The bald eagles are mating and what better place to see them other than at the continental United States most northwestern most point- Cape Flattery! While this area is renowned for its fluctuating weather, I was fortunate enough to get some nice weather and some great photographs (and miss some too!). At sunrise, a pair of eagles mated not 25' from the main viewing platform at the end of the trail and I missed the shot because I was not setup for birds- but what a sight!!! The newly improved trail with its cedar planks and well manicured trails makes for a great hike through a gorgeous old growth forest at the waters edge. While it's a steep leg burner back to the trailhead, I'd think just about anyone could and should make this short jaunt out to what is surely the last greatest view in the U.S., literally!!!

I love Cape Flattery, I will visit other time. I include videos and photos in web: http://www.satelliteview.org/[…]/Tatoosh_Island_Cape_Flattery_Lighthouse

In .75 miles this trail constructed by the Makah Indian Nation utilizes boardwalks and steps along the way to take you to the north-westernmost point in the continental United States. A Makah Recreation Pass is required, but of the 30 plus cars at the TH on our return we were one of the few who appeared to have one and we were one of the few on the trail who didn't have a dog! Many people with their dogs were taking advantage of the beautiful day to hike to this area where the Strait of Juan de Fuca meets the Pacific Ocean. The trail was in excellent condition with very few muddy areas.

The old Nimblewill Nomad successfully concluded Odyssey 2010 PNT Tuesday, September 21st at 4:00 pm, Straits of Juan De Fuca, Cape Flattery.
http://www.nimblewillnomad.com/index.html
It was truly a blessing to have been granted such good health, stamina, resolve, and safe passage. I've hiked tougher trails, but not 1200 miles of such difficult tread, especially as to the incredible amount of climbing--any given day.
I've now trekked nine of the 11 NSTs. Leaves two for next year, the IAT and the NET, good Lord willin', I'll turn 72 in five more weeks.
Also of note, and I'm particularly proud of this: I've now completed the C2C transcontinental route, from the Cliffs of Forillon to Cape Flattery. Wasn't a thru, not like the amazing journey accomplished by my dear friend, Andy Skurka (http://www.andrewskurka.com/C2C/index.php). But I have completed it.
Not necessarily in any order, chronologically or otherwise, here are the linkups for my C2C:
SIA/IAT--Thru-hiked it both directions
AT--Thru-hiked it both directions
Connector--Roadwalked it from East Clarendon (AT) to Crown Point (NCT)
NCT--Thru-hiked it west to east
Connector--Roadwalked it from Knife River Indian Villages (L&CNHT) to Lake Sakakawea State Park (NCT)
L&CNHT--Thru-hiked it both directions
CDT--Section-hiked it from north to south - or PCT--Thru-hiked it from south to north (Both intersect the L&CNHT)
PNT--Thru-hiked it from east to west (Intersects both the CDT and the PCT)

Here's my final day journal entry, Cape Flattery:

Tuesday--September 21, 2010
Trail Day--65
Trail Mile—1,200
Location--Straits of Juan De Fuca, Cape Flattery (upper lefthand corner, lower 48, USA)

More rain during the night, hard rain at times, but I'm believing the weatherman. He's forecasting a sunny day for today. This weatherman? Definitely a risk-taker. Hey, dawn comes with blue skies--what's this!
Today, my final day on this PNT (I've chosen other than Cape Alava to end this odyssey.) would have been a 28 from Ozette to Cape Flattery, but late yesterday evening I managed to knock down two of those miles. So, that leaves me with only 26 to close it out today.
The route I've planned follows a gated logging road called the Mainline. From three miles east of Ozette, maps show it running to just south of Neah Bay. There's a problem though. I on't know for sure if it goes all the way through. So, a little before seven now I'm standing here where the logging road leaves the paved road, waiting for someone to pass by that knows the area. Not long, and as luck would have it, comes this fellow driving a low-boy. I flag him down. Kind old local. He gets me squared away on the logging roads.
Ah, and does the hike on north go just great this morning, as I'm able to weave my way through the maze of stubouts that lead to deadend landings. A little before noon I reach the north Mainline gate where Gordon awaits.
The last ten miles are on paved roads, along the beautiful Washington coast, onto the Makah Indian Nation Reservation, then on to the end, at western land’s end, Cape Flattery. I've one remaining climb to close out this odyssey (how absolutely fitting)--600 feet to get up and around the high ground, the point of land that forms Cape Flattery. Now comes the final mile, the Cape Flattery Trail, which leads out to the overlook and back.
I'm at land's end a little past four, to a clear, delightfully calm afternoon. I've the overlook to myself. There's a bench where I sit for the longest time, staring teary-eyed, past the straits, to the cusp of sea beyond. Folks, there just could not be a finer place (save, perhaps, for the Cliffs of Forillon, Cap Gaspe) to end such a memorable journey. Looking across to Tatoosh Island, Cape Flattery Light--just heart-stopping spectacular.
Dawns on me now: This is the third of three long treks that ends up ending on the shores of the Pacific Ocean. This lighthouse before me, the Tatoosh/Cape Flattery Light, the third lighthouse to mark another glorious trail's end. Ah, and ends here, too, another long and remarkable trail known simply as the C2C. It runs from the Cliffs of Forillon, Cap Gaspe, some 7,000+ miles, to this place. I've also hiked the C2C now too, as has my dear friend, Andy Skurka - http://www.andrewskurka.com/C2C/index.phphttp
Time now to reflect, time to give thanks to God for all the bountiful good that's come to me these many miles, these many years. Indeed, the blessings, they are but a miracle. Constantly, as folks listen patiently, constantly do I shoot my mouth off about accomplishing such amazing goals--at the ripe old age of near 72--it truly is amazing. At the same time, however, do I realize, and daily do I give thanks to God for choosing this old man--yes, God has chosen me--to heap on incomparable, unbelievable blessings. This I've slowly come to realize. I've also come to realize that by putting to use such good fortune (I give it my all each and every day) that, in the process and as a result, others find hope, gain inspiration in their own lives. It's humbling, truly humbling, beyond words.
So, thank you Lord. Thank You for being ever with me, for guiding and protecting me these many days, these countless miles. Thank you for Your Light, for Your Grace--thanks for having blessed me so...

"God always seems to find a way,
To find a way for me.
His guidance comes through steadfast love,
'tis there for me to see.

And as I stumble o'er the path,
I need to keep in mind,
That He has set a way for me,
That faith will help me find."
[N. Nomad]