Beach getaway with a hike, trail run, sunset, spindrift and bald eagle

Oceanside was the destination last weekend for a little relaxation and fun with friends.

Brad and I arrived at the family house after dark, opened the car door, and exclaimed - it was so strangely warm! We did our daily required burpees on the deck before bed:

Sunday sunrise view:

It was supposed to be nice Sunday and rainy Monday, so Brad and I hit Bayocean Spit Sunday morning for a trail run. It was 60 degrees and sunny!

We ran 4 miles to the end of the jetty and then took a short fueling break before the return trip.

I finished my 8 miles and soaked in the beauty of Tillamook Bay while Brad finished a couple more miles. The weather really doesn't get better than it was that day!

After showers and lunch - and more burpees on the deck - Connie and Marc arrived. We changed into hiking gear and headed to Cape Lookout for a sunset hike.

Looking south toward Cape Kiwanda:

The whole weekend, the wind was coming from the east, creating strange clouds patterns and spindrift off the crashing waves. 

We hung out - all alone! - at the end of the cape, hoping for a spectacular sunset. Instead, we got just a tiny sliver of red way out over the horizon.

We took group pic and then headed back, a little disappointed that we didn't have a better sunset.

Then about a half-mile back, we rounded a corner and I looked over my shoulder to talk to my friends, and I spotted a FLAMING red sky!!!!! OH, MAN - we missed it! We left too early.

We turned around and raced back down the trail to an opening where we could see the sky:

It was already fading quickly, but WOW!

So glad these guys joined us!

We hiked back in the dark, guided by headlamps through the mud. It was a definite adventure :)

After staying up way too late (that always happens at the beach house!), we all slept in before exploring nearby Cape Meares:

The rainy weather held off, and it was nearly perfect. We sat for a long time just staring at this mesmerizing view:

A bald eagle flew right over our heads, adding to the amazing beauty.

We're so fortunate to have this beauty just 90 minutes from home. So much thanks to Ma and Pa for their willingness to share! :)