DAY 26 - WHEELER - ROCKAWAY BEACH - GARIBALDI - BAY CITY - TILLAMOOK, OREGON

THIS IS A SAILBOAT...My first sailboat was the size of this one...Good Ole Days

KELLY'S MARINA, BRIGHTON, OREGON

A STUMP WAS ONCE IN THE SLOT BETWEEN THESE TWO MATURE TREES...Who called the Stump "MOM".

MAUREEN

SUNRISE OVER OREGON CASCADE MOUNTAINS

RAILROAD TRESTLE...Belongs to the Tillamook Bay RR

HIGH SCHOOL AT ROCKAWAY BEACH, OREGON

ROCKAWAY BEACH, OREGON...a "STRIP" TOWN Pacific Ocean on one side...Wilderness a block away on the other.

MYRTLEWOOD HAND CARVED DEER

GARIBALDI, OREGON

TILLAMOOK BAY, NEAR GARIBALDI, OREGON

TILLAMOOK BAY LOOKING WEST...PACIFIC OCEAN IS BEYOND THAT NARROW STRIP OF LAND BELOW THE HEADLAND

TILLAMOOK BAY LOOKING SOUTH

MUD FLATS ALONG TILLAMOOK BAY

BAY CITY,OREGON...WHERE MAUREEN RAN ME DOWN FOR THE SECOND TIME.

YOUNG ADAM, SERVING UP SUCCULENT SEAFOOD AT THE FAMILY STORE "OLD OREGON SMOKE HOUSE" IN TILLAMOOK, OREGON...THEY HAVE TWO ADDITIONAL SHOPS - ONE ON HIGHWAY 30 NEAR LONGVIEW, WASHINGTON AND ONE IN ROCKAWAY BACH, OREGON

TILLAMOOK CHEESE FACTORY, TILLAMOOK, OREGON

CHEESE PRODUCTION LINE AT TILLAMOOK CHEESE FACTORY. TAKEN THROUGH A PLATE GLASS WINDOW...BEAUTIFUL SPOTLESS CLEAN BUILDING

CAPTAIN GRAY FIRST VISITED TILLAMOOK BAY IN HIS SHIP "LADY WASHINGTON", WHICH HAS A REPLICA SAILING THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST AT THIS TIME. I have been on board the Replica.

GARIBALDI, OREGON

ROOTS HANGING FROM A LIVE TREE...ESTIMATE THE ROOTS TO BE ABOUT 15 FEET LONG...THAT TREE JUST MIGHT SOON BE ACROSS US 101 BLOCKING TRAFFIC.

US COAST GUARD STATION, GARIBALDI, OREGON, OVERLOOKING TILLAMOOK BAY

MYRTLEWOOD BOWL - RESTING ON A MYRTLEWOOD SHELF

NOTED FOR ITS UNUSUAL AND FASCINATING GRAIN STRUCTURE, MYRTLEWOOD IS PRIZED BY ARTISTS

THIS IS A "MONKEY TREE" IN GARIBALDI, OREGON

DAY 26: BAY CITY, OREGON

At 7:15am, walked out of Kelly’s Marina, heading North on US 101. It took one hour to walk back to Wheeler, Oregon, where we left off yesterday. The road in this area is particularly bad because of many areas where the roadway has slid off the hillside and has been repaired over and over again. Major work needs to be done to stabilize the roadway.

Walked back to SPIA, but did not stop. Continued South on US 101 to the town of ROCKAWAY BEACH, some 4 miles away. This roadway also is DANGEROUS because of slides and only temporary repairs. Half way back to SPIA, a young man in a “raised” pickup stopped to offer me a ride…took four tries before I pulled myself up the 4 feet to hop in. As I sat, he introduced himself as Justin and Lorraine in the back seat…I turned to the backseat of the crew cab and was met with the jaws of a dog biting my face above my eye and my eye glasses…she did not draw blood, but sure startled me…

Now, what was that for, I said

Justin grabbed her mouth…still at 35 miles per hour in traffic and scolded him.

