GET FIT THIS SUMMER - FIVE WORTHWHILE WORKOUTS ON THE NORTH OREGON COAST

Cape Lookout Trails 

Head just a few miles South of Netarts down the Bay Road and up the hill past Cape Lookout State Park and you are there. The parking lot is on the right as you reach the crest of Cape Lookout itself. There are three trails: the South trail (3.6 miles round trip, 840 ft elevation gain) leading to a fabulous beach, the West trail (pictured here, 4.6 miles round trip, little elevation gain overall, but some ups and downs on the trail) leading to the tip of Cape Lookout, and the North trail (5 miles round trip, 2340 ft elevation gain) leading to the camp ground and Cape Lookout State Park. 
Each of these trails offer unique beauty, physical challenges and rewards at the end and along the way. In reading online about each of them I had to laugh a little, because I see that Oregon Parks thinks the South Trail is "easy." It is down hill one way and does provide significant switch backs, but every time I go down there I am with kids and they ALWAYS run and take short cuts, which really aren't what they seem. They are straight up and require far more exertion than staying on the designated trail. I recommend staying on the trail to prevent future slides and trail erosion, and jogging down, then making every attempt to jog/run back up, which is, in my opinion, a great workout. Sky is the limit here! Pick a trail! Walk, jog, run, carry a loaded back pack, or a child (on your back, if they refuse to walk!) 

Really, anything you do here will be worth while. Sunday evenings and week day mornings are a great time to hit these trails in the Summer months and in the off season (Labor Day through Memorial Day) you can pretty much have this place to yourself. The ups and downs of the trails offer a great workout -- again, jogging, running, walking, lunging, whatever makes sense for your body and the conditions that day. When it's raining the South trail seems to stay the driest, but the West and North trail can get quite muddy (bring a box or a bag for your muddy shoes and something to change into if you care about the condition of your car when you return!) The North trail I feel is best done with a start point in the camp ground (so it is downhill on the way back to your car), but keep in mind you have to pay to park if you do it this way. It's free to park in the lot at the top where the three trail heads meet. 



Pacific City Dune Climb 

Off to the right side of this photo is the dune at the North end of the beach in Pacific City. I don't know it's actual height, but it is enormous and when you are trying to walk straight up it you feel like you will never reach the top! As if ascending once isn't enough, climbing this mammoth dune several times in an hour is a killer. You should break it up in 30 second intervals to get the biggest gains and calorie burn. Walk/climb steady and hard for 30 seconds then rest for 30 seconds. Repeat over and over again until you get to the top. Take a longer rest once you get there and soak up the view, then head back down and repeat as many times as you'd like, or dislike. If you are planning to drink beer in the Pelican pub when you're done you might want to do it a couple of extra times! Or, skip the beer and relish in the gains you made that day! You'll go to bed that night and thank yourself I promise!



Soft Sand Cross Training 

This is my all time favorite workout that would be pretty much impossible if I didn't live near the beach. When I first moved here 10 years ago I was a runner. I ran on the beach (in the hard sand) 4-5 days a week between Netarts and Oceanside. I also lifted weights at the local YMCA. Even though I was running on the sand (not pavement), I was constantly fighting injury. In an attempt to figure out something different, and possibly more effective I had the thought that we should be working out (cross training) in the soft sand at the beach -- that it would be more fun and better for our bodies (less impact). This quickly evolved into what we now call beach boot camp, and in my opinion has produced collective gains far beyond all of my years of running. There are three of us committed to it this Summer. We meet three times per week. Required equipment: None, though we each have our own tire (free used tires from Les Schwab) and we wear gloves to protect our hands. We use the tires for shoulder presses and as extra weight for a variety of different things.  Cross training on the beach will require you to come up with a circuit, or a series of exercises to complete while you are there, but truthfully, anything you do in the soft sand is an unbelievable workout -- Basic things, like burpees, jumping jacks, short sprints, planking, long jumps, running backwards, lunges, etc. are all effective.  

