Windy Ridge, Mt. Saint Helens, Washington

Today, Friday, 9/2/2021, I will drive from Packwood to Randle (15 miles) on Road 12.  Then south on Gifford-Pinchot Forest Road 25, the on to Forest Road 99, and then up to the top of Windy Ridge.  It is 65 miles from Randall to Cougar by Yale Lake.  Forest Road 25 is paved but very rough in many places, so you need to slow down and watch the road.  Then, down Lewisville Highway 503 to my home.  

Enjoy the Mt. Saint Helens Windy Ridge Loop.  This road is dangerous in places - drive slowly.  

Enjoy many Mr. Saint Helen's photographs.  

The logs are still floating in Spirit Lake.

All photographs by me.

Silver Lake Trip

Karen, April, Michael and I all went to Silver Lake.  We rented cabins on the lake on Sunday night and Monday night.  It rained Sunday and Monday morning.  We put the boat out on the lake on Monday and Tuesday.  We returned home on Tuesday afternoon.  

Silver Lake is 60 mile north of Vancouver.  It is part of the Toutle river drainage area.  It is on the road to Mt. Saint Helens National Monument.  

I spent most of the weekend reading my Kindle books on Logic.    

Summer Activities: Reading, Gardening, Celebrations, Travel

Every month, I browse, fast read, or read ten to twenty books, and carefully read or study two or three books on the following subjects: the history of ideas, intellectual history, zeitgeist studies, philosophy of history, biographies.  

Intellectual History - My hypertext notebook

This month, for example: 

Whitehead, Alfred North.  Science and the Modern World, 1926.  

Dictionary of the History of Ideas: Studies of Selected Pivotal Ideas, 4 Volumes.  Philip P. Wiener, Editor in Chief.  New York, Charles Scribner's Sons, 1968, 1973.  For example, Volume 1: 677 pages, Contains: Abstraction in the Formation of Concepts to Design Argument.  An outstanding resource for under $70.00 for the four volume paperback set.  VSCL. 

 

I am retired, so I am like a college student again.  I use libraries and bookstores to acquire new and used  titles, and reread books books in my home library.  I read articles on the Internet and this counts for six books.  

Currently, I am reading books and articles related to the history of thinking about time, processes, the meaning of the future, process theology, ecology, feelings of duration, Whitehead, Hartshorn, Cobb.

Process Philosophy

Getting ready for Summer Solstice Celebrations, and busy with gardening at home.  Our California weather permitted vegetable gardening all year, with "summer veggies" from May to October.  The Solstice (June 21st) is one kind of a "Mid-Summer" celebration of maximum Sun during the day, fertility, productivity of agriculture, gratitude for blessings from the Earth, exuberance, zest ...

Our Summer 2021 travel adventures include a trip to cabins and boating on Silver Lake, Fourth of July fun, a wedding in Spokane, river boat trips, Olympic National Park (Forks, La Push), and mid-summer visits to the Pacific Coast.  Canada is still closed due to pandemic flu rules, so our trip to British Columbia (300 miles north) will wait till later.  

Pulling Onions by Mike Garofalo

The Dalles in Winter's Drab Days

 Karen and I have driven through, eaten in, or shopped in The Dalles, Oregon, many times. It is 87 miles from our home in Vancouver, WA, via Interstate 84.  From the Biggs Junction, just east of The Dalles, you can drive north to Yakima or south to Bend on U.S. Route 97, and all are good paved roads on the east side of the Cascade Mountains.   

The Dalles was the terminus of the Oregon Trail in 1850.  Boats used the Columbia River at The Dalles, west of Celilo Falls, with clear but dangerous river travel west to the Pacific.  

Native Americans have lived here, and had a major trading center here for over 10,000 years.  They called it "Win-quatt," signifying a place encircled by rock cliffs.  

We drove this morning from Vancouver to Biggs Junction on Interstate 84.  This 107 mile drive through the Columbia Gorge is always beautiful, and mostly a safe driving adventure.   We stopped at Deschutes River Recreation Area, Maryhill State Park on the Columbia, the concrete Stonehenge memorial near Maryhill, Horsethief Lake Columbia Hills State Park, History, the Dalles Dam Museum, and into the City of The Dalles.  