No harm done, I said, resetting my eyeglasses.

I again turned to Lorraine and said…”Hey, Lorraine, I’m one of the good guys…you don’t need to be afraid of me…

GRRrrr and another snap at my nose…missing.

OK OK, I get the message.

Justin again scolds her…

My fault, says I…she is just protecting you…

No more communication between Lorraine and Me…and no harm done.

Leaving the cab…had to lower myself using a big hand grip, Lorraine was leering between the back seat and the door jamb…smiling, I think

Said Goodbye and thanked Kelly; drove SPIA to Rockaway Beach, Oregon, where I parked outside of town and walked the 5 miles to GARIBALDI, OREGON. This roadway is ultra-modern…no problem here…with wide berm and many pull-outs for viewing beautiful TILLAMOOK BAY. Walked back to SPIA.

Drove into Garibaldi and parked. Walked through town and back to SPIA, stopping in the MYRTLEWOOD FACTORY. Forty Years ago – or more – stopped in such a factory and purchased a Myrtlewood Goblet which sat on our Mantel for years. During one of the three times in my life when EVERYTHING except clothes on my back were taken from me, my Goblet “went the way of my Wine Cellar”, as I used to say.

Stepping into the store, Phil showed me some history of Myrtlewood in Oregon and the Jordan Valley, Israel – the only two places in the World where this Biblical wood grows.
Hard as Ironwood, more beautiful than Redwood, Oak, or nearly any other wood, Myrtlewood is NOT exported from Oregon…even to other States. It grows from COOS BAY, OREGON, South along the Pacific Ocean to the California border and East to GRANTS PASS, OREGON…about 200 miles long by 50 miles wide. It grows in small Goves – kinda like Family Groups. Myrtlewood has a leaf like Bay Leaf, but twice as potent, and a small nut and white flower. The nut and flowers are processed for their oil which is highly prized.

Artists use Myrtlewood extensively, creating exotic pieces for display and home use.

I purchased another Goblet. Phil allowed me to take selected photographs, as the art is quite extraordinary and highly competitive between artists.

I then stopped at a Grocery Store, stocked up on Tuna Fish, some Wine, and Bread; then drove to a wide spot on US 101, parked SPIA, and walked to BAY CITY, OREGON, some 5 miles short of TILLAMOOK, OREGON.

Yesterday, walking back from Nehalem to Manzanita, a young lady, Maureen, offered me a ride for a mile or two. When delivered to SPIA, we sat in her SUV next to the Blue Wave Restaurant, chatting about her 9 kids and my walk. One of those contacts one remembers years later.

Today, walking back from Bay City, who but Maureen pulls over. I hop in, a bit shocked, but not too much because I kinda expected to see her again…

Hi, Bruce…been watching for you, she says…saw your vehicle parked back at Garibaldi a few hours back on my way to Tillamook and figured you would be around here someplace…

So,, guess Maureen and I were destined to meet again…gave her my e-mail…she told me about her 9 year old daughter and Downs Syndrome they are living through…stopping at SPIA, we again chatted for a few minutes and said Goodbye – perhaps for the final time.

Another moment in time which I will take with me forever. Wish you well, Maureen.

Drove SPIA into TILLAMOOK, OREGON, where I parked across US101 from the Tillamook Cheese Factory. Before touring the factory, which I did, I stepped into the small shop of OLD OREGON SMOKE HOUSE, where Adam, the 32 year old Son of this family owned business, whipped up a monster cup – about 32 ounces – of Clam Chowder…among the best I have ever eaten…and I ate every last drop…Thank you Adam and good luck to you and your family.

Suggested by Maureen, I then drove to FRED MEYERS in Tillamook, where I chose a space in a far back corner. I have been buying from Fred Meyers for 25 years, so figured I could qualify to park even though the sign here and there said …”parking for customers only”.

Walked many miles today, and was VERY tired. Even though it was only 4:30 pm, I climbed into the feathers and awoke at 8:00 pm. Cooked up some shrimp, but am really not hungry…

DAILY UPDATE: Walked 35 miles – count 20 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 20 miles @ $0.02 = $0.40 for the day.

