10 August ‘07

Friday

Yesterday was another day full of incredible sites and hikes…Mount St. Helens.  On the 18th of May, 1980 Louise, the 3 girls, (Mikleane, Leslee, & Joelle) and I, were visiting some great friends (the Ostrems) in Vancouver Washington.  After we dug ourselves out of bed and sat having breakfast, we heard over their TV that Mt St. Helens had erupted.  We had met Leroy and Linda in 1969 when we had moved to that neighborhood, and one thing that we all enjoyed was the incredible view of that “snow cone” Mount St. Helens.  Now we were standing out in their front yard in stark amazement watching the gray ash and smoke rise high into the stratosphere.  We hadn’t heard a thing when the mountain slid away, but now watching the lightning come out of the rising cloud of dust, the indescribable feelings, and the reality setting in that we wouldn’t see this mountain, that we had known for so many years, the same way again.  Now we are driving the winding and twisting road to get as close as we can to the crater that was left behind.  With a few stops to see the different views of St Helens, Mt. Rainier, and Mt Adams we continue to our goal…”Windy Ridge” viewpoint.  Let me tell you, Windy Ridge is well named (we’ve been here before), but today it is just a tamed breeze which we welcomed.  Our first hike is almost straight up.  They have built these steps into the side of a hill to give us a great view point of the crater.  Unfortunately, like so many mountains, when the weather has made up it’s mind to have a cloud cover over the critical part of the mountain, there is nothing you can do but enjoy what you have.  There is a trail that we took that ended up splitting up into 2 others just about half way up slide area. 

Hiking there got us closer to a wonderful waterfall that seemed to come right out of the base of the crater.  (Now a note:  for some reason we have fallen away from preparing for a “hike”.  Our clothing was OK for today’s hike, but we didn’t bring water and most of all, we didn’t bring any food…WE’VE GOT TO GET BETTER AT THIS !!!)   For this reason, we hiked for only 2 ½ hours and only got as far as were the trail split to go up and to an overlook above the crater or down to the base of the slide…I guess there is always a next time, baring another eruption. 

6 August ‘07

Monday

On Friday morning we drove across the Astoria Bridge, turned east and headed onto Portland (Gresham) along Oregon Highway 30.  This route took us along the Columbia River to Portland.  Once there we followed our GPS system to the doorsteps of Suzie and Ricardo (Dick) Schacht.  We met Ricardo and Suzie about 5 years ago while we were in Cabo San Lucas.  Then this last December as Louise and I were walking through the RV Park in Cabo, we came across this couple that was just arriving.  We stopped to talk with them for a minute and in that period of time we all knew that we had met somewhere before but couldn’t figure out where or when.  The next day we all found out at different times and places were we had met and the friendship has grown since.  Anyway, as we were leaving the Baja, they asked us to their home in Gresham (Suburb of Portland) if we were to get anywhere close by.  Well today we did.  They live and work out of this most beautiful turn of the century home.  You know, the two story home, wrap-around front porch, acreage, a beautiful stream running through the treed side yard, and all the “photo sets” that any studio photographer would die for.   This place is beautiful !!! 

Click herePulling the coach and toad down the drive and around the back was a little tight.  The drive was built for cars, not motor homes.  Once we made it back there, we found a 4 or 5 car garage and were told to back up to the doors of the first two.  With Ricardo’s help and a couple more minutes to set up, we were out and giving hugs all around…it was great to be here and great to see them again.  Saturday morning all four of us jumped into Ricardo’s Black Suburban and headed to the Saturday Market in Portland.  This is the largest market in Oregon.  I’m not sure just how much we saw, but I do know that there was a whole lot more to see…it would take a week to see it all.  When visiting the larger towns there is a good chance that we can find Costco and Trader Joe’s.  With a little bribe to the driver, we were able to find both of them and then fill our refrig and pantry with all the goodies we found. Then it was back to their home and get ready for dinner and a lesson on how to play their new Wii.   Sunday morning we went to the Central Café for brunch.  It’s been a long time since Louise and I have had such a good brunch, but maybe the 2 Bloody-Mary’s that I had, had something to do with it… to edit.

Monday morning we drove down to Salem to see my Aunt Neola.  She had been living in Salem as long as I can remember.  At 92 and still living on her own, I can see why she loves this area so much.  She is using their senior transportation system to the hilt.  A phone call brings a small bus right to her door so that she can go to the grocery store, doctor’s office, or just about anywhere she wants for a couple dollars.  It has been a few years since I’ve seen Neola and she hasn’t changed a bit…still looking great !!! 

3 August ‘07

Friday

These 3 days went by FAST…  Its not that we ran around a lot, but just the opposite, we just took it easy and enjoyed each others company.  Danni and Con have a great “second” home here in Illwaco and it was easy to relax and enjoy the day without having to meet any time requirements, and besides, the weather wasn’t the best for running around.  We did take a couple of hours and walk the streets of Long Beach.  We did that after we enjoyed a “breakfast” of sweet rolls at the Long Beach Bakery…what else do you do after downing all of those high calorie treats ??? 

Thanks for having us again Eversons…  we will be back !!!