Omaha, NE to Seaside, OR

Such a change--climate, temperature, land contour and elevation. Driving along the Interstates, I endlessly marvel at the explorers [Lewis and Clark] and the wagon train immigrants that covered this same land but under much more harsh conditions.

Nebraska was hot and more boring [driving] that later in the growing season would have been. This is the land that is irrigated with long sprayers on wheels in the fields,in large circles [as easily seen from the air]but the season has barely begun, thus little use of those interesting sprayers. I enjoy seeing fields of wheat, corn, grasses but too early--oh well, another trip/time. I did see a familiar sight, the roadside lakes created when the Interstates were built, that have been turned into 'wayside' parks for a family picnic. We used these, years ago, traveling cross-country when my children were small, as a very welcome respite from the heat and a cheap place for our lunch break. Good to see them still in use.

Wyoming had elevation and SNOW, not coming down but along the roadsides, held by the long 'snow fences' that dominate the scene. Near Ft. Bridger, a whole mtn range was outlined against the sky, covered with snow--beautiful--especially from a distance. Driving in the snow, I would have been much less charmed by the sight!! Also saw antelope--several small herds and one lone male with the black, twisted antlers, that make identify quite easy. Not deer, antelope. Never did see any deer, even tho the highway was posted, frequently, for deer crossing.

Utah and Idaho were shorter miles, due to the route I selected but introduced me to southern Oregon. There I again encountered mountain ranges, no snow, but animals[ no antelope]just range cattle and horses. Reached the Columbia River and its series of Dams, even a lock, Cascade locks--quite a river barge route. Fisherman and sport-boaters enjoyed the river too. It looks as mighty as the Mississippi and seems to be just as useful. Approaching the Portland area, the tourist opportunties increase for usage of the river and the traffic picked up too. Thus I was glad to reach and bypass the city and head for the Oregon coast. Arrived in the small town of Seaside.

Spent several days. Even with the rain, enjoyed my respite from driving 400-500 mile days. Explored on foot and by car, and the resulting photos, you've just seen, are the result of my joy.

Today, I'm off to Seattle. Tomorrow, I greet grandson, Stewart and we begin out time together. Looking forward to seeing my familiar world through his eyes. We'll keep you all updated to our discoveries. Keep looking for new postings.

Wisteria in full bloom, hanging over this fence, was my last lucky shot before the rain came down too hard to continue looking in more yards for more blooming beauty. 

Then this colorful Wisteria--- Even taking shots between the rain showers, I was very lucky to catch such full displays of blossoms. Usually the rain damages them, dropping the blooms, before we can have a chance to see them. Maybe Oregon varieties are hardier and hold more successfully. Some hybridizing!! 

Golden Rain Tree in full bloom--- Saw several of these beauties. 

But the most spectatular blooming was the rhododendron!! [Oregon is known for them, in fact, my cousin used to grow them--creating new hybrid species.] Ours in Brevard are beautiful but these were spectacular! My timing was very lucky to see this display. 

Scotch broom was is full blossom. Very vivid against the green, even in the rain! 

---another view of that colorful kite, dancing around. 

A sport new to me, ocean/beach kite flying. Quite exciting to watch. This kite is about 10-12 feet wide and controlled with 2 hands. It was also so windy, the man had to lean backwards to keep his balance, as he danced his kite across the sky. 

-even a fisherman--[no, I didn't ask him if he was catching anything--I'm not a fisherman!] I do enjoy eating the 'catch' tho but he's not going to get any salmon here! I did enjoy my seafood meals while staying at the beach--chowder, salmon, shrimp--not all local 'fresh catch' but down at the wharf in Astoria, it was. I got lucky!! 

--and dog [ with owner ] jogging along---- 

The next day--a brief break in the weather--more activity! Joggers-- 

Now, for a more current time--this is Seaside's ocean, with beach, from a distance [pic shot from the 'prom']. Yes, the weather was stormy most of the time I was there but beautiful still to my eyes. 

This is a closer depiction of the labor-intensive task. From January 2 to February 21, members of the expedition camped here to distill the salt. There is no record of them having to come back for more--seems once was enuf!! 

--and a close-up of those kettles. 

The recreated kettles, boiling away the water to create the much-needed salt for preserving the expedition's meat. Of course, as happens frequently with historical spaces, the sea has receeded, so this location is now several hundred yards from the ocean and beach. 

This is the memorial, set up by a descendant of a Clatsop woman that remembers the kettles of boiling seawater being tended here. I don't know if you can read it but it tells the story of this woman. 

In the town of Seaside, 10 miles from Fort Clatsop,was the site of the expedition's task of creating usable salt, boiled down in kettles, from seawater. A very time-consuming job indeed!  

--and the sculpture, viewed towards town. The men are facing the sea. 

Now, leaving the visitor center and returning to Seaside [the town where I stayed]is this monument to Lewis and Clark, on the beachfront 'prom'--just 2 blocks from my motel. 

this view shows the dog, Seaman and another angle of Lewis and Clark. As always, Clark is working on another map! 

one view of the sculpture--Clark is kneeling, Lewis standing-- 

Inside the visitor center was this bronze sculpture--"Arrival" by Stanley Wanlass of Lewis, Clark, Lewis' newfoundland dog, Seaman, and a local Clatsop chief. 

examples of these canoes. 

---and the expedition canoes--dugout style, created from cedar trees, growing in the area. The local tribal members had shown the white 'cloth' men which trees were the best and how to create strong lasting canoes out of the wood. 

___And the expedition canoes---dugout cedar logs, like this-- 

--Fort, as being rebuilt--yes, looks a little new, but it's still being rebuilt! Quite a disapointment to the museum members, as they were in the middle of the Lewis and Clark celebration--2003-2006--when it burned down.