Just East of Eden : 05/27/21

Thursday, May 27, 2021

RAINY DAY MUSES

I went to sleep last night, to the backbeat of quick stepping/light-footed raindrops tap-dancing across the roof over my head.

I woke up this morning, to a chaotic melee of intermediate rainfall, partnered with sporadic gusty river winds.

Gusty day; river winds circle and strike blows.

The river winds leaning into the taller tree tops - HARD.

My patriotic whirligig in a constant whirl.
Bob's windchimes gently chiming.

Thank Elohim, that next few days look bright, warm, and peaceful 😉

I don’t mind the occasional house entrapment when Mother Nature kicks up a fuss … but, I do mind not seeing my friends: rain has been playing havoc with my coffee time in Naselle, my Fellowship Sundays, and the general laid-back getting out and about.

For the past two weeks, Sunday’s have been rained on (too rainy to drive the lengthy drive to Fellowship) – Naselle’s meetups have been rained on (too rainy to risk crossing the KM), and when I have been able to get out and about between rainy interludes … it’s a mad-dash affair, to get everything done before the next forecasted downpour.

Watching the raindrops slash my windows today – and the river winds beat and thrash the towering tree tops and shrubby ornamental trees; I was thankful my garden was being watered for free … and I researched information/mapped a route up the Lewis River Road and through a portion of the Gorge, that I hope to be able to make sometime in June: by then, any snowbanks in the higher elevations should be melted enough for safe passage (hope, hope).

And there should be someone at the Pine Creek Information Center next time I drive there – this will have to be planned carefully, because the staff will only be there from 11 AM to 1 PM: not a whole heck of a lot of time to be available ☹

(https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html)

But, if I leave home at 9:30 AM, I should make it in time as long as there isn’t a freeway snafu that would eat into the time.

I choose to look on the bright side, and hope for a good outcome 😊

I’ve color-coded routes on the map I got yesterday … but I still need to double-check to make sure all the roads will be open and cleared for travel. I do not want to find myself in a dicey situation miles from civilization, on a mountain backroad between check points: there will be no cell service, and spotty Ranger Stations along the route. Bob is no longer available to lean on for backroad knowledge, and soothing support if things go awry. And even though I hike (8 miles, tops) – I do not hike anywhere near the mileage it will take to walk out of the mountains! Nor, am I at 64, physically equipped to do that; I may still feel young, but my body is not as young as I like to believe I am 😉

So, I really need to have all my ducks in a row, and make human contact at the Pine Creek Information Center before I head off into the wilds.

I plotted 3 possible routes ... I think I'll do the shorted (red coded) one first.

I’ll be carrying more than Bob’s love with me on this trip … I’ll be tapping into past memories of each route I decide to drive: and hope some of Bob’s brainwaves during those drives have been branded onto my gray matter.

But, for tonight – in the present moments, the rain seems to have slowed down from this morning and afternoon’s wrestling with the wind.

Perfect for a quiet read in bed; relaxed and engrossed in a mystery until the slow rhythmic rainfall ferries me to dreamland …

I Love A Rainy Night: (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6yLlG1POr9c)

LONG TERM GOAL ~ Slimming Down

I like that I am slimming down while still being able to eat more than salad greens 😉

And I’m getting out of the house more this year (more day-long Daytrips between neighboring States), so I’m not doing that many day-long kitchen cookathons: I’m doing more quick and easy meals; and freezing a very small number of leftovers this year.

I REALLY like recipes that are small portions, since I am only 1 now.

I still enjoy my 'junk food' days when I am on the road ... AND THAT'S OKAY: comfort food is fine as long as you don't drown in it. I find allowing the occasional comfort food, keeps my goal on target – otherwise I’d feel the depravation: and that would undermine the goal.

I am also shrinking myself wisely - toning as I drop poundage (group exercising Monday/Wednesday/Fridays & hiking alternate days – local or planned daytrip additions); that way my skin (elasticity is a real issue as the body ages; I’m 64 yo) does not hang on me as the pounds drop off 😊

These are recipes that are quick, and tasty –but they are more than that … my food is my medicine, so I cook what benefits the body.

