Over 50 Outside 2023 Hike #29/52

Oregon Coast Trail (OCT) 

June 13th- June 16th I had the opportunity to do a section of the Oregon Coast Trail with a friend who I know through volkswalking. We began at Depoe Bay at Ellingson St. and hiked for four days to Yachats.)

Our trip began when my friend's husband drove us to Depoe Bay and we had breakfast at the Whale Bites Cafe. The 'trail magic' could be felt right away when a customer was gently singing and playing his guitar at the table. It was the older music and after he was done we talked to him and wished him well on his journey to visit his family.
My friend and I shouldered our backpacks and were surprised to find the street we needed, Ellingson St, was directly across the street from us. We had hiked less than 2 blocks when a guy in a van stopped alongside of us all eager to hear about how long we'd been hiking. When we said literally a block he wished us well and drove off. I think he was expecting some amazing trail story!
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Our first OCT Trail sign

Walking along the powerline trail next to the highway was a bit rough but we were excited to be on the OCT. We did get to look at Whale cove and did see seals resting on the rocks.

This was the bridge over Deadhorse Creek I think. We were at a small viewpoint looking back.

We saw many natural holes in rocks along the shore.

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Finally we were on our way to Devil's Punchbowl.

It was great to find the signs leading to Devil's Punchbowl. The blue phone booth was actually an old  'Police Telephone for the public. Devil's Punchbowl which looks much smaller than it actually is in person. 
We hiked 8.61 miles ended our day at Beverly Beach at the Hiker Biker campsite. We met a few OCT h ikers and some bike riders. The campsite had hot showers and lockers and a recharging station. Picnic tables too. The only minor complaint was having to walk uphill to get to the camp. Great 1st day of the section Hike.