Meeting on the Columbia River

 

A painting by Charles Marion Russell 

Lewis and Clark on the Lower Columbia, Painted in 1905.  

Lewis and Clark were on the Lower Columbia, near Chinook and Cowlitz Settlements, in 1805. 

Willapa Bay Information

Native American Indian Tribes of Southwestern Washington and along the Columbia River

Chehalis, Washington

 

Centralia  Population 18,183  Images

On Interstate 5 between Portland and Olympia    WA6 Junction   Timber industry, farming, city, businesses, tourism. 

Centralia is 84 miles south of Seattle.  

Centralia Outlets Shopping     Business Directory

Centralia: Weyerhaeuser Timber Company   The company owns most of the Willapa Hills forests to the west of Centralia.  

Chehalis  Population  7,259   Images   Chehalis is 88 miles north of Portland, and 28 miles south of Olympia. 

On Interstate 5 between Portland and Olympia.  About 12 miles north of the I5/WA12 Junction near Mary's Corner. 

Timber industry, farming, city, businesses, tourism. 

Grand Mond   Great Wolf Lodge and Waterpark

Lucky Eagle Rochester Indian Hotel and Casino 

Chehalis River    Images   Newaukum River

Chehalis Reservation Confederated Tribes  NS  SS  WB

Four Days in Grayland
By Michael P. Garofalo

Today, I drove home from my Yurt campsite at Grayland Beach.  I drove WA105 to Raymond, then on WA 6 to Pe Ell and Chehalis.  Then south on I5 for 78 miles to Vancouver.  A few sprinkles, and mostly cloudy with low clouds.  I stopped at Rainbow Falls State Park.  

Raymond, Washington

 

Raymond

Raymond  Population 2,975  Pacific County  WB  Junction of US101, WA 6, and WA 105. 
The largest town on the east side of Willapa Bay and largest city in Pacific County. 
Raymond is 35 miles north of Naselle, 56 miles west of Centralia, and 25 miles south of Aberdeen. 
Raymond and South Bend are both on the banks of the Willapa River.  

Raymond Images  WB  

Raymond:  Carriage Museum   Willapa Seaport Museum    Harbor/Docks    Sightseeing    Paddling    

Raymond:  Willapa River  Images   WB  There is a north and south fork of the Willapa River in Raymond.  

Raymond:  Steamboats of Willapa Bay   There is a huge Weyerhaeuser lumber mill in Raymond.  Logging trucks are everywhere and the logs are piled high at the mill.  

Many fish canneries are in or near South Bend and Raymond.  There are numerous commercial and public docks in the area. 

Raymond Timberland Library

The small town has a large ACE hardware store, banks, churches, supermarket, fast food outlets.  Old buildings go back to the 1870's.  South Bend, six miles to the west, has a a few stores, shops, and hospital.  

Raymond:  Willapa Paddle Adventures   Paddling canoes or kayaks on the many Willapa Bay rivers is very popular. 

Raymond:  Willapa Hills State Park Trail   56 miles east to Centralia.  River biking trail from Raymond to South Bend. 

Numerous rusted metal sculptures along the roadway in Raymond.  

Willapa Bay Hypertext Notebook by Michael P. Garofalo

Four Days in Grayland

Parts I - IV

By Michael P. Garofalo

 

Surf Sounds Through Shore Pines

 

Enjoyed the fish and chips from Merino's Seafood Market in Westport.
Got books from the Westport Timberland Library.
Walked the docks of Westport.  
Relaxed at my picnic day campsite at Grayland Beach.
Beachcombing, walking, listening, looking.

Four Days in Grayland

Parts I - IV

By Michael P. Garofalo

 

Willapa Bay, Southwestern Washington

I enjoyed the drive from Vancouver to Westport.  Here is my online tour guide for this driving trip.

Today was a very nice day with wide fairly clear views.  I encountered little traffic on WA 4.  I pulled off at my favorite viewpoint rest stops for the Columbia River before Skamokava.  Inland WA4 and US101 was covered with plantation reforestation and with many beautiful large trees in their fading autumn yellow-brown rusted leaves, and the scarlet-green-brown fading leaves of the wild berry vines.  

Then BAM!!  A sough wandering under 101, and vast stretches of wild grasses and then grand views of Willapa Bay all the way to South Bend.

Willapa Bay Hypertext Notebook by Michael P. Garofalo.