Being pushed off the roadway back in Washington State, I twisted my left knee. It is starting to act up a bit…kinda like hyper-extension…but I think I can control it…hurts only when I turn to “stick out my thumb” for a ride…must learn to pivot properly.

Tomorrow, walk back to Bay City – about 5 miles; then, South again on US 101.

Our Saga continues… pics later...no electricity in Fred Meyers..will crank up SPIA later and upload the pics.

DAY 25 - CANNON BEACH - MANZANITA - NEHALEM - WHEELER - BRIGHTON, OREGON

MORRIS' RESTAURANT, CANNON BEACH, OREGON...OWNER, TOM MORRIS, GAVE ME INTERESTING HISTORICAL BACKGROUND, SOME OF WHICH IS INCLUDED IN THIS EPISODE...THANKS TOM...Ate my breakfast at this table next to the cozy fire.

MORRIS RESTAURANT AND SPIA

BEACH SCENE, MANZANITA, OREGON

BEACH LOOKING SOUTH FROM US101 ABOVE MANZANITA, OREGON...This is a man-made barrier protecting the Nehalen River Estuary...a most beautiful vista

SHORE LINE OF BARRIER ...lots of folks out even in mid-winter, walking the beaches...sometimes great treasures are found, such as the Cannon from the Sailing War Ship USS SHARK, which foundered entering the Columbia Bar in the 1800's...in 1950, a cannon from the SHARK was found at Arch Point, South of Cannon Bay (hence the name)...in the past couple years, two MORE cannons have been found from this same ship...now being preserved by the Oregon State Parks Department. This ship normally carriers 28 - 36 such cannon.

MANZANITA, OREGON

NEVER BEFORE WALKED A TRULY 7 % HILL...most prodigious

NEED A 3-D CAMERA TO CATCH THE 7 % STEEPNESS...BUT HERE IS THE BEST I CAN DO

A HOME-CARVED TOTEM ?...LOOKS TO ME THE LIKENESS OF AN ASIAN MAN...IN FACT, ABOUT 1,000 YEARS AGO, THE CHINESE OUT OF SHANGHAI (where I visited recently), BUILT AND EXPLORED THE ENTIRE WORLD - INCLUDING THE WEST COAST OF NORTH AMERICA -IN SHIPS ABOUT 800 FEET LONG...A NUMBER OF THESE SHIPS HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED, BUT NOTHING IS REPORTED...I would like to explore this much further...one such ship is rumoured off the West Coast of Vancouver Island...another in the Sacramento River Delta.

AND YET, ANOTHER FIREWOOD SALES PROMOTION...THIS ONE NEAR MANZANITA, OREGON.

THESE TWO GENTS ARE IN THE FIREWOOD WORKS...ON THE LEFT IS "TOAD", WHO IS THE FIREWOOD SALESMAN. ON THE RIGHT IS AN INTERESTED DRIVE-BY, WHO COULD NOT RESIST STOPPING TO SEE WHO I WAS...HIS NAME IS - DEPENDING UPON THE TIME OF HIS LIFE - "STUD" UNTIL 18 YEARS OLD; "GRIZ" LOGGING IN ALASKA; AND TWO MORE THAT FOR THE MOMENT ESCAPE ME...sorry

US 101 NEAR NEHALEM, OREGON

MAJESTIC BRIDGE OVER THE NEHALEM RIVER NEAR WHEELER, OREGON

NEHALEM RIVER FROM THE BRIDGE

NEHALEM, OREGON "WELCOME"

KELLY...PADRONE OF KELLY'S BRIGHTON MARINA & RV PARK...SPIA SITS WITHIN 30 FEET OF THE BANKS OF THE NEHALEM RIVER AT KELLY'S...SUN IS OUT BRIGHT ONE MOMENT..THE NEXT IS HAILING...FOLLOWED BY MORE SUN...THEN POUNDING RAIN...a very interesting place to observe the weather.

