Since moving so close to the Pacific coast it is imperative that we explore as much of it as possible. At least to me! There are so many waterfalls, canyons, rivers, antique shops, coffee houses, and beaches that I simply must experience. For Christmas I received a book that outlines hiking trails for those with bad knees and I'm so excited to explore them all; I even have my first pair of true hiking shoes.
The little cultural differences of our new town are still funny to me. In Eastern Washington it is perfectly acceptable and very common to go hiking with a good pair of tennis shoes, your jeans and a sweatshirt. Apparently that is looked upon as a little "back woods" so to speak here in the Southwest side of the state. Being just over the border from Portland we are highly influenced by its societal "norms" (the common and tightly held mantra for the area is "Keep Portland Weird" so norms is a loosely used term) and it is much more acceptable to fashion oneself in rather expensive attire for outdoor activities including waterproof hiking boots/shoes, water-repellent hiking pants, layered wiking-material tops/jackets and a slouchy knit cap. However, it is also quite understandable considering that Eastern Washington experiences about 16.8 inches of precipitation on a yearly basis which includes the snow in winter yet the Portland area gets 37.1 inches per year and that is nearly 100% rain so needing the waterproof gear is a necessity. When we talked with the knowledgeable staff at the many recreational clothing stores they unanimously agreed that being prepared to be wet was just a given at any time any where you go. So, when in Rome, I suppose.
Our first official destination was Haystack Rock on Cannon Beach. While it was a chilly day with some wind, it was entirely mild considering it was January. It still doesn't compute in my brain that you can go to a trail any day of the year without snow tires, chains and 4-wheel drive to get you there, let alone walk on the beach. But it is possible and we did it! Of course Libby was along for the journey and it turns out that Cannon Beach is a very dog friendly place (as is so many places here) and