I enjoyed eating at the River View Restaurant along the Willapa River docks in South Bend.  I watched one chef tending a big 6 foot long steel steamer.  He added wood logs and used a flame torch to arouse the fire.  Then he placed many fresh Willapa Bay Oysters on the huge steel grill.  He closed the top of the steamer and talked amicably with a passing walker for a few minutes.  The cook looked Nordic, and the walker looked Indian-Asian.   Then, the big man, went back to tending his steamer oysters, and he added some magical pasting for local flavor.  

I enjoyed two oysters, and a bowl of clam chowder.  Memorable eating and seeing!  Two women and a man at a nearby table ordered a dozen oysters and more for their feast of the day.  

The word for oyster in the Chinook Jargon was chet'-lo, or jet'-lo.    
Clams were called o'-na, luk'-ut-chee, la-kwit'-chee.
Water or River called chuck

Native peoples, speaking different languages, lived for thousands of years along the Willapa River, the Chelais River, the Cowlitz River, the Naselle River, the Lewis River, and the Columbia River.  

Here are the books I have been reading about Willapa Bay:

Coast Country: A History of Southwest Washington.  By Lucile McDonald.  Long Beach, Midway Printery, 1989.  Index, 183 pages.  TRLS = Timberland Regional Library System, WA [I pick up my reserved books and videos as the Westport Branch of the TRLS.].   

Shoalwater Willapa.,  By Douglas Allen.  Snoose Peak Publishing, South Bend, WA, 2004.  Index, notes, sources, 286 pages.  TRLS.  

Telling Our Stories: Voices of Grays Harbor.  By students of the Evergreen State College, Grays Harbor Campus.  Gorham Printing, Centralia, WA, 2012.  155 pages.  TRLS.  

A Tidewater Place: Portrait of the Willapa Ecosystem.  By The Willapa Alliance, Long Beach, WA, 1993.  Color photographs and text, 50 pages.  TRLS.  

Willapa Bay Estuaries   There are many estuaries at the mouths of the various rivers that flow into Willapa Bay, and the Bay itself is an estuary. 

"Willapa Bay is a major estuary on the Pacific Coast and at mean high tide encompasses approximately 70,400 acres (28,500 hectares). An estuary is defined as the area near the mouth of a river, or rivers, in the case of Willapa Bay, where oceanic tidal waters and freshwater currents collide and mix. Biologically, estuaries are among the most productive environments on earth and provide important habitat for a large variety of organisms. This high productivity is due basically to physical and biological processes unique to estuaries. Dissolved organic nutrients from detrital (dead plants and animals, and excrement) material enter the estuary from inflowing rivers. Saltwater pushed along the estuary bottom by the incoming tide brings in other nutrients of marine origin. Currents and tides circulate fresh and salt water, distributing and, to a certain extent, trapping dissolved and suspended matter. Deposition of these substances fertilizes the estuary and plant life flourishes. This plant life includes grasses, rushes, sedges  of estuarine marshes, benthic algae (diatoms), epi-benthic algae, and eelgrass on intertidal sediments. Some plants are fed upon directly by fish and wildlife but most die and enter the food chain in the form of detritus or partly decomposed plant material. This detritus, suspended in the water and deposited on the bottom, is a high-quality food for consumers because of its high nutritional value. A number of studies have shown that many species of fish and invertebrates feed wholly or partially on detritus. Therefore, detritus feeders are the critical link between plant production and the production of higher consumers. Consequently, the ultimate ecological value of primary production in marshes occurs when detritus of marsh plant origin enters the food web of the estuary."  Willapa Estuary

"An estuary is a partially enclosed coastal body of brackish water with one or more rivers or streams flowing into it, and with a free connection to the open sea. Estuaries form a transition zone between river environments and maritime environments and are an example of an ecotone. Estuaries are subject both to marine influences such as tides, waves, and the influx of saline water and to riverine influences such as flows of freshwater and sediment. The mixing of seawater and freshwater provides high levels of nutrients both in the water column and in sediment, making estuaries among the most productive natural habitats in the world."

"Estuaries are a happy land, rich in the continent itself, stirred by the forces of nature like the soup of a French chef; the home of myriad forms of life from bacteria and protozoans to grasses and mammals; the nursery, resting place, and refuge of countless things."  -  Stanely A. Cain

Four Days in Grayland, Part I    
Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II   
Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments 

Four Days in Grayland, Part III   
Photographs, Blog Posts, and Notes from 2021-2022  

Four Days in Grayland, Part IV   
Reflections of a Beachcomber:  Poetry, Short Essays, Commentary, Quotations   

The Four Days in Grayland Series began in September, 2021.