Lunch.  

Afternoon driving trip up and back Road 197 to Dufur and hills of the Eastern Cascades.  

Check into motel.  Dinner: Cousins.  

Wednesday: Cherry hills drive, Breakfast, Drive I84 to Portland, Hood River Hotel stop, Rooster Rock stop, Home.  

We drove in our 2018 Ford Escape: nice quiet ride, smooth, safe, plenty of power. 

The Dalles Dam, City of The Dalles,
Foothills of the Eastern Cascades, Mt. Hood

Downtown, The Dalles, 1940s?

Cheery Orchards in Eastern Cascades

Downtown, The Dalles, 1920's?

 

Repeat of Post from 2/28/2021:

We purchased and are now (2/27/2021), driving a 2018 Ford Escape, Titanium Model, SUV, AWD, 4 cylinder, 2.0 L engine, 22-27 mpg.  This SUV has 35,100 miles on its bones and engine.  The 2.0 L Turbocharged engine can put out 245 horsepower.  Reviews?  

The Ford Escape SUV has many passenger safety features and road handling AWD capabilities, and meets all the Washington State emission control and road safety standards of 2018. This model uses a Sony electronic, audio, and communication system.  There is plenty of room in our "new" Ford Escape for loading groceries from the Kroeger Fred Meyer's in our Orchards area.  Or, room for moving gardening supplies and plants, boxes, travel gear, clothing, lunches and coffee, and recreational gear.  This SUV model has new tires, good handling and AWD stability and adaptability, good lights, and versatile rain and cold controls for comfort and safety.  Our SUV is silver in color.  

99.9% of the time there are either one or two persons in the car.  We will not be towing anything, or carrying any gear on the hard top of this Ford Escape vehicle.  We rarely camp anymore; and stay in motels, cabins, or hotels.  Besides suitcases, we have a variety of recreational gear (boots, camera, backpack, maps, emergency supplies, raingear, tools, folding chairs, blankets, backup food and water, backup clothing, toiletries, auto stuff, etc.) to carry on some day trips or overnight trips.  Plenty of room for two travelers and their gear and stuff!!  

This kind of newer used card should provide good service for our uses for many years in Southwestern Washington, Clark County, Washington.  We have traveled many U. S Interstate  highways and roads, Washington and Oregon State roads, U.S. Forest Service Roads, local Clark County roads and backroads into and through and over the Cascades to the east of Vancouver, WA. This Ford Escape should have plenty of power and safety features for two auto travelers in our typical 150 mile and less radius of travel ... Portland Metro and Beyond from Desert to Mountains to River Valleys to the Pacific. 

Buying a Used Car

We purchased a 2003 Ford Explorer for $3,000 in 2016.  We have put in probably under $2,500 in maintenance since then.  Thus, over five years for $5,500, not, of course, including gasoline.  

We have traveled in this 2003 Explorer between Red Bluff, California up to Portland and then north to Bellingham, Washington.  From  Okanagon, WA, Hanford, Yakima, all parts of The Columbia Gorge, the high deserts of the Columbia Plateau, and everywhere in Oregon.  The fabulous Pacific Coast from Bodega Bay, CA, to Port Orford, OR, to Cape Flattery, Makah Indian Reservation, Neah Bay, WA.  

We have many fond memories of our travels together, Karen and I.  Also, many trips with family and friends.  That old reliable 2003 Ford Explorer tackled all the hills and valleys of the Cascades, and provide all the suburban ease (e.g., good heat in the SUV, space for outdoor recreation gear, etc.).  

However, it is now time for me to give this old 2003 Ford Explorer to my son to sell and keep the proceeds.  This old Explorer SUV runs fine, has OK tires, 4WD, 120,000 miles, a few rusted areas in roof, ... yet still may have some practical uses for on the cheap (mas o menos $1,300??) for somebody else.      

