We've recently begun hiking the trails in

the forests and parks. Much easier

walking than the beach, and the scenery

is stunning. We try not to remember it's

also exercise. Heh! These photos will

show you Amanda's Trail at Cape

Perpetua on a foggy day and a sunny

day.

Funny story from the foggy day hike. We

were near the halfway point of our hike

and Mac had stopped to take a picture

while I went ahead to read the directional

sign. Suddenly I realized that a critter was

in the shrubbery nearby. Now that I'm

safe and sound, I would say it was

probably a bird ... but given the eeriness

of the fog, and the loneliness, and the

total isolation and my warped brain and

well ... I decided it was a bear. Mac will tell

you I practically ran the rest of the way --

and it was no short trip -- with several

upward grades to climb.

The only funny story from the sunny day

trip was viewing the same area in the

sunshine and realizing how silly my

reaction was -- and also realizing how

steep some of those grades were. Heh!

The Stone Shelter was built back in the

1930's by the CCC. It is one of the highest

points on the Oregon Coast, and affords

the most spectacular view. On a clear day

(sing it, Barbara!) you can see 37 miles

out to sea and 70 miles south and 70

miles north. Most impressive.

Just go back to the top, click the map and

enjoy.