Tillamook bay solo trip was just what the doctor orderd for my over worked body & mind. Paddling alone takes my mind off work and the summer almost being over. Tillmook bay is close to Portland but some may still find it a small fishing town and not yak friendly

As you can see I'm still paddling the dog boat but once again there was no room for my dog. I launched from in front of the Coast Guard monument lifeboat in Garibalidi Oregon. Great launch spot avoid the two lane public launch ramps there usually clogged with fisherman, they have large trucks and boat trailers and are usually pissed off cuss they had to wait so long. The parking is free ya baby the hole trip had no fees very cool.

You can paddle under the long pier leading out to the old coast Guard station but watch for anglers lines and crab pots people have throughn of the pier. The old station would make a great brewpub (hint, hint Miller Time).

Once I reached Kinchelor Point the weather cleared up and it reached the mid 70's take note of the bait bucket it well play a big part in my safety.

After climbing up a small bank you will come to grass covered fields and wide trails leading to several camp grounds all free of course. I like to be as far away from the swamp areas to cut down on mosquitos.

What will they think of next a floating shitter. I try and leave the floating toilet to fisherman and paddle a shore and use the pit toilets on shore. I find it best to remember especially in this bay we are guests of the local Sportsman and there families.

NOTE:While coming back from hiking around to the beach I witnessed three yakers in new shine yaks and all the gear needed to paddle to Antarctica and back (remember it's 75+ degrees out) They decided to land right in front of a local family with there dogs out for a days picnic. The city yakers proceed to pull their yaks up to with in a hundred yards of the people and there was plenty of beach for every one. But when the locals dogs came up to investigate them the city yakers freaked out and started yelling at the family and there pets I was ashamed to be related to these three numbskulls after all they are paddlers. Give me a brake and use your heads and maybe the locals may offer you a cold beer next time.

I need a bigger boat - Remember give the locals lots of room - Watch out crossing the main channel because boats returning from the sea are in a hurry.

Crabs... now you know why I brought the bait bucket it can get a little exciting when you have to drop them in the cockpit like when we went up in the San Juan Islands but fresh crab every night is great.

At the entrance to the jetty there is a steep rock beach good for testing your quick landing techniques but do it on the incoming or high ebb tides and at all time it is hazardous.

A Hobbit like group of islands are just across from the beach but remember the tide through this section get very strong and hazardous there are five rivers that merge and funnel out the jetty to the Pacific ocean.

Of course there are tuns of seals of all size including quite large Sea Lions.

The first day's sunset I was out about five miles in the ocean on Miller Times fishing boat the water was like mercury on your fingertips.

The beach on the West Side of the peninsula is privet and secluded and was well worth the hike. In the 1940's a hole town washed out to sea in a horrific storm, hotels, dance hall, and all the houses they all were only two years old.

The birds on the ocean side of the peninsula are plentiful and spectacular ranging from this large flock of seagulls doing stunt maneuvers to small humming birds that would come up to you when resting on a log.

I even saw a squadron of pelicans it was incredible to watch them fly just above they waves each following the bird in front of them.

You will also see horseback riders enjoying the miles of open beach and some times they camp over night so watch for droppings.

I had fun testing my fan sail made from a old picnic table umbrella modified to fold up like a Japanese fan. It works exhalent but needs to be a little lighter I could even steer with it.

The second night's sunset was surreal the perfect ending to a fun trip.

SneakyWhale.com