Precursor #1 to September.

Back in May we had a free weekend and spontaneously decided to head to the coast for a quick night of camping.  We planned to check out some of the county parks we were considering for a longer trip later in the summer, but it was early enough in the season that popular Cape Lookout State Park had plenty of space so we found a fairly quiet site and set up camp.

there is an air mattress in there... yes, I've become one of THOSE people

this bowling pin followed us everywhere... eerie!

 
After a quick happy hour, we walked a few hundred feet to the beach.  At first I was too busy taking artsy beach photos to notice everyone else staring out at the pod of whales making their way north.

artsy beach photo

 whale!

I've probably tried a dozen times to see whales on the coast, all unsuccessfully.  Whales are typically seen November through March so we really lucked out.  Chalk one up to spontaneity...  Definitely not my strong suit, but positive reinforcement like this is a great reminder to let go of the planning now and then.

The next morning we woke up to steady rainfall and a leaky tent.  The rain stopped shortly after we got on the road and found Brewin' In the Wind cafe in Oceanside for breakfast.  Which took For. Ev. Er.  (And was only alright.)  Afterward we made a quick stop at Munson Creek Falls before heading back to Portland. 

Other than some wet gear and a mediocre Sunday morning meal, I'd say our first camping adventure was a success.  Next up: my first backpacking trip in 10 years!