Here's why it all works: Soft sand absorbs 100% of the force you apply to it and gives back very little. Great for the joints, crushing to calories. Just walking in soft sand is a difficult task. Running and jumping feels near impossible. Your body is forced to compensate with the core strength it has, and over time that core becomes very strong and capable to do pretty much anything you want it to do. Endurance and strength improves quickly and significantly. Shifting sand beneath your feet forces the body to rethink and compensate starting a virtual fire in your core. It is a full body workout. In comparison, if you were cross training on a hard surface (like a gym floor, grass, or turf) when you apply force to it you get it all back -- like a trampoline, which makes acceleration and changing directions much easier and predictable. Our bodies and muscles are used to hard surfaces. They probably get quite bored doing the same things all the time. If your workouts are boring you, or you just aren't getting the results you hoped for move them to the beach. 


You will either love, or hate this workout. There doesn't seem to be a grey area. It is extreme, but the beach atmosphere, endorphins, and body changes that result are the ultimate reward.  



King's Mountain  

Just 25 miles from Tillamook on Hwy 6, King's Mountain offers a fantastic terrain for those in search of a fun, alternative workout. This trail is somewhat rugged (rocky and mostly dirt, a little gravel near the top) and offers a 2,500 foot elevation gain and is approximately 5 miles round trip. The last quarter mile is my least favorite part, as the incline increases and the hiking surface offers less traction -- just as my quads are telling me they can't do anymore they have to if they want to reach the top! The good news is when you get to this part of the trail you know the reward (the view) will be worth the effort. One caveat: There are no guarantees for visibility. In my adventures on this trail I have experienced snow (which was very cold because I wasn't fully prepared, but lovely), dense fog (which meant no view at all, but the forest on the way up was drop dead gorgeous), drizzle, heavy rain, as well as full sun and heat (be sure to bring plenty of water.) This hike is worth doing more than once -- each time during a different time of the year to experience the seasons and the distinct changes in the forest and weather. 

I see something amazing in nature every time I am there and always leave with the feeling that I got a great workout in. I have never regretted summiting this trial -- view, or no view. A side note and funny story: one time on my way back from Portland I hiked to the top alone to watch the sunset. What I didn't really think about was what it would be like to hike down alone in what turned out to be almost complete darkness by the time I reached my car. I did make it to the top in time for the sunset, which was great, but the truth is, I didn't walk back down the trail, I ran as fast as I could! I had a stick in one hand and a rock in the other to fight off a cougar that might be on the trail ahead of me (as my mind imagined the worst possible scenarios!) In hindsight I think running with a stick and a rock was far more dangerous than any animal, or person I could have encountered! Thankfully I made is safely to my car that night and lived to tell you my story. To this day I still laugh when I think about how ridiculous I must have looked. I am sure there is a cougar momma still telling her cubs about this one.



Surfing, or Body Boarding 

Whether, or not you own surf boards, or body boards, waves and current offer a source of great resistance. Entering the ocean for any of these purposes does require gear, so if you don't at a minimum have a wetsuit, this may not be the workout for you. If you are interested in buying some, you can get them new for as little as $150, which I think is very fair and is a great investment if you plan on spending time on the coast. Water temps, even during the Summer months can be in the lower 50's, which is by no means suitable for bare skin for longer than 4-5 minutes. Another possibility if you don't have the right gear is to sign up for a surf lesson and rent the gear you need from the surf shop -- like Moment Surf Co. in Pacific City. Just bring yourself and a positive attitude and let them do the rest. Surfing for 2-3 hours (or learning to surf) is an incredible full body workout. Fighting incoming waves, duck diving, regulating your body temperature, holding your breath, managing your board, paddling to the surf zone, catching the waves, getting your feet under you, balancing your body weight, standing up on the board, etc. You will walk away from this experience feeling like you killed it out there! It's amazing how much energy and core strength it takes to go from your belly to your feet in just one movement -- and that's after you paddled yourself out to the waves on your surf board.  

If you don't feel up to surfing, body boarding is also challenging and fun. Just getting yourself around in the waves uses a ton of energy. The ocean is a constant force, pushing and pulling you in every direction. It really never gives you a break! Something to keep in mind: If you are going to use the ocean as a medium for workouts be smart about it. Know the tides, know the water temperature, know the direction of the current and know how to spot a rip current and what to do if you get caught in one. If you don't know how to figure this stuff out ask someone that does. Never go in the ocean alone deeper than your knees and always keep your eyes facing the water. I LOVE the ocean and will take any opportunity I have to get in it, but I certainly don't want to be injured, or die out there. If it doesn't look safe it probably isn't. Trust your gut and just come back another day!