DAY 25 – STILL AT CANNON BEACH, OREGON

Took advantage of the RV Park offer for a free night…”to help you on your quest…”

It rained much of the night –not again…STILL. Sometimes pounding on SPIA rooftop.

SPIA’s Propane Space Heater is a marvel…it squeaks and rattles a bit on startup, but works well…thermostat is good…is quiet…and heats INSTANTLY. Have not realized how much more comfy SPIA is than when not sitting here teeth a chattering. AND, no more wet clothes and shoes…

The fear of the unknown…did not know HOW to start the Space Heater – and was concerned for running out of Propane – so, did not even try to use it…without flooding the floor, probably would still have chattering teeth and putting on wet clothes.

The carpet is back down and most clothes are fully dry. And again rain is pounding SPIA.

Will wait until 8 am before leaving the RV Park. Must fill up SPIA’s gas tank and want to check the Propane Tank…two weeks ago topped it off near Port Townsend and it had used only 1 gallon (tank holds 7 gallons). Now running the Fridge, the Space Heater and the stove (only the Hot Water Heater is not on line), have surely consumed quite a bit.

Is now 7:30 am. Is light by 7:00 am, but here in the RV Park, it is pitch black…cannot walk safely in the dark, so am content to write a bit while waiting for 8:00 am…then will drive to Manzanita, park, and pick up the mile or two I missed yesterday...more later...

Now 4:00 pm. SPIA is at Kelly's BRIGHTON MARINA & RV PARK near ROCKAWAY BEACH, OREGON...on the Nehalen River behind a long man-made reef barrier holding back the Pacific Ocean. Kelly offered to BBQ up some Oysters a bit later...Yum.

Drove SPIA around the beach area of Cannon Beach...had a bite at Morris' Fireside Restaurant...then headed for Manzanita, Oregon. Parked at the WAVE RESTAURANT and walked back on US 101 for 3 miles (up a 7% STEEP 1.5 mile hill - and back down later) and return. Did not stop at SPIA...kept walking to NEHALEN, OREGON and on to WHEELER, OREGON...walked back through Nehalen and received a ride from Maureen, who was very helpful in telling me where things are and where to stop for the night...Thanks, Maureen.

South of the steep hills ending at Manzanita is a vast estuary of the Nehalen River. The Pacific Ocean is held back by a man made barrier which, when viewed from US 101 North of Manzanita is spectacular...see pics.

Nehalen, Wheeler and Rockaway Beach are protected behind that barrier. Steelhead Salmon are running up the Oregon Rivers at this time and fishing is, I am told, quite good...also, many Sturgeon (very large fish dating back millions of years) are in the Rivers, including the Columbia River. Sturgeon eggs are a long-time source for Russian Caviar.

REPORT UPDATE: Walked 14 miles; count 12 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT.ORG: Credit 12 miles @ $0.02 = $0.24 for the day.

In the morning, plan to walk BACK to Wheeler, Oregon...then on to Rockaway Beach and perhaps on towards TILLAMOOK, OREGON., which looks to be about 20 miles South.

This double walking is really taking up lots of time...but, I get to see interesting things both COMING AND GOING.

All the while I have been creating this update, SPIA has been shaking and bouncing...do not see the trees doing any severe blowing...wonder if we are experiencing small earthquakes...

DAY 24 - NEAR CANNON BEACH, OREGON

ROCK SUCH AS THESE NEAR CANNON, BEACH, OREGON, ARE THE REMAINS OF ANCIENT HEADLANDS...ERODED OVER MILLIONS OF YEARS BY THE PACIFIC OCEAN

THE RV PARK SPIA STAYED AT IN CANNON BEACH, OREGON

ANOTHER GRAPHIC EXAMPLE OF THE CLAY PREDOMINANT IN THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST...IN A MAJOR EARTHQUAKE (6.5 +) THIS CLAY TENDS TO BECOME UNSTABLE AND IN THE EXTREME, TURNS TO LIQUID