Lime Coconut Smoothie Bowl: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/lime-coconut-smoothie-bowl/?fbclid=IwAR29IQ86eiElzCuWDc1AZrk0fCle1odY3KDsG39puNk6Sgo3AS-5SHAKmNo

BBQ Chicken: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/barbecue-chicken-cant-stop-to-cook-this/?fbclid=IwAR1yZVouErJreJuBeQCm3z_8oGnt--VlL_OM6oK39dq-qkK9I8c-fM2uzUE

Parmesan Chicken Cutlet: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/parmesan-chicken-cutlet-great-alternative-dietary-food/?fbclid=IwAR2Cpe2e6kG8vR_AJabeHH5ltCw_m8tXuVcGj6ivZEt3RnKKJavsR2_N_Tc

Easy Seafood Salad: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/easy-seafood-salad/?fbclid=IwAR1e9lV4bhmGrsmpMadaElc9GAHD6bhAczJNwmoFAI4hoF6tQKgKOY9WZZs

Asparagus Ham Casserole: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/asparagus-ham-casserole-weight-watcher-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR2x1OVWu_cmDBxfO3G4wegmKKnesUexAaeDGpKM27Ko4CW2q2n3YT1y1c4

Blueberry Banana Ice Cream: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/blueberry-banana-ice-cream-perfect-frozen-vegan-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR29IQ86eiElzCuWDc1AZrk0fCle1odY3KDsG39puNk6Sgo3AS-5SHAKmNo

Creamed Onion Casserole: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/creamed-onion-casserole-creamy-weight-watcher-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR1Hieoqbzo96sv7yUz6WoLe7MHDHRmXVXCwUrH-7YjZMUnv9yzuLc7UPXc

Humus & Veggie Wrap: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/hummus-veggie-wrap-up/?fbclid=IwAR2u7uRJxGqaSMs-_gmNKp0XB2CxUFxfobW7ZlvkhRgknbs0TYU1jSTPZl4

Tuna Pasta Salad: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/tuna-pasta-salad-weight-watcher-recipe-healthy-recipe-for-weight-loss/?fbclid=IwAR3XeIcNh-ceMyd10-84syq0udAIh_MogKLVDAYMXqp1qdAvUtObf4YSPRo

Salisbury Steak: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/salisbury-steak-weight-watcher-recipe-good-choice-for-diet-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR29IQ86eiElzCuWDc1AZrk0fCle1odY3KDsG39puNk6Sgo3AS-5SHAKmNo

Tilapia with Jasmine Rice: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/tilapia-with-jasmine-rice/?fbclid=IwAR10BHGLs3quomTeEteYf2JvpvpVs94cEbLv1caDxR1DxQ1OwrX-hHG_S6Q

Chicken Gyros: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/chicken-gyros/?fbclid=IwAR0rAcwiVvxwtQ8_zHjpjU-aLKl5tsz1L5icKgweTsaik3Zg4mfdWyiPjfQ

Quick Ginger Pork: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/quick-ginger-pork/?fbclid=IwAR0cX9z0vmxM6oCkUEkX5pNPDUHexmMnDyVNFs8B3hi3bSnIz-22k-dkP3c

Southwestern Pork Chops: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/southwestern-pork-chops-weight-watcher-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR2x1OVWu_cmDBxfO3G4wegmKKnesUexAaeDGpKM27Ko4CW2q2n3YT1y1c4

Vegetable Rainbow Hash: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/rainbow-hash/?fbclid=IwAR0cX9z0vmxM6oCkUEkX5pNPDUHexmMnDyVNFs8B3hi3bSnIz-22k-dkP3c

Turkey Sausage & Bell Peppers: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/turkey-sausag-bell-peppers-recipe-good-and-healthy-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR1ANZxa8wrWQTgXRqSU9KtRzRPC0j_8ItOC0ImzMyiuLYidRqFiiTfFxIQ

Sweet Onion & Cherry Pork Chops: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/sweet-onion-cherry-pork-chops/?fbclid=IwAR3c-7-MuybMiT9IOGTYJusvpCtjo8fXzzNrW_j-_g5n6LfJuuQIY14gghI

Beef-Orange Stir Fry: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/beef-orange-stir-fry/?fbclid=IwAR358rkp9Aw5mBw5yjvN0f7i-FhBE61ZykDDDFlmeFPjRPVUOY0CGtkEDmc

Black Bean Burger: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/black-bean-burger-low-calorie-weight-watcher-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR1C_JPI87eqXsV2bxX15bu3ufkwnn2q6fC6x4vcW2MLLAaIl3rWcDptLUM

Coffee-Marinated Beef Tenderloin Steak: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/coffee-marinated-beef-tenderloin-steak-morning-weight-watcher-recipe/?fbclid=IwAR1C_JPI87eqXsV2bxX15bu3ufkwnn2q6fC6x4vcW2MLLAaIl3rWcDptLUM

