Trip Report

Five intrepid Obsidians took off for the ocean Friday afternoon to backpack from Tahkenitch Dunes - 3 Mile Lake North Trailhead to the north end of the lake. With weather sunny and wind minimal, we chose the beach route to enjoy the sight and sound of the surf. Cutting inland for base camp, there was less than 1/2 mile to go with a couple of formidable sand dunes to conquer. The camping area was perfect - tree-protected spots for tents, an open sandy area for campfires - where many a story was shared - , and a view as far as the eye could see down 3 Mile Lake. Our companions included only gatherings of Scaups, (a pair Common Goldeneye?), songbirds, and the sound of frogs from forest and marsh. Saturday we took off south to explore the shores of 3 Mile Lake, finding only one spot to penetrate the thick brush - up and over the shoreline dune we trekked to access a great camping area mid-lake. Back up and over, then meandering in a westerly direction we reached the beach and continued south to the emergence of 3 Mile Creek greeting the ocean. Returning on the beach, shared only with surf-perch fisherman, there was ample time to relax back at base camp. Individual backpack suppers around the campfire were topped off by Russ's " Bananas Foster" - a gourmet banana-rum flambé - with whipped cream! (Wonder what's in his pocket for next time?!) Although we had a bit of rain during the night, we woke to sun interrupted by only brief showers. Our return was on the inland route where we enjoyed the lush forest and a high-point-view back down to the ocean. A great weekend hike with few miles to drive. 2/21