Left La Push early, before the cabins stirred and before the surf committed to the day. Fog hung low across the treeline. The air was cold enough to clear your head.
Walked the road until two hikers heading toward Kalaloch slowed beside me and offered a ride. They’d seen me around town — or maybe they just recognized someone traveling light. They dropped me near the Ruby Beach turnoff and said the tide was right for walking.
They were.
Ruby Beach
The trail down was slick from the night mist. The sound of waves reached me before the beach did. Then the trees opened and Ruby Beach came into view — gray water, silver light, sea stacks rising out of the fog like something left behind. Driftwood piled at odd angles. Dark stones shifting underfoot.
A photographer stood near the waterline, tripod sunk deep between the rocks. He nodded when he saw me, then looked at the club over my shoulder.
“First golfer I’ve seen out here,” he said.
I shrugged. “Not playing today.”
That was enough.
I climbed onto a long driftwood log and sat for a while, watching the tide work its way in and out. Put some blues on my phone — low and wandering. It fit the morning.
After a while, I picked up my pack and walked south.
Tree of Life
Caught another short ride toward Kalaloch and got out near the Tree of Life. Pictures don’t do it justice. Roots stretched out in the open, gripping what little ground remains between two eroding cliffs.
Looks like gravity missed a step.
I walked beneath it and watched the branches move in the wind. Set my pack down, took out the 5-iron, and hit one clean shot down the wet sand.
Solid contact.
Ball gone into the fog.
That was enough.
I stayed longer than planned. No reason to rush.
Evening Miles
Kept moving south until I reached a small roadside strip — a few motels, a tavern, and a gas station that looked like it survived on habit. Took a room with fogged windows and a heater that rattled like loose tools.
Had a shot of tequila at the bar. The bartender poured without asking questions. I finished it and nodded.
Quiet works both ways.
Back in the room now. Boots drying by the door. Long day, but clean miles. The coast keeps pulling south.
Sand Rating: 7 / 10
Uneven ground. Holds when it matters.
-BG
Travel light, swing hard
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