POST 1229; JANUARY 31, 2014; NETARTS, OREGON

Would you believe...I woke this morning to find the battery of SPIA-2 fully DEAD !

I left the headlights on last night, draining the battery.  Lucky we are that I have jumper cables and a young woman came along who knew more about jumping cars than I do...and I was back in business within 20 minutes. 

Stopped in at KELLY'S in GERIBALDI for another bowl of her Hot Oatmeal...then drove to the town of TILLAMOOK, some 10 miles distant, which I had walked yesterday.

Of great significance:   The $260.00 check has been deposited - thanks for ATM machines - so the car insurance has been put back into service and I am somewhat "healed" to continue with our Walk.

TILLAMOOK is well known for it's Cheese Factory...known nation wide.  Above is an image of the TILLAMOOK factory located on the north outskirts of town.

My objective today is to visit the AIR MUSEUM of TILLAMOOK, once home base for the large dirigible (air ships) used by the US Navy to patrol the coasts for enemy submarines.  Significant among the air ships were three such ships which each carried a SQUADRON of "Pursuit Planes" INSIDE the ship...I wanted to find more of the history of these three ships...each of which rivaled the German HINDENBURG which exploded on landing in New Jersey after a trans-Atlantic flight from Germany in the 1930s (1936, I believe).

Please say HELLO to CARA and LOGAN...working at the TILLAMOOK Radio Station KRKZ.

I stopped in to ask for guidance to the town of NETARTS located on Netarts Bay...my destination for this afternoon.

Received direction all right...also spent an hour or so interviewing about my walk...and leaving an electronic message for LOGAN to play with.

Station KRKZ.

The AIR MUSEUM of TILLAMOOK is dominated by a VERY large Air Ship Hangar...housing a number of dirigibles containing HELIUM GAS...one of a dozen or so dirigible bases surrounding the USA during World War II.  All the bases have been long ago disbanded...the TILLAMOOK base turned over to the Port of TILLAMOOK, which currently houses a few dozen aircraft dating back nearly 100 years.

Please say HELLO to CHRISTIAN, today's host and museum guide.  CHRISTIAN and I had a lengthy - between customers -chat to discuss "walking", of which he is also a devotee.

The following images were made within the air ship hangar:

The above image depicts comparisons of famous dirigibles, with the HYDROGEN GAS "HINDENBURG" leading the "size" list at 803 feet long.  Next in size at 785 feet long come the three ships of my particular interest:  AKRON; MACON, and SHENANDOAH...each of which was in fact a flying AIR BASE, carrying a SQUADRON of fighter bomber scout planes designed to search out, attack, and destroy enemy submarines during World War II.  Upon completion of each scout plane mission, which incorporated a large HOOK above the cockpit, the pilot would position the HOOK into a large ring on board the air ship, which would in effect, snatch the little airplane out of the sky and "reel" it back inside the Hangar Deck INSIDE the air ship.

All three such ships crashed, being destroyed.  The AKRON and MACON, on land in the Midwest, and the SHENANDOAH, into the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. 

Not a single photograph of the three ships was to be found at TILLAMOOK Air Museum...at least, I did not find one.

The remainder of the Air Museum was - for me - very interesting, as I have been a life-long airplane buff...seeing for the first time a number of famous aircraft in the flesh.  Please enjoy the following images:

HELIUM Filled US Navy Type K air ships...actually in their hangar at TILLICOOM.

Location of all the US Navy WWII dirigible bases.

Famous DOUGLAS C-47 (military version), DC-3 (commercial version); of which I flew as a passenger many times during the KOREAN and COLD WAR.  This 1930s aircraft protected CHINA during World War II by flying over the HUMP from India to central CHINA, hauling in supplies primarily for the Famous P-40 FLYING TIGERS...who base I recently visited while touring China.

The CATALINA Flying Boat...famous for defending Alaska during Japans invasion onto US territory during the Second World War - historic note:  I have a working compass from one of these aircraft, salvaged from a at-sea crash during the fighting.

The CATALINA is equally famous for it's participation in the BATTLE OF MIDWAY in 1942, during which ALL of Japans major Aircraft Carriers were sunk...effectively, the turning point of Japan's Power Base eventually leading to Japan's defeat in 1945, where the American General Mac C...."...old soldiers never die...they just fade away..." ...on board the Battleship MISSOURI in the harbor of TOKYO BAY, accepted Japan;s UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER.