Grilled Steak with Caper Herb Sauce: http://www.77healthyrecipes.com/weight-watchers-recipes/grilled-steak-caper-herb-sauce-perfect-weight-watcher-recipe-for-simple-steak-dinner/?fbclid=IwAR3DO4qO_-g1pNdiF-2BfGIlsswCOHvlrhCvlnOTCJNRglaHc13I0KW9IEw

Spinach & Feta Stuffed Chicken: https://www.tasteofhome.com/recipes/spinach-and-feta-stuffed-chicken/?fbclid=IwAR3Ta3HU-1ewESkQoDtP4_cxstUoxOrxeree4DrVGNZ_55WIkWjQanaqD9o

People get discouraged looking at the scales – LOOK AT YOUR BODY and see the difference as the pounds drop off; it is as noticeable as the looseness of your clothing DESPITE what the scales show you 😊 If the scales say he same number, months on end, but you know you are using a belt to keep your jeans on your hips (instead of the belly you had) … then you are slimming down – trust that 😉 Every body is different. A toned-down body is more attractive than a cadaverous one. MPO

FYI: muscle is heavier than fat. Go for the muscle; it will benefit you more than the scarecrow look.

A DAY TO REMEMBER ~ Amboy, Cougar, Yale Daytrip

Easter Cactus snippet from a Senior Center plant; I potted it when I got home, with a hope and a prayer.

Pink Easter Cactus blossoms – the blossoms intrigued me: I hope the snippet thrives and survives 😊

When I got out of exercise class, the morning was still young; so, I thought I’d drive to the Amboy Ranger Station (it's open), and see if I can get a Gifford Pinchot National Forest Map; and maybe have someone there help me plan a backroad route from Cougar to Trout Lake and back home through Brush Prairie & Yale when I can get through those areas.

Fledging further than Kalama, on the freeway.

Amboy; then Cougar.

This year, I’m more {in the moment} than I have been since Bob stepped off Earth 29 months ago. I’m regaining my boldness. I’m embracing the adventurous spirit I was born with.

I need to jog my memory banks and rekindle road routes – today was a day ‘to remember’.

Right now, there is snow on those backroad spurs past Cougar: and there was a wildfire last year somewhere in the backroad area I need, that the Forestry Crew has not been able to get to clean up and make ready for travel.

These are some of the things Bob would have known how to deal with; and I don’t – I spent the better part of today trying to gain information.

My hands started sweating as I passed Kalama, heading towards Woodland’s Exit 22 Dike Access Road: I haven’t been on the freeway any further than Kalama, since I was sitting in the passenger seat when Bob was still with me, in the flesh. It would be a difficult/emotional drive … but, I was determined to see it through.

Amboy Ranger Station from Heron Pointe, via I-5 S & NE Cedar Creek Rd. - 57 mins.

Coming off the Exit 22, the Industrial Area that was in development stages when I passed through there with Bob, in 2018, has really taken off; I’ll have to go back and explore it 😉

Lewis River Road; This is the first road I drove out of Cathlamet after I got my driver’s license; Bob was working out of Couger and I (and the kids, too) wanted to see him.

The Woodland-Lewis River Road changed a lot too – lots of housing development housing has been built for quite a considerable distance. I wasn’t happy to see all that fancy housing in what was a pretty country drive: it’s being infiltrated by Portlanders and Californians … who are citifying it with their fancy ideas of their concept of country living ☹

Yale is going 'upscale rural'.

To get to the Amboy Ranger Station, I had to drive across the Yale Suspension Bridge: a heavily pitted and deeply potholed (short 500 ft. across the water) 1-lane bridge, 50 feet above the water … and a narrow 16 feet wide.

Ass-kissing curves most of the roadway ...

I DID IT! I crossed that bridge without too much 'white knuckling'. LOL

Yale Bridge (https://clark.wa.gov/community-planning/yale-bridge)

The Amboy Ranger Station is about 4 miles past the Yale Bridge – and it is located directly across from the Chelatchie ancient volcanic Cinder Cone; the Ranger there, called it “our Tom-Tom” – I’ll continue calling it “the VC” (volcanic cinder cone).

Amboy Ranger Station.

Ancient Cinder Cone in Chelatchie, WA – an old friend; across from Amboy Ranger Station.

The Yale Suspension Bridge; coming from Amboy Ranger Station.

Cougar Bar & Grill from Amboy Ranger Station, via WA-503 N & WA-503 Spur; 17 mins.

Cougar RV Park ... memories here.

Gougar Bar & Grill rustic interior; I like it. This is a newer addition to what was a small diner.

