Seaside Revisited: Track Chair Freedom on the Oregon Shores

The salty air beckoned us back to Seaside, Oregon. We were drawn by the promise of adventure. It was our second exhilarating experience with a track chair. Thanks to the incredible folks at DavidsChair.org, securing our off-road chariot was seamless.

A quick reservation and a short drive led us to the familiar pickup point in the Elks Lodge parking lot. A text to our friendly contact, and soon he appeared, bringing with him the key to our coastal exploration.

Just a stone’s throw from the Elks Lodge lies the iconic Promenade, affectionately known as “The Prom” by locals. Our destination was the wide concrete ramp near the “Turnaround“. This quirky roundabout marks the end of Broadway street’s journey to the vast Pacific.

Standing sentinel in the center is the Lewis and Clark statue. It serves as a poignant reminder that this spot wasn’t just a tourist endpoint. It was where the legendary explorers pivoted homeward after reaching their Pacific goal.

Despite a nippy wind that whipped off the waves and the threat of impending rain, our spirits were undeterred. Leesa and I set off southward. The track chair effortlessly navigated the transition from the ramp to the soft, yielding sand. I couldn’t help but chuckle.

I mentally noted the abandoned sandcastles – “bunkers” left by earlier adventurers. I knew my tracked machine would view them as mere pebbles.

The sheer freedom of movement was intoxicating! At one point, the urge to play took over. I joyfully spun the track chair on the firm, damp sand. Satisfying circular tracks were left in my wake.

For a blissful hour, we cruised the shoreline, the rhythmic sound of the waves our constant companion. Nonetheless, the persistent chill and the darkening sky hinted at a change in weather.

Reluctantly, we decided to conclude our coastal jaunt. We made our way back to the Elks Lodge, a quick text summoning our volunteer. He arrived promptly, and after expressing our sincere gratitude for his invaluable assistance, we began our journey home.

The track chair had once again unlocked a world of accessibility and joy. It turned an ordinary day into another deeply satisfying adventure on the Oregon coast. We can’t wait for the next one!