So, what other used car to choose?  1.  A SUV that my wife is very comfortable driving.  She does most of our driving, because she likes to drive the most and is a very safe driver.  2.  Under the amount we have saved for cash purchasing.  3. Under 40,000 miles.   4. A newer Ford product.  

So, we purchased and are now (2/27/2021), driving a 2018 Ford Escape, Titanium Model, SUV, AWD, 4 cylinder, 2.0 L engine, 22-27 mpg.  This SUV has 35,100 miles on its bones and engine.  The 2.0 L Turbocharged engine can put out 245 horsepower.  Reviews?  

The Ford Escape SUV has many safety features and road handling AWD capabilities, and meets all the Washington State emission control and road safety standards of 2018. This model uses a Sony electronic, audio, and communication system.  There is plenty of room in our "new" Ford Escape for loading groceries from the Kroeger Fred Meyer's in the Orchards area.  Or, room for moving gardening supplies and plants, boxes, travel gear, clothing, lunches and coffee, and recreational gear.  This SUV model has new tires, good handling and AWD stability and adaptability, good lights, and is silver in color.  

99.9% of the time there are either one or two persons in the car.  We will not be towing anything, or carrying any gear on the hard top of this Ford Escape vehicle.  We rarely camp anymore; and stay in motels, cabins, or hotels.  Besides suitcases, we have a variety of recreational gear (boots, camera, backpack, maps, emergency supplies, raingear, tools, folding chairs, blankets, backup food and water, backup clothing, toiletries, auto stuff, etc.) to carry on some day trips or overnight trips.  Plenty of room for two travelers!!  

This kind of newer used card should provide good service for our uses for many years in Southwestern Washington, Clark County, Washington.  We have traveled many U. S Interstate  highways and roads, Washington and Oregon State roads, U.S. Forest Service Roads, local Clark County roads and backroads into and through and over the Cascades to the east of Vancouver, WA. This Ford Escape should have plenty of power and safety features for two auto travelers in our typical 150 mile and less radius of travel ... Portland Metro and Beyond from Desert to Mountains to River Valleys to the Pacific. 

Post from 2019

Travel and Camping in 2019

Traveling in an SUV (2003 Ford Explorer)
2019-2020
Northwest United States and British Columbia
Camping Notes, Equipment, Plans, Experiences
By Mike Garofalo
January 2019

Travel in Washington, Oregon, Northern California, and B.C.
Books, Maps, Travel Guides, Natural History Manuals, Maps
Bibliography, Links, References, Notes
By Mike Garofalo
From 2006-2019

My Travel Plans for 2019-2020

I write about these short travel adventures in my Cloud Hands Blog. Follow the adventures by the Category Labels: Oregon, Southwestern Washington, Washington, Travel, Camping.

Standing Quietly Along the Columbia at Frenchman's Bar

I often take short local trips (under 100 miles round trip).  I live in the Orchards area, in the northeast Vancouver area, Clark County, Washington.  I live about 8 miles north of the I 205, Glen L. Jackson Memorial Bridge, over the Columbia River, leading into Portland.   

This past week I enjoyed visiting Lake Vancouver, Frenchman's Bar Regional Park, the Columbia River, and the lowlands of farms, woods, sloughs, and marshy areas along the north bank of the Columbia River.  This area is south of the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  The Columbia flows north from here to Longview.  Less than 40 miles round trip for me.

Very nice walking options at Frenchman's Bar
I bring a good outdoor folding chair in my old van.
Thus, I can sit outdoors in comfort at the right chosen vantage point.

"Sit quietly
focus and forget
rest with the great achievement.