Probably one of the most famous fighter planes ever built...the FOCK WOLF (FW-190), which, together with the MISSERSCHMIDT, succeeded in shooting down hundreds of US B-17 (FLYING FORTRESS) Bombers during World War Two.

Another of the most successful fighter aircraft of WWII:  The P-47

...and during the VIET NAM and first GULF WAR, the USN CRUSADER.
.... and dozens more which I photographed, but held back for another day...

Main Street - US 101 - through TILLAMOOK, Oregon.

...and another view...

...and so, I drive the 6 miles from TILLAMOOK to the not often visited seaside village of NETARTS, located on beautiful (and very cold) NETARTS BAY, where I will stay the night.

....and yet, another view of NETARTS...homes on the shoreline far below.

...all above, homes of NETART BAY.

A few feet to the right of this pathway to the dock, SPIA-2 is parked for the night.  The sky is partially cloudy, but I might get lucky and be treated to a glorious sunset.

SCOONER Restaurant, where I have constructed today's blog - in the cold on the outside veranda overlooking NETARTS BAY.

Looking South across NETARTS BAY from the veranda of THE SCOONER.

One hour 'til sundown.

In the morning, plan to continue South along the Pacific Ocean shoreline.  First, have some hilly walking to do.

POST 1228; JANUARY 30, 2014; GARIBALDI, OREGON

GARIBALDI, I discover, is located on the North portion of TILLIMOOK Bay.  Below photo is vintage 1920s.

Enjoyed a quiet uninterrupted night parked next to the boat basin  pictured above.

Morning arrived with NO rain and a bit warmer.

Please click image to enlarge to read the historic message.  Interesting to discover the railroad passing through WHELLER is the same as the railroad reaching all the way to TILLAMOOK...the same line that was in 2007, closed down because the rails were torn out by a land slide.

GARIBALDI is graced by a number of restaurants.  One of which is KELLY'S Place, where I stopped in on my way walking to TILLAMOOK.  Was pleased to discover the rather extensive list of items offered...and as I commented...at prices to challenge any offered across America.

I ordered a bowl of Hot Oatmeal...a regular diet for my breakfast...warms me up and carries me well beyond lunch...and is priced within my budget.

Please say HELLO to KELLY, owner or KELLY'S PLACE.  The oatmeal was excellent and a very generous serving...to last me all day walking.

Then KELLY surprised me by gifting her oatmeal to me...; i.e., would not accept my $$.

Thank you, Kelly.  Will look up your other restaurant located in TILLAMOOK tomorrow.

Residential street of GARIBALDI.

Typical hills surrounding GARIBALDI...with TILLAMOOK Bay on the West side behind the camera.

US Highway 101 as it leaves GARIBALDI, heading South to TILLAMOOK, which I walked today.

Please say HELLO to JOHN, riding his bike from his home town of CARRINGTON, NORTH DAKOTA.  On this trip...latest of many covering something like 19,000 miles...JOHN rode to Los Angeles.  Previous trips have taken 51 year old JOHN to Alabama and as far as Alaska.

US 101 loops first South, then West, then again South.  The above image is looking back on GARIBALDI from across TILLAMOOK Bay.

The TILLAMOOK Railroad keeps close to US 101 as they both head South along the shore line.

BAY CITY, Oregon, a small seafood processing village, is about half way between GARIBALDI and TILLAMOOK.

BAY CITY wharf...on which is located a processing plant and a seafood restaurant.

Looking South across TILLAMOOK Bay from BAY CITY.

Seagulls feasting on a large pile of empty oyster shells.

Return walk from BAY CITY looking North all the way to GARIBALDI, some 5 miles distant.

VIEW home FOR SALE on the cliff side...view is across the bay looking into GARIBALDI.

Railroad Bridge of the TILLAMOOK RR.

The old saw mill smoke stack awaiting decision of the town folk.

Please note the top of the stack.  In a 100 mile per hour windstorm of 2007, the top few feet were blown off...giving rise to some concern as to the smoke stack's stability...i.e.; danger of falling down in the next big storm.

* * * * * * * * * *

I am waiting word from Bellingham that the $260.00 has been deposited into my bank...and subsequently been applied to the vehicle insurance which was "unkindly" STOPPED by State Farm.  I have decided I should not risk driving further until that insurance premium is paid...