Ready to spend more time at the beach so you can do some, or all of these workouts? I can help! Change your pace. Change your life. 

Search for homes in Oceanside, Netart and Cape Meares: www.iwantabeachhome.com
See more of what this lovely area has to offer: www.ilovethenw.com

See you at the beach! 
~Wendy

NOT SO WINTER WEATHER ON THE OREGON COAST

If you haven't been here in the past couple of months, I am going to apologize now for what I am about to show you.  It almost isn't fair, though I hope to get some credit for taking the time to share! Winter 2014 has delivered what I would describe in two words as "simply splendid," which for me is much more than Vitamin-D.  It's a chance to experience this area, specifically Netarts and Oceanside, at what I would consider its very best. The photo opportunities I have been privileged enough to be a witness to and take part in have been copius.  December 2013 and January 2014 have proven to be the driest, sunniest months this area has seen in more than 40 years.  Besides the Artic blast that came to town in December, which brought temperatures as low as 10 degrees for about a week (and sun!), it has been unseasonably warm -- like 67 degrees warm with a strong East wind last Friday! 

So, without further ado, here are a few of the sunrises, sunsets and really everything in between that have graced us so far this Winter! I hope you enjoy a glimpse into our Winter experience so far this year.  I can't express how grateful I am for all we have been given!  Thank you, Netarts Bay for your participation!

First sunset of December 2013 - Netarts Bay near the marina

A couple of days after our record low of 10 - On the beach in Happy Camp, Netarts

10 degrees this Sunday morning - an unforgettable sunrise along the Tillamook River

Calm as can be in the middle of December! - Netarts Bay

Ripples from a passing crab boat and gorgeous clouds just in time for sunset - Netarts Bay



Few clouds in the sky this evening over Netarts Bay, which is rare for this time of year. - The Netarts Spit in the foreground.

Netarts Bay doing what it does best, complimented by not even a whisper of wind.  Amazing!  - Netarts Bay

More late afternoon crabbing on a very content Netarts Bay.

Sunrise over the beach in Oceanside at low tide - Oceanside, Oregon

Seemingly gentle and beautiful tide coming in at sunrise - Oceanside, Oregon

60+ degrees on New Years Day 2014 - Netarts Spit

They are grateful for the nice New Years Day weather I am certain - Netarts Spit

Hands down the most beautiful and meaningful sunset I have ever experienced - January 2, 2014 over Netarts Bay

Painted sky - Netarts Bay

The visibility in the bay is so good you can see shells on the bottom! - Netarts Bay 

Dried flowers right where I needed them - Low tide, Netarts Bay

Low light noise takes on the feeling of a painting - Netarts Bay

Glorious East wind creating veils off every wave rolling into the beach - Cape Meares

The East wind, incoming tide and setting sun doing a wicked dance! - The mouth of Netarts Bay 



He loves living here in Netarts as much as I do.  It must be the sunsets!! - Netarts Bay, Blue Heron

ARE BEACH HOME PRICES ON THE VERGE OF RECOVERY?

                  Home Sales Data from the Tillamook County MLS

                    {September  26^th to  September 25^th  Year to Date}

                                # of home sold                  Average price of sold homes

2003-2004............................436                                         $188,830

2004-2005........................... 481                                         $226,027

2005-2006............................443                                         $275,021

2006-2007........................... 335                                         $308,283

2007-2008............................267                                         $270,914

2008-2009............................183                                         $226,481

2009-2010............................232                                         $240,686

2010-2011............................227                                         $217,649

2011-2012............................265                                         $219,151

2012-2013............................315                                         $230,573

--------Based on the data above could the following be true?---------

2013-2014                            xxx                                         $xxx,xxx

2014-2015                            xxx                                         $xxx,xxx

 

Only time will tell what the future holds for home prices on the North Oregon Coast, 

but in the meantime I will continue to be encouraged by the number of homes 

that sold in Tillamook County between 9/12-9/13.  We haven't experienced 

home sale numbers in Tillamook County over the 300 mark since 2006-2007!  