The Two Realms Mingle

 

 

Here is how our front porch looked when decorated for Halloween Day.  
We decorated our home in Red Bluff, California, from 1998-2017.  
Notice the five spherical white spectral (ghostly) visitors coming to "trick or treat" at our front door.    

"To all the ancient ones from their houses, the Old Ones from above and below. In this time the Gods of the Earth touch our feet, bare upon the ground. Spirits of the Air whisper in our hair and chill our bodies,  and from the dark portions watch and wait the Faery Folk that they may join the circle and leave their track upon the ground. It is the time of the waning year. Winter is upon us. The corn is golden in the winnow heaps. Rains will soon wash sleep into the life-bringing Earth. We are not without fear, we are not without sorrow...Before us are all the signs of Death: the ear of corn is no more green and life is not in it. The Earth is cold and no more will grasses spring jubilant. The Sun but glances upon his sister, the earth..... It is so....Even now....But here also are the signs of life, the eternal promise given to our people. In the death of the corn there is the seed--which is both food for the season of Death and the Beacon which will signal green-growing time and life returning. In the cold of the Earth there is but sleep wherein She will awaken refreshed and renewed, her journey into the Dark Lands ended. And where the Sun journeys he gains new vigor and potency; that in the spring, his blessings shall come ever young!"
-  Two Samhain Rituals, Compost Coveners, 1980 

  

"Tonight as the barrier between the two realms grows thin,
Spirits walk amongst us, once again.
They be family friends and foes,
Pets and wildlife, fishes and crows.
But be we still mindful of the Wee Folke at play,
Elves, fey, brownies, and sidhe.
Some to trick, some to treat,
Some to purposely misguide our feet. 
Stay we on the paths we know 
As planting sacred apples we go.

This Feast I shall leave on my doorstep all night.
In my window one candle shall burn bright,
To help my loved ones find their way
As they travel this eve, and this night, until day.
Bless my offering, both Lady and Lord
Of breads and fruits, greens and gourd."
-  Akasha, Samhain Ritual  

Samhain

Halloween,

The Day of the Dead

 

October: Poems

Quotes

Lore

  

The entrance to our front driveway in Red Bluff featured a seasonal display that Karen prepared from 1998-2017. 
Karen is petting our cat, King Tut, in the early morning hours. 

We now (2020) live in Vancouver, Washington.  

Struggling Somewhat

 I've not been feeling well this past week.  High blood pressure, fatigue, chills, upset stomach, coughing ... feeling sick.  Mostly rested under the covers, and read and watched TV.  

I purchased a small laptop computer.  I will load my purchased Windows software this week.  

Keeping up with home chores.  Day by day fixing problems, cleaning, sorting, arranging ...

Feeling my age, 75, lately.  

Sitting with a Dying Friend

 The dying mountain gorilla, Ndakasi, in the arms of his close friend, Andre Bauma.  

Willapa Hills Washington

Today I drove from Twin Harbors to Raymond, Pe Ell, Vader, Longview, and Vancouver.  

Beginning of high tide in Willapa Bay, cloudy, light rain, cool.  

I was very impressed with the many farms along WA 6 from Raymond to Pe Ell along the Willapa River Valley.  This river meets the Willapa Bay at Raymond.  The first 20 miles east of Raymond on WA6 follows the Willapa River Valley.  A flat country drive with rolling hills on the sides.

After mile 20 you climb a ridge and then drive down into one of the valleys of one of the forks of the Chelais River.  You continue down into the small village of Pe Ell.  

The drive on three back country roads from Pe E ll to Vader was very beautiful.  The green fields and cattle grazing were a spectacular sight to behold.  This area was part of the Chelais River drainage basin which eventually empties into Grays Harbor at Aberdeen.    

I look forward to returning in the autumn season for the fall leaves displays.  

Vader Farms Images

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments  

  

Wind and Sand and Surf

We drove down to Grayland Beach for clam digging, surf fishing, beachcombing, looking, and dog walking.  The cold wind was blowing very hard from the southwest.  

We enjoyed a wonderful salmon chowder that Mick made at night.  

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments  

Clam Digging Razor Clams   Washington State Fish and Wildlife 

Clam Digging  Razor Clam Rules and Best Beaches for Digging  

Clam Digging Seasonal Schedule [Sept-Dec 2021]

Clam Digging Tides Grays Harbor

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Washington.  By John A. Johnson.  Adventure North Publishing, 1997, 125 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Oregon.  By John A. Johnson.  VSCL.