I miss my personal Logger. I miss having Bob’s hard hat & work boot clutter in a corner of the house.

Bob was my Viking – and I was his gypsy woman.

The Beatles – Hard day’s Night (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yjyj8qnqkYI)

A Bobcat pelt.

Kind of a mishmash collection of 'decor'.

They didn't have an O'Doul's - I'm not big on Heineken ... but it went down.

The Bigfoot Sandwich; open faced.Bigfoot open-faced sandwich: buns topped w-2 patties, chili cheddar cheese (a sprinkling of cheddar w-1 slice of a jalapeno), nacho cheese (liberal flooding), a sprinkling of chopped onion.

I decided to push on to the Pine Creek Info Center, further up the road. The waitress said I may get information at the Eagle Resort Store, too – that further up the road past the Center.

Pine Creek Information Center from Cougar; via NF-90; 27 mins.

Gas ... 19 miles; I was okay gas-wise.

Eagle Cliff Store (https://www.eaglecliffcamp.com/)

Driving towards the Swift Reservoir (Cougar-side of Ape Cave), I saw a small patch of timber among the heavy boulders lining the highway – some standing, some fallen – that were blackened from a burn. I don’t know when that fire swept through the area.

The road I had to take to get what I was after, was steep … it is on the backside of Mt. St. Helens. It wasn’t very well maintained, even as busy as it is. There is one short guard rail the entire length of it – and the edge of the right lane literally kissed the drop-off edge.

I could almost hear Bob laughing as I crept forward.

Just before Ape Cave spur.

(http://www.mountsthelens.com/ape-caves.html)

Pine Creek Information Center closer than anticipated.

CLOSED!

Location-Location-Location. I decided to forget trying to make the Eagle Cliff Resort – I’ll do that another adventurous day ;-)

Fancy gated housing is going up all over the place along the NF-90 roadway; I didn't even know that was LEGAL. This is National Forest Land. Yet, there are private houses of the wealthy, everywhere: tucked in among the forest trees.

Cotton tree fluff was caught on the breeze that blew through: it looked like I had been caught in a snow storm – the fluff was swirling like snow flurries all around the car; I turned off the air conditioner … I did not want to have to use my asthma inhaler if that pollen got into my lungs.

Lake Merrill experience.

All along the 4-mile Merrill Lake road (horrible road!), there were signs saying ‘Fee Area’.

And all I could think was, “WHY???” The road is crap: no joke.

The ‘repairs’ along the 4-mile stretch that had been done were like someone had done it on an acid trip: large areas of dumped blacktop that hadn’t been flattened to blend with the existing blacktop, already have deep fissures and elongated foot-deep ridges that seriously rocked the undercarriage of vehicles that slowly maneuvered them. It was ridiculous. If the county … or Gifford Pinchot National Park is going to charge people a fee … they need to fix the roads!

When I finally reached Lake Merrill, and saw the road I needed to descend to reach the Lake, I said, “NO WAY” – and took my time turning the Highlander around in the middle of the roadway. I didn’t care if I was hanging traffic up, or not.

ALL the Gifford Pinchot roads are horrible, horrible roads. I don’t know if GPNF is the only National Park in America that has crappy roads, or not; but they seriously need to give some serious attention to maintaining the Park roads.

Gaining ground on my way homeward bound, I needed to find a restroom (the Heineken and soft drink were working), so I nipped in at the Yale Recreation Park. We’d never stopped there, but I was going to stop there this afternoon 😉

Yale Park/Lake Merwin (https://lonefirresort.com/yale-lake-park/)

Luckily, I married a logger ... we were always 'prepared' - I am prepared, now; and luckily this restroom was stocked ;-)

Mt. St. Helen's backside shining over the peaks surrounding Cougar area.

ENJOY LIFE every chance you get :-)

The Park has a woodsy vibe to it; I like it.

It was a serene place to stop for a stroll.

It was nice: I think I’ll be going back 😊

To Woodland: to explore more.

To Cougar: to enjoy more tasty delights.

To Amboy & Chelatchie: to explore more.

To the various county Parks: to veg & enjoy.

I was happy my adventurous day went well – even though the Pine Creek Information Center was closed … I can go back when they are open (it closes at 1 PM - I got there after 3 PM); there’s no real rush until the snow melts enough to get through to the places I want to get back into.

Little steps – little victories: I’m okay with little until I can confidently step into big 😉

And now that I am home again, fat and sassy, and comfy; I’m going to open my new read, enjoy a mug of hot cocoa … and drift towards dreamland with the sound of rain softly tapdancing on my roof.