| Date: December 5, 2008 |
| Location Oregon Dunes Overlook Hike |
| Where: Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area |
Our friend Trudy joined Jeanette and I on this hike at the coast. Once again it was a matter of sunshine at the coast, fog in the inland valleys --- a no brainier for where to hike. I selected the Oregon Dunes Overlook Trail and the loop that we like to do across the dunes from Tahkenitch Creek.
It was quite windy when we arrived at the Oregon Dunes Parking Lot, so we decided to the reverse order of what we normally do and headed out to the beach first and then circled back to the creek and cross the dunes.
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We had a pleasant solitary stroll down the beach. Sanderlings moved in mass back and forth across the wet sand in their search of invisible tidbits. Brown Pelicans glided above the trough of the backside of breakers looking for something to eat. A fishing boat in the distance conducted his work.
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We turned inland and found a sunny spot on the bank of Tahkenitch Creek for lunch, and marveled at the warm tempatures for December! After lunch we hiked cross-country over the dunes back to the parking lot. We tarried awhile at the viewing deck, reluctant to end our day. We counted it our good fortune to enjoy such great scenery and weather so close to home. In spite of all the amenities and options, this is a trailhead that is way under used.
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The final treat of the day was hearing the melodious song of some Wrentits hidden away in the Waxmyrtle. |
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| Tahkenitch Creek |
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| Dunes 1 |
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| Dunes 2 |
