Bobby loves spending time outdoors in his truck exploring nature. Especially when that is with other like minded people from online groups he belongs to. A new one he started participating in was going to Siuslaw National Forest for a little fun in the sand. They where headed to Sand Lake Recreational Area not far from Tillamook.

I started off at Bobby’s house at 6am I think it was. It was rough but I made it with time to spare. We then made out way to the meeting spot on the outskirts of some little suburban town. From there it was maybe an hour trip through the mountains to get to the coast and the recreational area.

The meeting at the recreational area was a little haphazard. Everyone just parked where they could and air downed their tires. Not much communication from the organizer but everyone made it work. From there it was down too the beach for a quick group photo. I think it was 15 trucks or so on the beach that morning which was cool.

From here it quickly broke down. The group organized had to be prodded to make a speech to make introductions, gauge peoples comfort levels and have a forum for people to ask questions. One guy got tired of waiting and just starting going at it. I swear he was determined to flip his truck the way he was driving around the beach that morning. Others have been out with him before and he is apparently a wild man all the time.

Most of us then went up a hill that overlooked the beach and the ocean. From here there was another quick meeting and most went off to explore the rest of the park. A few went down to the beach. Bobby and I stayed on top of the hill. I personally just wanted to hang out with him and enjoy the amazing view with a cigar, some coffee and good company. Work was proving really stressful for me over the last few months so taking this opportunity to just sit back and relax was something I really needed. I was glad Bobby was receptive to just hanging out.

We played in the sand for a little while but eventually we had to go. Bobby was trying to meet someone in Pacific City and I for one wanted some real food. We headed into town for Pelican Pub and Brewery for some really good fish and chips. The beer was also really good here. Even the outdoor seating was busy on this brisk March day. It also helped that the large dining areas was rented out for a wedding reception. The weather was only just starting to get better but everyone took the time to get out and enjoy what little we got.

The wait was rather long which worked out. It gave us an opportunity to explore low tide alone the water and the tide pools. I don’t see this very often so it was cool to explore nature up and close without being in a museum. When the tide started coming in is when I got the text our table was ready. The Five Fin pilsner was pretty good. I got the fish and chips to go with it and I must say, they where really good. Some of the best I have had in a long while.

We hung around Pacific City as long as we good but besides the beach, there isn’t much to do in town. Your typical summer beach town that I imagine is pretty dead in winter. Ice cream shops, souvenirs, and a kit shop I spotted throughout town. Not much in the way of food so Pelican is a good find. After grabbing some ice cream we decided to start making our way back.

I was very thankful to get out of the house and go wheeling with Bobby down to Sand Lake. I don’t get out into nature often enough. I believe that everyone should do this regularly to help reset themselves. Being stuck in doors with work and home life all the time can’t be a good think.