ROAD BY ROAD DAYTRIP ~Meaningful Monday #2: Battle Ground

I planned this morning’s daytrip last night: and I set the alarm 😊

I have mentioned in past posts, that I need to do things repetitiously for it to sink in and stick … I knew there was a route from home to the Gorge: without touching down on the freeway at any point: today I figured out 3/4^th’s of the way 😉

I knew I had to figure this out from my Battle Ground pilot drive there Saturday, that triggered memories of tie-in roads along the route; and I’ve been having dreams lately that helped the memories along.

Anyway …

I wanted to keep the route fresh in my mind: and explore those tie-in-roads today 😊

The alarm went off around 7:30 AM, and I was on the road by 9:30 AM. If this was summertime … I could have completed the entire route. But, it’s Fall, and quickly moving towards Winter; so, I could only do what I can do for now.

Road by road 😉

Today dawned bright and beautiful: temperature stayed in the high 50’s all day long – and blue skies stretched on into the horizon. It was perfect for today’s mission; everything was dry and clear. Rain is forecast for the next seven days.

Battle Ground from Woodland; via NW Pacific Hwy - 25 mins. I CREATED THIS MAP RELYING ON MEMORIES! GPS didn't have it until it followed my route, Saturday.

( https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/freewheeling-fridays-2-river-runs-thru.html)

I caught sight of Mt. St. Helens peeking over the landscape as I passed through LaCenter; and she was showing big and bright in Ridgefield … a little further down the road, I saw Mt. Adams – I’m always excited to see that mountain show up because I rarely am in its locale 😊

Mt. St. Helens; taken from the driveway of a new housing development, in La Center as I passed through.

Mt. Adams; seen Highway #502 - Battle Ground Highway.

Mt. St. Helens - pic taken from shoulder of the Battle ground Highway: zoomed in. Battle Ground-WA

I don’t know if it’s allowed to nip into driveways of housing construction … or to pull over to the shoulder of a mini-freeway: but I do know that if these things cut through scenic backgrounds – with no turnouts that allow picture taking … I will stop and snap a picture. I am tired of beautiful scenic moments never having a spot handy to capture the moment: so, I made my own moments 😉

I made a few discoveries: and enjoyed renewed adventures, too 😊

On my way to exiting Battle Ground (after I had spent 1½ hours kicking around, there), I saw a blue road sign along the way that said: Scenic Route North – with an arrow pointing in the general direction … so, I turned in that direction, thinking, “Why not? I’m here/it’s here – and I’ve got time. It’s not even 12:30’noon, yet: let’s see what’s out there.”

This will come in handy: an Albertson's Store in Battle Ground; half an hour closer than the one I’ve been visiting over Cornelius Pass in OR.

Hmmm ... my curious george attitude kicked in ;-)

An 'unscenic' {scenic} side trip.

A small airstrip for the wealthy.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedars_North_Airpark)

A Cemetery.

That little side excursion was kind of a waste of time. MPO

In La Center, the road and car were showered with whirls of coin sized golden leaves, as the Alder trees shook them free. I like to watch the leave's swan dance, matching the tempo of the Fall breeze.

Along the route, I came to a tummy-tickler road that would have been fun to enjoy at full speed … but I am being good; so, I dropped and rose at the boring 35 mph posted ☹

A tummy-tickler road in Ridgefield.

When I got to the 3-way junction in Woodland, I decided to turn towards Amboy, and clock how long it would take to get to the Lewis River Road (I’d drive home from there).

I knew I’d have to cross that 1-lane Yale Bridge; but I also knew I wanted to see the ancient Cinder Cone: TumTum, too – I always stop and gawk at it when I pass that way; and Bob was good about parking where I could get the best pictures of it. He was a good man, and a good husband to me.

TumTum is For Sale! (https://www.columbian.com/news/2011/nov/01/buyer-sought-for-tumtum-mountain-asking-price-for/)

When I passed the Amboy Middle School, I remembered that there is an Espresso Shack on the road along the other side of the school: I will pencil that into my plans next time I make this trip 😊 Bob and I always stopped there – the coffee was good, and the crew was always friendly.

At Woodland, I decided to extend my drive back home ...

Amboy from Woodland; via NW Hayes Rd and NE Cedar Creek Rd - 22 mins.

Amboy Middle School, on Chelatchie Road.

RJ's Coffee Shop, Amboy.

Once I turned onto Chelatchie Road, I deleted the GPS voice aides: I knew how to get through from there without any help.

Memories kicked in.