Clamming in the Pacific Northwest.  By Ken Axt.  Frank Amato, 2016, 88 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging Westport 

Clam Digging Grayland and Twin Harbors   This stretch of beach is referred to in books as the 'Twin Harbors' Beaches. 

Preparing and Cooking Razor Clams

The Secret Life of Clams: The Mysteries and Magic of Our Favorite Shellfish.  By Anthony D. Dredericks.  Skyhorse, 2014, 286 pages.  FVRL

Clam Digging Tools:  Waist waders with attached boots.  Waterproof top as needed.  Waterproof and warm gloves, hat, and warm clothing.  Cylindrical clams digging tube (metal or plastic) and a clam shovel (11'x31").  Headlamps for night clamming.  Mesh basket for holding razor clams.  Snacks in your pocket.  Friends to have fun with at the seashore. Your fishing license in your jacket. 

If you work at shellfishing and have some luck then you will need: A clam opening knife and cutting pad.  Pot in camp big enough to clean and cook clams, oysters, or crabs. Surf fishing for redtail surf perch is supposed to be very good using clam baits on the high tide immediately after the razor clammers have dug at low tide. 

A Day at Twin Harbors

 We went clam digging at dawn at Twin Harbors State Park Beach.  There were some vehicles and clam diggers at the shore.  

Mick drove to different beaches in the nearby area for surf fishing.  He and April fished at the south jetty at Westhaven State Park.  They walked the beaches with their two dogs.  I think Mick wore his waders all day as a serious fisherman.  

It was very clear this afternoon, and the view from Westhaven State Park was stunning!!!

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments  

Clam Digging Razor Clams   Washington State Fish and Wildlife 

Clam Digging  Razor Clam Rules and Best Beaches for Digging  

Clam Digging Seasonal Schedule [Sept-Dec 2021]

Clam Digging Tides Grays Harbor

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Washington.  By John A. Johnson.  Adventure North Publishing, 1997, 125 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging and Crabbing in Oregon.  By John A. Johnson. 

Clamming in the Pacific Northwest.  By Ken Axt.  Frank Amato, 2016, 88 pages.  VSCL. 

Clam Digging Westport 

Clam Digging Grayland and Twin Harbors   This stretch of beach is referred to in books as the 'Twin Harbors' Beaches. 

Preparing and Cooking Razor Clams

The Secret Life of Clams: The Mysteries and Magic of Our Favorite Shellfish.  By Anthony D. Dredericks.  Skyhorse, 2014, 286 pages.  FVRL

Clam Digging Tools:  Waist waders with attached boots.  Waterproof top as needed [mine is Riverruns].  Waterproof and warm gloves, hat, and warm clothing.  Clam shovels (9"x18" and 11'x31") and one cylindrical plastic clam digging tool.  Headlamps for night clamming.  Mesh basket for holding razor clams.  Snacks in your pocket.  Friends to have fun with at the seashore.

If you work at shellfishing and have some luck then you will need: A clam opening knife and cutting pad.  Pot in camp big enough to clean and cook clams, oysters, or crabs.  
Surf fishing for redtail surf perch is supposed to be very good using clam baits on the high tide immediately after the razor clammers have dug at low tide. 

Twin Harbors State Park, Washington

I drove from Vancouver to Westport today, October 3rd.  I will stay in a wood cabin at Twin Harbors State Park, starting from 4pm.  I will stay 3 nights in this nice clean cabin with great windows.  I will leave for home on Wednesday, 10/6.  I will camp with my sone Mick and his wife April and their 2 dogs, Freya and Waldo.  They have another cabin reserved for them.  Karen was not feeling well and stayed home to rest.  

Images of Twin Harbors State Park.

I drove my favorite scenic route to the Coast:  Tour 1, Longview to Westport  

Twin Harbors campground is split up into many parts and has 268 campsites.  The 255 acres of the park has many trails (Shifting Sands Nature Trails) through a shore pine forest and dunes.  Our cabins are close to the shore.  The sand dunes are high and the distance to the shore is a easy quarter mile.  Roaring surf day and night.  

Activities planned:  walking, clam digging, surf fishing, jetty fishing, beachcombing, fine meals, tending to dogs, sitting and talking.  

The campground was 80% empty.  

Four Days in Grayland, Part I     Grays Harbor and Willapa Bay: A Traveler's Hypertext Notebook and Guide 

Four Days in Grayland, Part II    Grayland Beach: A Camper's Hypertext Notebook, Studies, and Comments