FOREST GLEN NEAR CANNON BEACH, OREGON

HUG POINT, OREGON...Could use one of those right now

THE RAIN FOREST EFFECT IS STILL WITH US...HILLSIDE NEAR CANNON BEACH, OREGON

TWO BEACH STROLLERS...RETURNING 3 HOURS LATER, THIS BEACH WAS FULLY UNDER WATER DUE TO THE RISING TIDE

CATHOLIC CHURCH EARLY SUNDAY MORNING

TUNNEL ROADBED...BETTER THAN THE ONE NEAR CHINOOK, WASHINGTON

BICYCLISTS PUNCH A BUTTON TO GET A FLASHING LIGHT TELLING AUTOS THAT THEY ARE INSIDE THE TUNNEL...WALKERS HAVE A NARROW SIDEWALK THIS TUNNEL WAS WELL LIGHTED AND NOT SO NOISY AS THE CHINOOK TUNNEL

THE TUNNEL FROM AFAR

IN TE DISTANCE, A ROCK REMNANT OF THE ANCIENT LAND MASS...NOW ERODED TO NEAR EXTINCTION

AND ANOTHER EXAMPLE...MAKES THE OREGON COAST ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING AND BEAUTIFUL SEA COASTS IN THE WORLD

LEFT CLATSOP COUNTY...NOW IN TILLAMOOK COUNTY, OREGON - CHEESE COUNTRY

DAY 24: CANNON BEACH

It’s 7 am. Been up and about for two hours taking it slow and easy. Finished B’fast – the usual – with Hot Chocolate instead of Tea. It has been raining most of the night. Did take a LONG HOT Shower. The Hot Tub was great…stayed two sessions…with the heart attack and all, know I shouldn't’t, but what the heck…who know when the next Hot Tub will come calling.

Been practicing doing things with my eyes closed…don’t know why, but is interesting. I now never look into a mirror to shave…am putting things in places I can retrieve and use them in the dark.

Spent the last 1.5 hours cleaning out the Mini Computer; i.e., running virus, malware, etc checks…astounding how much collects that needs to be eliminated…knew it was loading up because processing was becoming labored and slowing down. Have four systems installed…two automatic and two on demand. The fourth one is running as I use Word to write this.

Sure is nice with the full-sized keyboard…would not be possible without SPIA.

To my surprise, US 101 is NOT on the Beach…this RV Park is way up the hillside back in the forest. Perhaps when I begin walking in a few minutes, US 101 will dip down to the Beach.

It is still raining quite hard, but with proper rain gear, I’ll be just fine.

It should be full daylight now, but is very dark still back here in the woods and overcast clear down to the ground…kinda eerie…keep looking for a Dinosaur to come charging out of the darkness.

Receiving more “responses” lately…and that is great. Recall when in Korea with bullets flying and bombs dropping…MAIL CALL…a letter for ME??? = a super day. No letter = a very sad empty day…

The new Camera Dale brought to me is the latest version of my prior camera…guaranteed, said the salesman to Dale…to have fully interchangeable components…Yeah, Sure…First thing off…batteries are different size…chips need different formatting…OH well, if they didn’t make stupid changes, they would go broke ‘cause no one would have to purchase new peripherals.

Then again, beggars cannot be choosers…Thank you, again, Dale.

As anyone can tell, I am just rambling…waiting for the last virus program to finish…then I’m off to US 101…still darker than Hades…Question: If Hades is all fire and brimstone, how can it be dark?

OK...now 2:30 pm...I am back at SPIA after a6.5 hour walk up and down some of the steepest hills I have ever walked...all from Cannon Beach to MANZANITA, OREGON. Dressed for the occasion, but was not prepared for the hills...nearly turned back after 5 miles, but kept going through the Tunnel and up a 2 mile long really steep hill ...down the other side and up again...then called it quits...probably 2 miles short of Manzanita.

For two hours, tried to get a ride back...no luck...was raining very hard with a stiff wind blowing...berm was narrow and dangerous for anyone to stop on...was actually unfair I even asked for a ride at all.