...therefore, I plan to remain one more night in GARIBALDI.

After reaching TILLAMOOK, I plan to leave US 101 and take the smaller mountain coastline road.  It may prove to be a poor decision - because of roadway quality -, so I will be prepared to revert back to US 101 if necessary.

We shall see !

POST 1227; JANUARY 29, 2014; GARIBALDI, OREGON

WOW...last night was a doozie (doozie = something of significance).  Over nighting in the small Pacific Coast town of ROCKAWAY BEACH, Oregon, we nearly got pulverized by the incessant pouring rain...really rained CATS and DOGS - or was it - really rained so hard even Fred could not have danced...all dominated by stormy winds to nearly topple over my poor old Mazda.

There was not a chance I could walk in such a maelstrom of power...and on top of it, thick clouds lay flat on the ground - and on the Pacific Ocean Waters - that it would have been suicidal to step onto US 101 with big rigs (18 wheelers) loaded with logs roaring past throwing solid waves of water to rival that of a Car Wash.

So, all afternoon, all evening, all night, all morning, I remained inside SPIA-2 (my Mazda MPV).

Around 1000 hours (10:00 am), decided to drive the short 4 miles to the next town, GARIBALDI, Oregon, to see if conditions were any better.

Following is the finding:

Rain and wind abated significantly in the valley of GARIBALDI, surrounded nearby hills.

Immediately, I met a local Policeman, who invited me to overnight in the towns primary property...on the shore of the above marina...a "park" prepared for visitors, including spacious parking precisely on the water; a "park" including fish cleaning (enclosed and heated) sinks with guidance for processing local caught HALIBUT...to my palate, the best tasting fish that swims...

...and including modern heated CLEAN restrooms...and, of all things, showers with HOT water and clean floors.

Such a revelation ... a town which cares for it's visitors in a way rarely seen.

In the not too distant past, a town which had it's own railroad trans to explore the Oregon Pacific Coast...

...and for a rather small town, appointments usually reserved for much larger population centers.

Please say HELLO to TAMI, the Town Barber for the last 18 years...and,
her client DAVE.

Tami and I had a fascinating conversation awaiting Dave's arrival...a lady with a good head on her shoulders...in more than one way...for whom the recent "recession" has been a non-event, because, as she says, her steady clientele together with tourists keep her very busy.

A "relic" of the past, standing tall in the center of town, is first to gain the newcomer's attention when entering GARIBALDI.  Lifting smoke from burning incinerators of the local lumber mill at the turn of the 20th Century, this Smoke Stack stands alone...the top few layers of bricks ripped away in the 2007 wind storm - over 100 miles per hour winds).

Of some current controversy, the Smoke Stack's safety is causing some to want it torn down.  As one resident told me...a rather popular position...that is, until mention of the $1,000,000.00 price tag to do so.

In the shadow of the Smoke Stack is the first - but not only - ESPRESSO Drive In as one enters (or leaves) GARIBALDI from the South.

Please say HELLO to JOSSE...just the name Mom and Dad gave to me...said the delightful coffee barrister with whom I not only had an interesting conversation, but also warmed me up from the declining but still cold windy afternoon...with a hot cuppa coffee..thank you again, Josse.

Considering the welcome I received in GARIBALDI by the Police, by the Bakery Shop, by NORMA,  the Librarian (where I am once again preparing this blog update in a toasty quiet room), and, by JOSSE, I plan to stay a second night here.

The large town of TILLAMOOK (Cheese Country) is only 10 miles to the south.  So, I will walk to that famous city - as well as the 4 miles to the North; i.e., to ROCKPORT, tomorrow...rain / wind permitting.

I discovered by a random phone call from my vehicle insurance agent that my insurance has been STOPPED as of January 10 - because of non-payment ($172.00 / 6 months).  My recent Apartment host has REFUNDED me $260.00 (for which I am forever grateful).  It will be banked tomorrow by my Nephew, Carl, who is playing Postman for me (thank you, Carl).  This event has lifted any remaining strain on my budget, but must wait 36 hours for the new $$ to get posted to my bank account (DEBIT Card).

It is now 1622 hours (14:22 pm) and the rain / wind has essentially stopped.

I look forward to a pleasant night / day / night in GARIBALDI, Oregon