Despite anticipating a sunny day we awoke to drizzle and gray skies this morning. We leisurely ate a breakfast of cereal, more white bread - yet to find anything but in the state – and some café con leche. Hoping for the clouds to lift we re-packed the bikes and headed off.
Today’s ride finally brought us out to the massive Willapa Bay and its numerous fishing boats gliding up and down its waters. The road flattened and with a tail wind the miles seemed to tick along. Two significant climbs strengthened the legs some more before we descended into Long Beach and then Ilwaco where we had a quick snack before tackling the last 5km into Cape Disappointment State Park at the confluence of the Columbia River and Pacific Ocean.
The famous explorers Lewis and Clark made it to the part of the US in 1805, establishing a fort in the hopes of protecting from British explorers in the region.
With the sun out we pitched the tent, hung some laundry and went on tour. First stop was the North Lighthouse in the park, one of the most photographed lighthouses on the West Coast of the US.
Free from our relatively light loads we scurried along the roads back up to the famous Long Beach area. Long Beach touts itself as the World’s Longest Beach. Now we had to figure out exactly what that meant given the Americans’ desire to be the first, biggest, tallest, etc. Turns out that this beach is the World’s Longest DRIVING Beach; yes bring your car on down and go on tour, bringing new meaning to the Sunday drive at the beach.
Anxious for an almurezo (PM snack) we happened across an amazing bakery on Main Street. Too many treats to choose from as well as fresh bread (including whole wheat!) and coffee. We stocked up and headed down for a stroll on the beach.
Our time in Bermuda has certainly spoiled us when it comes beautiful beaches but the roar of the surf and the hard packed sand, combined with low humidity and a fresh breeze was certainly a lovely way to pass an hour or two.
One more stop at the bakery for tomorrow’s bread and bottle of Cab Sav and we needed some dinner. On a recommendation from the baker we headed to Ilwaco and a quaint Seafood restaurant offering up Clam Chowder and ‘The Best’ Fish and Chips. Once again no disappointment on either account.
We hoped to rush back and catch the sunset with our wine but a detour found just missing out on the sunset but yet a stunning segway into the dark with a lone dog and master playing in the waves. Deer on the ride back to the campsite.
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