As of today, there are 525 homes for sale in Tillamook County and 60 pending sale -- 

A great improvement over several years past, where there were just as many homes

listed for sale, but only 20 pending at any given time.  We're getting there!  If you are

considering purchasing a home on the coast there is no doubt this would be great timing

with a large inventory and prices still low.  From what I've identified above, which you can

see for yourself, it looks like we may be on the verge of recovery. What do you think?

See you at the beach!

~Wendy

www.iWantABeachHome.com

 

NETARTS BAY - FUN UNTIL YOUR BOAT OVERTURNS

It was a perfectly calm, July blue sky morning here in Netarts.  I had plans to meet my friend and fellow boot camper, Monica for some much needed body beat down!

At seven a.m. sharp I turned the first corner into the Happy Camp public parking lot.  Just as I turned the second corner a man ran right in front of my car heading for the bay.  He was clenching a mug with his fist out in front of him about neck high, with coffee sloshing over the rim onto his clothes and the ground.  Striking me as a little odd, my eyes followed him as he ran toward the edge of the bay.  I quickly realized he wasn't running for fun, but out of fear of what was about happen.  I threw my car into park and ran in the same direction dialing 911 as fast as I could.  Feeling completely helpless there I stood watching an overturned metal hulled boat with two men standing on top and one holding on to the side in the water.  They were screaming for help at the top of their lungs as their boat was not only quickly sinking, but being sucked out the mouth of the bay into the open ocean.

The water is cold pretty much every day, but the water was especially cold this particular morning.  None of these men were wearing gear to protect them, or save them.  No wetsuits, no life jackets.  Just jeans, boots and what looked like chest high waders.  The boat dropped out of sight within a couple of minutes and now there were three in the water.  The current carried them swiftly along the West shoreline.  Their heads bobbed along as they tried to make their way to the spit.  They didn't appear frantic, but my guess is the cold water had them feeling pretty tight all over making it difficult to move in the right direction.  Finally, after what seemed like eternity (I am sure even more so to them), they reached the beach.

With what energy they had left they were able to pull themselves up onto the sandy beach -- on West side of the channel, but out of the water!  At last!  One of them laid there face down for several minutes barely moving.  Exhausted I am certain from his frightening and frigid swim.  Within seconds the other two were stripping their cold wet clothes off and throwing them onto the sand. Once stripped down to almost nothing they started hopping up and down swinging their arms to get some blood moving toward their extremities again.  The sun probably had never felt this good beating on their skin after spending several minutes in the 45 degree water fully clothed. 

911 was having trouble reaching the Coast Guard.  They weren't picking up on their usual emergency line.  The dispatcher called an alternative number, which patched me through to non-emergency personnel.  A local police officer's wife was also on the beach.  She had called him and he had just arrived.  He used the loud speaker on his patrol car to ask if everyone was okay and to tell them help was on the way.  They responded with head nods and a faint "yes." 

Monica had shown up by this time.  We decided to continue on down the beach to get our workout underway.  My adrenalin was already pumping from witnessing this and I really couldn't take my eyes off of them out there on the spit.  Five minutes went by.  Ten.  Fifteen.  Then twenty.  Approximately thirty minutes after the 911 call the three men were picked up by local emergency responders.  

I can only speculate as to what may have happened out there.  My guess is they were out for some early morning crabbing, but didn't pay much attention to the fact that the tide was heading out and additionally that there was eight feet of water moving that day!  A 7.1 tide heading to a -1.0!  With the water moving so swiftly, pulling a crab pot can be a tedious and dangerous task -- especially if it's on the wrong side with the current pulling the pot underneath the boat.  A little water comes over the side, then a lot and suddenly all three of them go right into the water.  Whatever it was that overturned their boat that morning they weren't ready for it.  None were wearing life jackets. 

Lots of people do it -- Keep the jackets on board thinking they could grab them if something went wrong.  As you can see from this experience, you likely would not have time to get what you need before going over. 

These guys got lucky!  This could have turned out much worse.  I have a feeling they learned a lesson and will do things a little differently next time they go out on the water.  I think we can learn from their mistakes and always wear a life vest.  A really awesome day on the bay can turn deadly without warning, which really wouldn't be so awesome would it!

Netarts Bay is one of the best places to play!  But, be safe!  See you out there sometime soon...With your life jackets on!

~Wendy