The End of the Trail

"Ocian in View, O the Joy!"..said capt Lewis, and Mike & KK! A dreary day for our arrival in Seaside, OR, but not as dismal as the Corps had it in November, '05. This is the area where Capt Lewis sent some of the men to extract salt from seawater for their use in camp in curing meat & general use. It was 12 miles from the salt works back to Fort Clatsop, so that was no easy chore. (sidebar-just wanted to add for yesterday's Cape Disappointment adventure, that the reason for the name, was it was the place they hoped to build the fort for their winter stay, but the ocean wind, surf & constant rain, sent them back inland to the eventual site. There was actually a "vote" by all of the Corps on where they should put the fort..even the slave, York & Sakajawea had a say in the outcome.) Now for the last day of our trip! Up at 7:00 and coffee & coke at our "resort" KOA, and up to breakfast for me while KK started to put down the camper stuff. I got back and we packed up and I headed out by bike to Seaside & the "Trails End" statue on Broadway. A pretty nice ride down to the beach, but lots of traffic. I see KK at another scrappin' store and stop for some directions where we'll meet. A right on 12th street & out to the ocean boardwalk. It's still a good distance to the statue & KK walks it and I ride, but stop to help some people air up their tire on a wheelchair! A few pics at the site & chatting with other people about the trip & it's raining a little too. Looks like we're going to get out of here just in time. A great trip! 20 miles today & 400'..KK -0-, but a long walk. Now we are eastbound toward home, but a brief stop in Portland at the Japanese Gardens in Washington Park. It was a beautiful spot , very peaceful & lush..a great stop! Back on the road and rush- hour traffic in Portland, but we finally get out & hit I-84. See ya soon!