you do have a small beach cove that, had I not been alone, I would have climbed down for and spent some serious time. At one point, I climbed up a seated platform area and watched the waves crash on rocks where seagulls and cormorants landed and took off from, waves swirl around underwater caves, and always the cries of the gulls and the sound of the surf. I have always loved that sound. Here, there was nothing to block that. I spent quite awhile just sitting, listening.

After that, it was off to the Interpretive Center where, prior to its opening, you can hear Native flute music playing on the wind. Look quick enough, and you'll find the guy who plays around the abandoned fort section. He ducks out of sight, so you'll have to be sneaky. It took me a few minutes to realize it was not music piped in over hidden loudspeakers. I was both amused and perplexed, but mostly amused. The Center itself costs $5.00 and is worth visiting once for the history, the bathrooms, and the tourist trap charging you a ridiculous amount for postcards and all things a state park will try to sell you. (Giant stuffed crap anyone? I got one. My border collie loved ripping it's eyes out. It is still fun to play with.)

Next I checked out the other lighthouse. Very windy stairs. Do not go up if you are prone to dizziness or motion sickness. Even I felt a little lightheaded by the top. And of course, don't forget to skip the flip-flops if you want in. But spectacular views. If only the tour guide stopped talking and removed that little rope that prevents you from going outside.

I ended my park trip by driving to Dead Man's Cove (Which is no longer really a cove, nor is there a dead man--at least as far as I could tell. This seems like false advertising and I am still tempted to write a letter but, Oregon being in a budget crisis like every other state, I decided to forego it. They'll never get around to answering me anyway. Bureaucrats.) But if you want to hike a very long trail that I am told does actually lead to a beach somewhere or just stand on the bridge, listening to a lot of new bird songs and see hummngbirds and a 1 inch long yellow bird zip around while munching on reeses pieces, I recommend it as well.

Driving home I stopped by a Lavender Garden. I must say that I thought it had some of the most picturesque areas of any garden I've been in (outside of my family's, of course). And I thought the chickens and rooster worthy of a prize. The turkey was fun too, though I felt sad for the little quails. I wanted to let them all go. Then I wanted to chase them. I swear, I'm half four-legged deep down. You can rent out the guest house and there is even an outdoor tub. If you don't connect that with the telescope up in the treehouse about 50 yards away, you'll probably have a great time. Artists are always welcome and they have an annual tea party. An overpriced gift shop will sell you tea sets for $40.00 or slightly crumbly, dried fudge, which I passed on. Go for pictures, not for fudge, but DO leave a donation. The efforts of this couple for the past 30 years is well worth a few dollars out of your pocket. And you get free samples of mint, plus the overwhelming urge to take a nap on the grass as the lavender wafts through the air and caresses you into sleepy acceptance. You just might find yourself nodding to fudge or, like myself, almost taking a sample spoon out of the discard jar instead of where they are cleverly hidden inside a covered sugar. Whoops!

Home again, home again, jiggity jig. The ride home was in sunshine and good tunes. It was very worthwhile and I can't wait to go again.