Day two on the Oregon Coast Trail takes us south from Nehalem Bay for a day dominated by beach walking, a tiny boat crossing, unexpected rain, relentless headwinds and the discovery that not all sand is created equal. What initially looks like an easier day turns into nearly 11 challenging miles, and convincing proof that MJ and I might actually be backpackers after all.
My Tent is Not Viable!
Because this pod has become all Oregon Coast all the time (and no, spoiler… more to come) I have to share yet another special creation. Newly minted Pedalshift listener and merch designer Simone was so moved by the Brock and Tim Sprocketshift disaster of night 1 that she created a special design just for the two of us… yes, my tent is not viable has now been memorialized on an ornament. But you have to see it in the shownotes at pedalshift.net. It features the classic line and… because of course… a flooded tent. Plus the new Pedalshift logo, which you might get to see soon on other things! COMING SOON. Super excited to show you what we've been working on! Go check out the special edition my tent is not viable design and more Simone's designs at her Etsy shop… link in the shownotes!
Live Show!
Friday September 11th, 5pm PT - 8pm ET
Topics TBA, but it's a summer closeout and certainly a preview of some stuff coming in the fall. ALSO we're doing a super fun giveaway exclusively for people that make it to the live show itself… there's some incentive for ya! ALSO ALSO, some special previews of all sorts of things. Am I being cagey? YES. Show up anyways! Chat room is fun, live shows are fun… but if you can't make it, it's the pod for the following week. pedalshift.net/live!
Email reminders coming too. Maybe some previews of my previews? Who knows? Sign up at the site.
Oregon Coast Trail – Part 2
- Breaking camp at Nehalem Bay State Park after a less-than-restful first night.
- The day's route comes with an unusual Oregon Coast Trail feature: a small boat crossing of the Nehalem River.
- Hiking out the Nehalem Bay spit rather than road walking Highway 101 or relying on another bus.
- A $10, on-demand boat ride that you essentially hail like a water taxi. Naturally, Tim is delighted.
- Early beach walking into a surprisingly strong south wind—and the realization that hiking into a headwind can be plenty annoying too.
- Overcast, cool Oregon Coast weather turns out to be pretty much perfect hiking weather for Tim and James.
- Then the rain finally arrives.
- Rain gear gets its first legitimate test as wind, rain and cold hands briefly turn the morning into some genuine Type 2 fun.
- Reaching the mouth of the Nehalem River, where ocean waves, river current and fishing boats all converge.
- Calling for the boat and crossing the Nehalem River to continue south.
- Boat-crossing soundscapes, fishing stories and a little local wildlife discussion along the way.
- An unexpected rail walk after the crossing, followed by some improvised navigation back toward the beach.
- The terminology of the trip is established: good sand is firm and easy to walk on; bad sand is soft, energy-sucking nonsense.
- Continuing south toward Rockaway Beach with sea stacks appearing down the coast.
- Sustained headwinds approaching 20 mph turn what should have been a helpful prevailing wind into an all-day adversary.
- Rockaway Beach provides a badly needed break from the wind—and Indian food for the day's big meal.
- Back into full rain gear for the final push toward Barview Jetty.
- Headwinds + rain + bad sand = a surprisingly demanding backpacking day.
- Despite the conditions, Tim and James finish just shy of 11 miles.
- Another successful test for the new backpacking gear, including Tim's Hyperlite Southwest 40.
- Arriving at Barview Jetty Campground thoroughly cooked and very ready for dry clothes and tents.
- The campsite itself gets mixed reviews, particularly when Tim discovers that "level tent site" is apparently more of an aspirational concept.
- Day two verdict: challenging, fun and another successful proof of concept.
- Bigger conclusion: Tim and James may officially be backpackers again—and longer trips suddenly seem entirely plausible.
Statistics
- Miles hiked 11
- Nehalem Rivers crossed by boat 1
- Prevailing tailwinds received: 0
- Headwinds: Yes
- Sand varieties identified 2
- Indian food recs in Rockaway Beach 1
- Campground rating: 7
- Flats: N/A
