Hiked nature trails through park to both light houses and to a hidden beach below cliff, south of Beard’s Hollow. Feeling empathetic towards original exploration party who survived here through rain and winter. But more complicated than that. I feel new respect & admiration for Native Americans. Native tribes had a sustainable way of life for thousands of years until gradual genocide conducted by The United States of America on native tribes subjugated their culture and imposed a new order. Ironic that now we need native wisdom to survive global warming our “success” has created. We call this a democracy. I call it corporate capitalism masquerading as a democracy. Is this life really an improvement? I can’t decide anymore. Everything is so inter-meshed there is no clear answer. Nothing black and white though many swear patriotic pledges to normalcy and allow the media to dispense definitions of good and bad.
There’s a Darwinian argument to be made about evolution. It may appear this corporate capitalism we mask as a democracy is victorious but time marches on and this too will not last. I will not live to see how and what changes take place. Looking out at the Pacific Ocean and the mouth of Columbia River I feel a sense of awe.
After visiting Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center I can appreciate how brave all these men were, native and intruders. The intruders would not have made it back to Missouri without the help of native tribes. There was one black man listed in the small group as a servant. I will be Googling more about him and all he did to make the journey work.
Drove north along the beach through Seaview. Stopped into Long Beach and walked along boardwalk, drinking in the ocean air. Kites darted and danced against the fine blue sky. Fat gulls hanging out with fat people. Sand sand sand. Cute piper tracks, tire tracks, foot tracks, paw tracks, and squiggly creature tracks. I noticed several cars off in distance parked right up near the surf, on the beach. Decided to drive my truck on the hardened track which they had taken.
The hardened track ended when I’d traveled about 1000 feet. I was now going over soft beach sand and was quickly stuck. I didn’t panic, but felt a rise in adrenalin.
Managed to get the truck out by using the rubber floor mats like the technique demonstrated for building the pyramids. I dug sand out behind tires and placed the 3’ rubber mats under back tires. I was able to move 2’ at a time until after 6 or 8 times (an hour later) I was back to the hard pack. Sand was all in my clothes, hair, shoes, truck...
Drove into Long Beach for a beer. I interrupted some friendly locals gabbing as I ordered beer. Mentioned getting truck stuck and they all chuckled. They said it happens all the time and some have to pay 400-500 to get out. They were surprised I got it out myself. Weird sense of accomplishment to this day. Headed north to Ocean City. Like Long Beach, distressed, colorful town. Paint peeling signs, throw back to decades before. Some signs desperate to capture attention.
The shops remind me of sea creatures attracting prey with colorful displays.
I look but do not stop. On the way to Leadbetter Point I see an artists studio/gallery that I know, Eric Weingart. I stop in and go inside. It’s a charming old farmhouse converted to gallery. Well done. I feel a pang of yesness. This makes sense to me. What he’s done here is something I could do too. I met him years ago but he doesn’t remember.
He’s very pleasant, calm, open, and thoughtful. I gather up a few items on the table about upcoming events, website, workshops. I’m impressed by his new work in acrylics.
Verging on abstract with a hint to suggest a meadow, water, or whatever.
I asked him about a specific texture, “pumice and glass beads” he replied.
He mentioned his plein air workshops. I congratulate him on his success. He mentions the house was his great grandfathers. I later think how some do get an edge up with circumstances. Even so, one must work hard with passion to be a success (fulfilling a demand).
Drove on another 7-8 miles past Oysterville to Leadbetter Point. Hiked around nature trails, along Willapa Bay and across to Pacific Ocean. Beautiful beaches, no one in sight. Signs posted about nesting birds, beaches off limits to all.
Wish I could stay on the bay all day but its about 5 and need to get back. Surprised 4 elk, one young one. Amazing creatures. Got to watch them unnoticed for a minute, munching leaves. Grating sound of winding leash caused them to bolt. I wasn’t quite quick enough with camera to get anything but a little tail retreating in the bush. Encountered a porcupine in the path just 100 feet from Elk.
Good thing I saw spiky before dogs. Dogs were very excited and spiky was in no hurry.
Filled near empty gas tank up in Ocean City: $87. Vacuumed beach out for $1.50
Stopped into Doc’s Tavern for a brew. It was hoppin’ with a poker game (a dozen gamblers including 3 women) in back, pool tables, and tables of lively conversation. No one here is yelling or shouting too loudly. I like this place.
Get back to camp around 7 and listen to classical while reheating last of crockpot chili.
Decide to sleep early and shut eyes around 9.
Got up and used the morning to talk to Verizon about data usage. woo-hoo!
Turns out Facebook was using a lot of data streaming behind scenes. I discontinued Facebook as I don’t want to spend the time or money. It wasn’t easy getting rid of Facebook. Even though my account is deleted, it still exists. Then I updated my wholesale account with Space Needle. All this bs costed me half my day! Friggin’ waste.
Took the dogs for a hike. Shut them in Rv and drove to Astoria to see the Astoria Column. Crossing the Astoria bridge I spotted the column miles away on top of highest hill.
I used GPS to get the quickest route. Got there and column was in midst of restoration. Spoke to a woman, Sarah, on a break. The mural fades over the years she says. It turns brown on the north side. This is the second restoration. So the column remains on my bucket list.
I drink in the great surrounding 360 degree view. Oregon looking south, and mouth of Columbia River and Washington State looking north includes span of Astoria bridge. Someday there may be projected markings on the earth (like football game broadcasts using laser boundaries and deliniations) to show exact Astoria‘s very hilly. There was one slope that must have been a 50 degree slant.
On the way back to Illwaco I stop at site of a prosperous Chinook Tribal tradepost on Washington side of Columbia. I luck out and stop into the site where Lewis and Clark were held up against the rocks by tide and weather. Then stopped into Fort Columbia
to see those big guns. Made it back to camp after visiting tuna fisherman Aaron ending his day on the dock. Friendly guy mentioned the Tuna Club cocktail party.
Drove back to camp, walked and fed the terrierists. Getting lots of heads turning smiles when the dogs walk by.
I fry a juicy burger, flip channels looking for Republican debate (available to public airwaves?), can’t find it, add mushrooms to burger, and cheese. Will watch the talking heads blab about it tomorrow.
Time for shut eye. Tomorrow driving south to Cannon Beach.