Bottom Line: Walked all the way back to SPIA

Upon arrival, tried to fill the fresh water tank for the first time...have been concerned about freezing weather freezing my new hot water heater...anyway, hooked up the hoses and turned on the water...then went inside to check things out...to find the toilet sink over-spilling onto the floor...forgot to check the faucets, which were all turned on and the plug was in the sink drain...


Stupid stupid stupid...

Got everything under control...caught it in time to limit the flood to the carpet - which was new three weeks ago -...now, however, I not only had sopping clothes, I had a sopping SPIA...solution: must start up SPIA's propane space heater.

Have been avoiding using the space heater for fear of running out of Propane AND I didn't know how to get it started...Oh My...asked the RV Park attendant for his assistance...Don't know a thing about those things...Oh My

So, I flip the "start" lever and reset the temperature rheostat...and whaddyano...HEAT. Is now a comfy 60 degrees and climbing, things are drying out, and my lunch is ready - leftovers from our Chinese Lunch of yesterday.

Decided I have enough on my plate for this day...no more walking until tomorrow.

The RV Park has generously offered a FREE night...thank you folks...and another evening in the Hot Tub and the Heated Swimming Pool...Life if not all bad...out of apparent setbacks, we beget surprising benefits...keeping the positive outlook...boy, do I try.

DAILY UPDATE: Walked (lottsa BIG Hills) 24 miles; count 12 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT: Credit 12 miles @ $0.02 per mile = $0.24 for the day

In the morning, will drive to Manzanita, walk the 1 or 2 miles not covered today, then South again on 101 toward Nehalem, Wheeler, and points South.

DAY 23 - SEASIDE - CANNON BEACH, OREGON

DALE MAYNARD...MY NEPHEW

US 101 SOUTH OF SEASIDE, OREGON

FARM, SOUTH OF SEASIDE, OREGON

SOME HISTORY OF CANNON BEACH AREA

US 101 SOUTH OF SEASIDE, OREGON...a bit more South than the Pic above.

Got clobbered rather well yesterday...

Stayed in bed from 1:00 pm (noon) yesterday until 8:00 am this morning....with time out to piddle and eat.

Feel much better this morning. Rained HARD all night, but seems to be letting up a bit...sure hope so as Dale should be pulling in within the next hour or so...gives me time to get SPIA shipshape...although, she actually is pretty good anyway.

GREAT NEWS: I have discovered...yes, finally discovered, the source of the lumps and incredible itching of my scalp from time to time. It is an "R" Rated Subject.

Have tested the symptoms, before, during, and after, with the same results EVERY time...and without the use of ANY medications.

I'm the first to say there may be something going on under the surface - besides the obvious -, and am not going there.

The Cause: NOT what I put in...Rather, what I DO NOT put out.

Wanna know more, contact me privately !

Breakfast of Oatmeal/Raisins/Brown Sugar...Yum

Have SPIA's motor running with full-blast heater...trying to get yesterdays sopping clothes dry and charge up the Mini Computer Battery...must get a new battery...this one lasts only 30 minutes or so.

Soon as Dale arrives, we drive to Cannon Beach in his car and walk the 10 miles back to SPIA...best to have SPIA waiting instead of Dale's spiffy SUV getting wet and messed up.

OH, this is going to be a fun day.

Later

Now 3:15 pm. Dale arrived on the dot of 10:00 am. So good to see Dale again...Of all my relatives...and I have tons of relatives...have spent more time with Dale...eaten more lunches with Dale...and have received Dale's "Eye Roll" more times than all the rest combined.

We followed my plan. At a few moments before 11:00 am, Dale parked his SUV at the Cannon Beach RV Park and we started walking back to Seaside, Oregon...sign said 8 miles...was actually closer to 9 miles by the time we arrived at SPIA...exactly 2 hours later.

Dale is an Athlete...in great shape. He had NO difficulty walking 4 miles per hour up a pretty steep hill of 2 miles and down the other side...actually the "down" walk was more difficult because of the "Slope" of the road...it put tremendous side load on the feet - compensated by the Ankles - compensated by the knees - compensated by the Hip - and ends with an over-stressed lower Back.

