I spent two days in Eugene during my inaugural trip, in 2007. Naturally, I spent some time highlighting Steve Prefontaine. This year, I thought it only fitting (and fair) that I made a stop in Coos Bay, his hometown and where he is at rest. I only planned to be here one day but that changed quick when I found out all that the city has to offer a runner, on top of everything Pre.
I mentioned in one of my updates that I got a late start from Eugene – that would mean a late afternoon to evening run, in Coos. I was rested and ready.
Not knowing what kind of trails were within Coos Bay, I immediately stopped by the first Visitor Information Center that I came across. And with that, here is a good bit of information when you travel.
You may already know or do this, but the best thing to do when traveling is talk to the Visitor Center volunteers and ask them any and all quetions that you may have. And also talk to as many locals as you can…that’s where you will get the best info around.
Talking with Andy, in the North Bend info center, I settled on a route that started in Charleston (the marina, to be exact) and would have a turnaround at Cape Arago. A fog bank started to roll in.
I parked in front of a U.S. Coast Guard, Search & Rescue station and changed into my running gear. I suddenly noticed that my Bostons have turned from white to gray – must mean that I’ve been putting them to work.
Getting started, I decided to make a short cut through a seafood producer/shipper/I’m not quite sure. It smelled…and as I passed a conveyor belt that was dumping fish-muck into a catcher, it smelled even worse. I ran faster to escape the stench.
I headed up Chicken Point Road which I discovered to be slightly longer than a quarter mile, uphill. It then descended into Chicken Point…a Bay lookout. I started back.
Bastendorff Beach is a popular hangout for beachcombers and surfers – I didn’t hesitate hitting the sand. A wide swath of hard packed and level beach opened up. Fog horns were sounding in the distance.
I got to a jutting outcropping of rock which Andy mentioned had a cave that I could run through. I couldn’t find it so I backtracked on the beach. An opening shown through the grass and I took it. An awkward moment occured as I interrupted a family who were eating. It was part of a campground. I apologized and ran away.
There seemed to be no other option but to hit the pavement, again. The Cape Arago Highway became my path. It had a decent sized shoulder for runners and bikers but that would disappear, quickly. A sign appeared that pointed the way for a Tsunami Evacuation Route and the road turned into a hill. At least I would be Tsunami-safe.
I was passing by Sunset Bay when a trail appeared – I hit it. It turned out to be a glorious woodchip trail that couldn’t be more loved by my feet.
The trail wound around, in and out, up and down, past several viewpoints of cliffs and ocean. Canopied by trees, it was one of the better trails that I have been on – it ended too short. It would turn into pavement, for a short time, and then dirt. I started to here an unusual sound. If you know Star Wars, it kind of sounded like Sand People, to me – the sound was coming from several sea lions, occupying a few rocky outcroppings. The sun was dropping.
Cape Arago was just ahead and I hoofed it on road. I turned and went back.
Coming back, I did the majority of the distance on Cape Arago Highway – the only part that wasn’t was the woodchip trail. It still felt great.
By this time, the sun was very low ing the sky, the temp had dropped, the wind had picked up, and my feet were starting to feel the pavement. But my legs were churning.
When I saw Bastendorff Beach Road, I knew that I was getting close – about a mile away. I was thinking that the mileage that Andy had estimated, had to be wrong – eight felt more like fifteen.
The coolness of the weather was a huge change from how my trip had been. A big reason for why I felt the way I did – relaxed and strong. I was told later that Bastendorff Beach was one of Pre’s favorite areas to run…I could easily see why.
Day one in Coos Bay was spectatacular – day two? Lucky.
Charity of the Day: Mothers Against Drunk Driving
Thousands of promising lives are shortened every year through alcohol-related driving accidents. Since 1980, MADD has aided the families of under the influence accident victims, and has brought public awareness to the problem of drinking and drugged driving. Check out their website for staggering statistics and to find out how you can help.
Song of the Day: “Diamond Road” by Sheryl Crow
PRE is my hero! And now… so is Chris Wolfe. Wow, Chris – that is extraordinary! A run in Coos (where Pre ran and grew up) and then to hang out with a runner that knew Steve Roland Prefontaine. That is just magnificent! Have a great time… and remember every second of it for me.
-td7.
Thanks!!! I’m not very hero-esque, though…I just drive, run, take pictures, and write. I’m guessing that you are holding your newborn hero, right now 🙂 When’s her first pair of Nikes?
Pink NIKE Shox and a pair of little baby SWOOSH booties – she has already started her collection!
-td7.
Chris,
I’m working on a project that will honor the work of someone who’s dedicated a lot of time to restoring natural habitat in the Coos area. I’m collecting pictures to use in the slide show for the awards ceremony, and I came across your great photos of Coos Bay. We’d be delighted if we could use them – photographers will be recognized at the end of the show. Would it be possible for me to use a couple?
Thanks!
I would be honored! Thanks, Laura!! Will be shooting you an e-mail.
Chris