The ancient child asks
"what is the great achievement?"
It is beyond description in any language
it can only be felt intuitively
it can only be expressed intuitively. 
Engage a loose, alert, and aware
body, mind, and sound
then look into the formless
and perceive no thing.
See yourself as a sphere
small at first
growing to encompass
the vastness of infinite space. 
Sit quietly
focus and forget then
in a state of ease and rest
secure the truth of the great achievement.
Employing the truth will not exhaust its power
when it seems exhausted it is really abundant
and while human art will die at the hands of utility
the great achievement is beyond being useful.
Great straightness is curved and crooked
great intelligence is raw and silly
great words are simple and naturally awkward. 
Engaged movement drives out the frozen cold
mindful stillness subdues the frenzied heart.
Sit quietly
focusing
forgetting
summon order from the void
that guides the ordering of the universe."
-  Tao Te Ching, Chapter 45, Translated by John Bright-Fey, 2006 

"Teach us to care and not to care.
Teach us to sit still."
-  T.S. Eliot

"I have discovered that all human evil comes from this,
man's being unable to sit still in a room."
-  Blaise Pascal

Sitting: Quotes, Poems, Sayings

 

Traveled to Pacific City

Karen and I drove to Pacific City on Thursday, July 2.  We drove on I 5 south to Albany, then OSU-Corvalis, then west on Route 20 to Newport, then north on Route 101 to Lincoln City.

We ate crepes for breakfast at Elmers, lunch in Newport, and dinner in Pacific City.   We wore our masks, and kept social distancing.

The coastal mountains have lush vegetation.  We stayed at a large house in Pacific City, with a forest in our backyard.  Alicia, Sean, Katelyn, and Makenna shared the weekend with us.  Lots of cars, people, and fireworks noise over a busy July 4th weekend.

We returned to Portland on July 5. We drove along the Wilson River from Tillamook, Route 6 to Freeway Route 26 into Portland. 

Swift Reservoir, Skamania County, Southwestern Washington

Swift Lake is about 17 miles long and 2 miles wide.  It's maximum depth is about 330 feet.  This lake is behind a rock dam and hydroelectric plant, created in 1958, managed by PacifiCorp.  The Lewis River drains from Mt. Adams and Mt. St. Helens' through three reservoirs then into the Columbia River near Woodland, WA.  Campgrounds and boat launching parks on the north east side of the Swift Lake provide some access points operated by Pacific Corp, e.g., Swift Forest Camp.

We have good maps of the Gifford Pinchot National Forest area.  We also have very good maps of Clark, Skamania, and Cowlitz Counties. 

North Fork of the Lewis River, Video Essay, by Nick Fisher, OPB

  Looking north towards Mt. St. Helens

Karen, Mick, April

We enjoyed a picnic lunch at Yale Lake Park and Boat Launch.

Swift Forest Camp

Nehalem Bay State Park, Oregon

Today, I plan to drive by myself 103 miles west to Nehalem Bay State Park in Oregon.  I will stay in a yurt shelter ($55) because the temperature will be at a high of 44 and low of 34.  Surf is reported to be from 8-11 feet.  I will return on Tuesday afternoon.

The large Nehalem Bay SP campground is on a spit of land where the Nehalem River empties into the Pacific.  I will eat and browse in the nearby small town of  "Manzanita."  The mountain that forms the north side of the beachhead in this area is Neahkahnie Mountain.  In nearby Oswald West State Park there are hiking trails that lead to the top of Neahkahnie (1,680 feet).  The beaches at Manzanita and along the spit are wide and white/grey.  There are sand dunes, grasses, shrubs and trails along the spit.

Highway 101 is THE Road around here (Map); and, Necaninum Highway (53) goes northeast to meet Sunset Highway (26) and east into Portland, Oregon.

There are many wide pullouts, spectacular viewpoints, on Highway 101 about 5 miles north of Manzanita.  The Highway 101 view north from the west side Neahkahnie Mountain, when not cloudy, is eye popping. 

Bridges Over the Columbia: I 5 and I 205

The mighty Columbia River separates Portland, Oregon, from Vancouver, Washington.  Two bridges connect the two cities.  The Interstate 5 Bridge was built in 1917, and enlarged in 1958.  The Interstate 205 Bridge (Glen L. Jackson Bridge) was built in 1977.

Since we live in the Orchards area of northeast Vancouver, Washington, we have travelled both of these bridges hundreds of times.