Dale experienced all these things, but shrugged them off..We stopped in at a Chinese Restaurant for Lunch...good lumch...when we started to leave, Dale was already stiff...what a great Sport and Good Friend Dale is...he will probably hurt tomorrow while Snow Boarding at Snoqualmie Pass.

Drove SPIA to the RV place where Dale parked. Just to check out costs, asked the receptionist of the "Good SAM" Park (Owned by the City of Cannon Beach)...$31.00 he says. Needing to dump SPIA's water, charge her battery systems...and I could sure use a shower and relax in the Hot Tub and Swimming Pool, decided to stay the night.

So, Dale is on his way home. SPIA is serviced and bedded down. Overcast skies will mean early Twilight, and after yesterday, I am still a bit bushed.

Oh, and Dale brought me a new Camera...and refused any $$ from me...what kind of Nephew is that ?

Will not walk more today.

DAILY UPDATE: Walked 9 miles.

SEE YOUR IMPACT.ORG: Credit 9 miles @ $0.02 / mile = $0.18 for the day.

In the mornig, will head out South on US 101 from Cannon Beach. The next town is ARCH CAPE...then MANZANITA, OREGON, about 15 miles out...will give it a try...am feeling rather good and look forward to the Hot Tub.

DAY 22 - SEASIDE, OREGON

Pulled a Boner this morning.

Up at 4am again…completed the Blog and was on the road at 7am for the Toyota Dealership where SPIA and I spent the night two nights ago…13 miles one way.

It was dark when I left…heavy overcast and threatened rain…we are 3 blocks from the Pacific Ocean…but decided to NOT wear my Motorcycle Rain Pants…

BIG MISTAKE.

About 10 miles from returning to SPIA, it started to rain…not true…it started to POUR. The highway – US 101 – quickly became a flowing river…the berms inches under water…

In 5 minutes, I was soaked completely thru…and still had nearly 3 hours to walk…


NO RIDE.

Stopped AT RITE AID PHARMACY for something to help my cough, which dropped into my lungs during this morning walk.

Took time during the final hour or so to think thru the steps I must take to get out of my wet clothes, put them someplace inside SPIA kinda out of the way, and get into dry clothes. Even my shoes were filled with water…the first time that has happened.

Got “home” followed my mental plan, heated up half of Vera’s Chicken Soup, took the Rite Aid Medication – Mucinex – DM, and checked my phone and camera, both of which were soaked INSIDE my Raincoat pockets.

Phone worked fine.

CAMERA does NOT work…Put in a new battery…NOTHING

Checked my phone messages…one from Nephew, Dale…Rang him up…OH MY GOSH, Dale is driving from Bellevue, Washington (his home) to Seaside, Oregon to come walk with me for half a day.

Asked Dale to pick me up a new Camera…and hope we can get my present one refurbished.

In the meantime, I’m shivering – even in my DRY Sweat Suit. It is still raining very hard…it is now 1:00 pm (noon).

Walking for today is finished.

Gonna finish Vera’s Chicken Soup – thank you, Vera - and climb into my warm Duvets for a bit to warm up.

Later this evening, will enjoy the rest of Peggy’s Doggie Bag (Pizza) and Fran’s Muffins…along with a LARGE glass of MERLOT.

Oh, Yes…stopped in at a wee Diner for Pancakes, Eggs and Coffee. Enjoyed a rather in-depth conversation with Randy…take good care, Randy

No pics…as no camera

DAILY UPDATE: Walked 26 miles...count 13 miles

SEE YOUR IMPACT.ORG: Credit 13 miles @ $0.02 = $0.26 for the day.

Dale should arrive around 10:00 am tomorrow. Plan to drive one vehicle to CANON BEACH, OREGON; park and walk the 10 miles BACK to Seaside, Oregon... Then, if the wind and rain kick up, it will be to our backs...much easier - and drier - that way.

WHAT A TREAT...SOMEONE TO WALK WITH...CAN HARDLY WAIT.