Three Mile Lake, Oregon Coast

**olzeke** · 04-29-2012, 22:09

3 of us set off early Saturday morning to spend a night on the coast. I left my house about 7, picked up Rip Waverly about 8, and drove to bigfoot2's house. He drove from there.

It was a pleasant day, not hot, nice breeze, and we started hiking about noon. It was uphill, and over the rise, then down the backside to another long uphill section. We drew water from a small trickle, and arrived in camp to find it occupied by 12 college kids. They were in a class for Beginning Backpacking, and were not going to stay long, as they were slated to camp elsewhere.

While we sat off to the side and waited for them to leave our chosen spot, another instructor happened by, telling us that he was going to head off to the SW a bit, and await the arrival of his charges, who were experiencing "solo hiking" by spacing themselves out about 10 minutes apart and meeting up occasionally to ensure everyone was OK. This brought about great mirth in our camp, as we continued to get a charge out of the "solo" joke throughout the weekend.

If you are out of sight of your hiking partner, are you solo? How far apart do you have to camp to be considered solo? If i walk back to the truck without ever seeing or hearing the other 2 guys, did I solo?

OK, so we were somewhat a PITA, but we were laughing. We killed the afternoon by either hiking over to the lake and checking it out (rip), or hanging around camp (bf2 and Zeke). Dinner, then more talking. I crashed about 10, they continued to talk into the wee hours.

I got up at 6, and did my own walk to the lake and then to the beach, checking out the early morning sights. I returned to camp just before 8, and almost immediately rip was up. We talked for a while, just loud enough to make sure we woke up BF2. It was a leisurely morning in camp, and we broke it around 11 AM. Got back to the truck, bought lunch at 3 rivers casino, where no one lost any cash, and then stopped for milkshakes in Veneta, Or.

I think a good time was had by all, but they can chime in for themselves. We discussed which gear we were getting rid of, which we wanted next, and told many tales. Sorry, no pictures of Rip's set up.

ocean view

BF and Ben

Zeke's porch

trail and ocean.

**rip waverly** · 04-29-2012, 22:29

zeke's summation is accurate- and i'll attest to the general feeling of a satisfying night in the woods- or on the ocean bluff so it were.

ocean temps remained dry and moderate... all 3 of us reporting "kicking off the quilt". we hauled in bushmills and calderas for relaxation----& the 3 mile hike was gently graded through lush coastal rain/forest.

"hey guys, i'm gonna solo for a bit"

some pics:

three mile lake

bosom of the pacific

rips setup with UL phantom hammock prototype

bennie the dog

soft coastal trail

**bigfoot2** · 05-03-2012, 16:57

I had a great time with you guys, despite all of us "solo" hiking. We need to get out for another hike soon.

BF

PS--Really, Rip? BOSOM of the Pacific? LOL

**olzeke** · 05-03-2012, 21:36

yeah, it looked kinda flat to me, too. Would this have anything to do with his wife being gone for a month? Maybe he was preoccupied. I understand that is how the Grand Tetons got their name, afterall. Crazy trappers out too long, no real females around.