I 5 Bridge, Looking South to Portland

I 205, Glen Jackson Bridge, Looking North to Vancouver

Columbia River, near Portland, Oregon, Looking West

I 205 Bridge and Mt. Hood, Oregon, Looking to the Southeast

Kayaking in Clark County

Sea Eagle 370 Pro Inflatable Sport Kayak
12.5’ long and 32" wide, for 1 or 2 persons, holds up to 600 lbs load, 32 lbs weight, white, $360.  I paddle this kayak by myself.  I primarily travel on calm flat water like at nearby Lacamas Lake, Yale Lake, or Lake Merwin.  With car shuffling arrangements I can float down local rivers.  

Essentials, Safety, Supplies, Accessories:

Personal Flotation Device, Stohlquist Edge, $105
Electric 12V Air Inflator Outdoor Master, Up to 20 PSI, Adapters, $155

Books about Kayaking:

Paddling Washington: 100 Flatwater and Whitewater Routes in Washington State and the Inland Northwest By Rich Landers.

Paddle Routes of Western Washington: 50 Flatwater Trips for Canoe and Kayak By Verne Huser.

The Complete Idiot's Guide to Canoeing and Kayaking By Canoe and Kayak Magazine

The Art of Kayaking: Everything You Need to Know About Paddling By Nigel Foster

Recreational Kayaking: The Ultimate Guide  By Ken Whiting.

The Complete Sea Kayakers Handbook By Shelley Johnson.

Books, manuals, videos, maps, guides:  $150

Fishing in Clark County

My son is taking my grandaughter fishing next week.  I was invited to join in the outing.  I need to renew my fishing license and get my fishing gear out of storage.  

We could fish in many nearby lakes or rivers.  Fishing opportunities abound in the Columbia River Gorge area where we live.  

Traveling the Rivers of Washington: Sightseeing, Fishing, Nature Studies

Washington River Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Doug Rose.  Frank Amato Publications, 2013.  87 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571885135.  VSCL.  Excellent resource for river trips and fishing.

Washington's Best Fishing Waters.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2nd Edition, 2007.  161 pages.  ISBN: 978-1932098525.  VSCL. 

Washington Lake Maps and Fishing Guide.  By Bill McMillan.  Edited and illustrated by Esther Appel.  Frank Amato Publications, 2012.  48 pages.  ISBN: 978-1571884770.  VSCL. 


Flyfisher's Guide to Washington.  By Greg Thomas.  The Wilderness Adventures Flyfisher's Guide Series.  Wilderness Adventures Press, 2013.  500 pages.  ISBN: 978-185106582.  VSCL.  

Maps Travel Washington

I now use the following maps and travel guides for the State of Washington:

Clark County, Washington. GM Johnson City Map Series. Vancouver, B.C., 2015, 2017. ISBN: 978-1-770684300. VSCL. I have one copy for home use, and I keep another copy in the Ford. This is an excellent map for the County in which we now live. An essential tool. A traditional folding map. Good detail on backcountry roads.

Washington Road & Recreation Atlas Landscape maps, recreation guides, detailed roads, and public lands. Santa Barbara, California, Benchmark Maps, 2015. Index, 126 pages. Oversized map book. ISBN: 970929591988. VSCL. I keep this map in my home library, in the travel section. An essential tool for travelers. Very convenient to use.

Washington: DeLorme Atlas and Gazetter. Detailed topographic maps, back roads, recreation sites, GPS Grids. Yarmouth, Maine, DeLorme Publications, 2016, 12th Edition. Indexes, 104 pages. ISBN: 0-89933329X. VSCL. An oversized map book. I keep this map in my Ford Explorer. An essential tool for travelers. Very convenient to use.

Maps I Use for Washington. By Mike Garofalo. 2019-

My Travel Plans for 2019-2020

Ridgefield Wildlife Refuge

We all travelled up to Ridgefield, Washington, to take the driving tour through the Ridgefield National Wildlife Refuge.  Sensibly, you are required to stay in your vehicles on the tour.  We saw dozens of different species of birds, some in large flocks, others solitary and up close to our vehicle.  Lots of ponds and flooded areas in the Refuge.  It was raining when we visited.  Our group was April, Karen, Mick and I.