In the continental U.S. you can’t get any further NW than Cape Flattery. And I love driving to the end of the road, so that’s where we headed. We stayed in Neah Bay where a few surfers were braving the cold to catch some knee-highs and everyone else seemed to be content snatching up sand dollars as the tide receeded. We dry camped next to the beach, the kids found some friends, and we enjoyed what proved to be the last of the sun.
After a couple weeks of gorgeous sunshine we were due for some rain, and for the last few days we got it. We stopped off in Forks, Washington, where the town makes it very clear a children’s vampire book series was based. Twilight gift stores abound. With nothing to do in the rain we chose instead to stop in at the library. Thank you once again, USA, for your libraries.
From there we followed the 101 to a small camping spot directly on the ocean just south of Kalaloch. A National Parks campground, on the beach, for ten bucks a night. And best of all, first-come first-served. We had found our spot, especially considering it was one day before Lowe’s birthday.
The beaches up here are pretty magnificent. They make you understand fully the power of the ocean in a way that an idyllic white sandy beach can never do. Up here the Pacific takes the massive trees that have fallen in—either by erosion or by accident (logging)—and spits them right back up on the beaches, piling them up like toothpicks on a restaurant counter. It also pounds the rocks so flat and smooth that the entire beach feels like an elaborate landscaping competition.
While I love these beaches for the way they bring out the inner child—climbing, balancing, and building—I still long for the warmth of the white sand.
16 Comments on “Kalaloch South Beach”
Great pic of Ouest on the log!
Awwwee love that pic of Quest and her Daddie, so precious! 🙂
Is Ouest gonna be a goofy foot? She looks like she’s ready on that log!
Had to look it up…from Wikipedia: Boardsport riders are “footed” in one of two stances, generally called “regular” and “goofy”. E.g. a rider may be “goofy-footed”, but this phrase may be abbreviated as “goofy foot” or simply “goofy”.
Sorry ’bout that. Ouest looked like she was on a board and focused on the wave. A goofy footer (like me) rides with the right foot forward. Like left-handed people, there are fewer who ride this way (though “regular” and “goofy” seems a tad judgmental). 🙂
Funny, I noticed that too. In fact the other day she was doing something, I can’t remember what now, and I was about to tell her to turn her feet around before it dawned on me that maybe goofy is her natural stance.
Everything feels so much better riding “goofy” 🙂
When Quest is standing still and least expecting it push her from behind. Whatever foot she puts out to keep from falling flat on her face is usually the one she’ll have forward on a board.
Wow, this sounds both awesomely cruel & funny at the same time… Can’t decide!
What a stunning set of photographs – thanks for sharing 🙂
Great picture of the inlet from the trail. Spectacular!
Mark and Cindy
Bums,
I’ve been a reader of your blog since the end of the first sailing trip. I don’t even know how long that is, 6 years? Bought and read Live on the Margin as well. Not sure why it has taken me so long to comment. I just wanted to reach out and say thank you.
I’m sure you know this, but your words have inspired others to live free and travel. My story is the perfect example of this. I have three girls aged 10, 8 and 5. We have been on the road for 4 months now, just Europe so far, but our plan is to get all the way around the world. I know for a fact that reading your site & book, helped plant the seed in our minds. Anything is possible. Life on the road is a wonderful thing.
Your stories truly show that it’s the journey, not the destination. Thanks for all that you do, and please keep on, keeping on….and to other readers, IT IS POSSIBLE.
Thanks again,
Brian.
Some of your best photographs – ever!
Pat,
Your photos just keep getting better and better. I still laugh out loud at the coaster pic every time I see it. I’m curious….what are some of your favorite photos from over the years?
As every body here has affirmed, your pictures are getting better and seemingly more inspired. Just love this set!!
These pictures remind me of the Gold Bluffs Beach Campground in CA off 101. Maybe you’ll get there. It’s a wonderfully secluded spot with Fern Canyon right down the road for a pretty and easy hike with tons of photo’s to be taken! Oh and showers are free – just take ’em about 2pm or they will be freezing cold!