Began unsupported effort at the farthest southwestern point of the jetty off Cape Disappointment (which separates the Columbia River and Pacific) then carefully made my way a mile back over the slick boulders before heading north through the state park and thru the coastal towns of Ilwaco, Long Beach, Oceanside, and Ocean Park along State Route 103. Wide shoulder, smooth pavement, and good sidewalks meant easy, stress free miles.
The most challenging part of the run was getting onto the sand at Leadbetter State Park and slowly trudging north for 8ish miles on very loose sand. Brooks Cascadia 15’s held up great but temps had dropped and I was out of carbs and liquids after under-fueling so energy and morale were low.
But, to my astonishment, I looked up and saw the full aurora borealis over the Pacific! Northern Lights felt miraculous and was an instant rejuvenation when I most needed it. Hobbled north over the sand to the end of Long Beach Peninsula, clocked out, then began a lonely 8 miles back.
Special thanks to “Phez”, a good samaritan, who picked up this disheveled hitchhiker at 2am then drove me all the way back to my truck at Cape Disappointment. Special reminder of the kindness of neighbors and spirit of FKT.