June 12, 2025
Day 2 Goodbye Hwy 101
RhonJon Adventuring Day 2: Wheeler to Pacific City
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We survived the night at Paradise(lost) Cove Resort. Jack Torrence never appeared and Cujo, the dog guarding the camp at the other end of the tent row, stayed leashed. The only disturbance was the constant drone of traffic on the 101 directly below us. All night I contemplated our entering the fray.
We packed camp like pros. I even burned a cup of water for coffee (me) and hot cocoa or Rhonda. And we were experiencing the 101 by 7:29AM. Rockaway and proper breakfast was 5 miles away. Grumpy’s Cafe seemed like the obvious spot. The service was excellent, the portions huge, and the food oh so good.
The road from Rockaway to Tillamook is familiar. It was only last week that I was here with buddies on a fishing trip, mooring out of Garibaldi. But that’s fishing and this is a cycling blog. The 101 was busy, but the shoulders were plenty wide, well sort of. But the traffic was kind and soon we entered Tillamook and left the 101. “Well, bye!”
I loved the quiet county roads weaving through dairy country, the source of all things Tillamook Creamery. We meandered towards Netarts, but bypassed it by climbing a steep logging road. I’ll take the 12% grade on gravel/broken tarmac any day over traffic. We followed the same road we took a week ago to clam in Netarts Bay. Yeah I know, this is not a fishing blog, but these were clams!
We entered Cape Lookout State Park and started climbing again. A 2 1/2 mile climb reaching 12% grade climbing nearly 1000 feet. But the descent was pure joy for 3 miles. We passed Sandlake recreation area and dropped along the coast, headed to Pacific City. We celebrated with some Tillamook ice cream. I saw the happy cows who provided the goods earlier.
We are camped at the Web County campground. Book your reservations now! Friendly service, clean showers, Tillamook County Deputy patrolling the grounds, and no Cujo! Just some wayward bunnies who have the run of the place. I’m pretty sure Stephen King never wrote about bunnies.
We are cleaned up and refreshed. The Pelican Public House is just across the street with views of the ocean and tidal pools. We shall let you know tomorrow how it is.
48 miles 2441’ climbed
Today's ride: 48 miles (77 km)
Total: 106 miles (171 km)
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