I’m slowly getting used to waking up at 2:45, then again between 5:00 and 5:30. Not ideal, but if you’re awake, you might as well use the day.

Breakfast was at 7:00, and this hotel manages to be worse than the last one. Waffles, cereals, and fried things I can’t even identify. No fruit, no yoghurt – nothing I would call a proper breakfast. I settle for a bagel and two small waffles that toast like paper. I’ll pick up something better later.

After feeling like I’d had enough of Portland and its people yesterday, I decided on something different for today: a relaxed day at the beach. Cannon Beach, to be exact – 84 miles (135 km) west of Portland. It’s a bit of a drive, but early on a Sunday it should be fine. About 1 hour and 45 minutes to get there.

First, I head south on the I-5, then west on the 26. It starts with four lanes each way, then gradually narrows to one in each direction once you leave the city. This is when it becomes beautiful – state forests everywhere, green and lush. The road climbs to 1,600 feet (480 meters) before winding down toward the coast.

Cannon Beach is a cute little seaside town – very touristy, a summer place with restaurants, rental houses, and everything you need. I arrive around 10:00, and the first parking lot is already full. The second has space, and from there it’s a short walk to the sand. The beach is wide, and at low tide the water is far out. In both directions there are striking rock formations. People stroll along the water’s edge, many with dogs; some sit in chairs, while a few brave souls test the Pacific water with their feet.

I walk toward Haystack Rock, named for its shape. It’s a prime photo spot, though not exactly peaceful – plenty of others are doing the same, and birdwatchers with binoculars are studying the rock’s feathery inhabitants.

After a few photos of my own, I head back to the edge of the beach and find some logs perfect for sitting. I brought my Kobo reader, so I settle in to read and people-watch. The temperature is around 25–27°C, but the wind off the Pacific cools it perfectly. Sunblock on, hat close by – bliss.

I’ve also placed myself near a Geocache I want to log later. Before long, a couple with a phone approaches – fellow geocachers. They find the cache, and I take the chance to log it too. They’re from Dresden, Germany, traveling by RV.

Back to reading. A few people try flying kites in the breeze. After about three and a half hours, hunger wins. I head up the stairs and along the main road into town. I’ve walked a good stretch of beach, and here inland it’s warmer – 28°C and no wind.

Several food options present themselves, but Bill’s Tavern & Brewhouse looks best from the reviews and prices. I order a homemade cheeseburger with fries from fresh potatoes, plus iced black tea. With tip, it’s $30 – Norwegian prices, but worth it.

Time to head back. The town is now packed – no parking anywhere, cars lined up waiting for spots. Sunday afternoon in summer with weather like this brings the crowds. Glad I came early.

I drive south on Highway 101 (I’ve done the same route from San Francisco to Los Angeles before). Every viewpoint and beach is overflowing, no space to stop. I manage to snag two quick stops.

Gas prices here make me smile: $45 for a full tank. From Bayside Gardens, I take Highway 53 back to the 26 – a winding road through forest with lower speed limits due to all the curves. Nothing a Norwegian driver would find intimidating.

As I approach Portland, the temperature climbs. By the time I reach the hotel, it’s 38°C outside. Stepping out of the air-conditioned car feels like walking into a wall of heat.

For dinner supplies, I head to a nearby Safeway supermarket, passing many homeless people in various rough conditions around the hotel – definitely a one-star location. Safeway is well stocked, but prices are on par with home, sometimes higher. Fresh fruit and vegetables are shockingly expensive, which explains why so many people opt for the cheap processed stuff. I buy bananas, nectarines, bread, and jam for breakfast at my Airbnb in the coming days. Drinks are a must in this heat.

Back at the hotel, the early wake-up and fresh sea air catch up with me. I fall asleep by 22:00 – probably too early. But today was exactly what I needed: a beautiful beach day and a much better choice than staying in the city.