I remembered what my dreams showed me.

Bob always took the long way home when we were Daytripping because he knew I liked backroads. When I day-tripped to Cougar, Yale, and Amboy in May; I didn’t push past the Ranger Station in Amboy, because my main focus was finding the back route to Trout Lake …but today, I pushed all the way through – I am determined to connect the backroad dots 😉

As I crossed the suspension bridge, I noticed that the potholes had been paved since May: it was easier crossing – my backbones were not jarred like they were this summer. And I wasn’t so nervous crossing the gorge on that vintage skinny thing.

I do like the bridge; I like History.

And I always look for the Osprey nests 😉

The Osprey nests are still in place, on the Yale end of the bridge.

NE Chelatchie Road; Amboy-WA

Dragging the day out with a looping side road.

Cinder Cone, TumTum; Chelatchie.

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tumtum_Mountain)

NE Yale Bridge Road from Amboy; via WA-503 N - 7 mins.

Yale Suspension Bridge.

(https://www.loc.gov/item/wa0439/)

It looked like the bridge was repaved; easier crossing.

Back towards Woodland ...

Lewis River Road from NE Chelatchie Road; via WA-503 N - 24 mins.

Lewis River Road.

When I got back to Woodland again, I saw a Great Blue Heron standing in a field along the backroad: I was happy and sad at the same time – happy because the bird was present (I will always think of these birds as ‘Bob’s bird’; he was always excited to see one) … and sad because this area is becoming suburbanized, and soon that bird will not be able to enjoy his marshy spot along the road ;-(

A Great Blue Heron in a field on the backside of Woodland.

I also saw another sight.

A memory pricked.

Another memory was triggered 😊

I veered off … and headed to higher elevations. If this road led to where I hoped it would, it would be another connecting dot.

Green Mountain Road from Woodland; via Green Mountain Rd - 10 mins. 436 feet elevation on the Woodland end - it gained in elevation.

HIGH and steep Martin's Bluff overlooking the Columbia River & Port of Kalama; this hillside is sliding and the road is falling apart.

Green Mountain Road - Woodland to Kalama & Visa Versa. 1,608 feet elevation at summit before drop to Todd Road.

4 jackasses - I named them obama, biden, pelosi & schumer; Cloverdale Road.

A jackass is a sterile crossbreed of horse & mule. They are work animals - bred specifically as draft animals; I wonder what they are being used for ...

Cloverdale Road from Green Mountain Road; via Martins Bluff Rd and S Cloverdale Rd - 9 mins.

A backroad connection from home to Battle Ground ... and beyond. HAPPY!

Green Mountain Road was very rough in two spots where the road had previously slid and washed out; the roadway was still uneven, and in one place was loose gravel laid over an obvious drop-crack that hadn’t been leveled. Thank goodness, the Highlander is an ‘all-terrain vehicle’ 😉

I found out that Cloverdale drops into Todd Road, and Todd Road links to the freeway (left side), and Kalama (right side): I took the right, which led to Elm Street. Elm Street drops right into Kalama.

I knew there was a way all the way through, on backroads.

Thank you, Babe for all those wonderful backroad drives!

Thank you Yeshua, for prodding my memory with dreams and landmark recognitions 😊

I could have gone straight home, then, on the Old Pacific Highway a usual out of Kalama; but … I chose instead to turn uphill and extend the drive: going out of the way again, and backtracking again 😉

The road construction on Spencer Creek Road is still going on: this has been going on for months – and it has been in the planning for years.

At this point, I figured I'd be parking in my carport minutes before sundown.

And that was okay: as long as I was parked before full dark.

I spent 20 minutes cooling my heels on Spencer Creek Road – up in the hills, on the backside of Kalama; towards the Kalama River Road, which ties into Old Pacific Highway. The County is replacing a culvert there, hoping to strengthen that stretch of road where there was an earlier landslide due to heavy rainfall that weakened the road’s foundation.

A full 20-minute wait.

Spencer Creek Road Project: Existing roadway and guardrail were damaged during the 2015 flood event. The damage created the need for narrower lanes as the roadway continued to settle.(https://tdn.com/news/longview-crew-saves-kalama-a-main-water-lines-during-floods/article_edafac2f-4011-5d94-97e1-2a9de4f7e542.html)

Spencer Creek Road undercut by flooding in December 2015.

Spencer Creek Road Project; this patch job is now being restructured.

Spencer Creek Road, Kalama.

It never fails ...

Kalama River Road; 2,890 feet elevation.

Old Pacific Highway S

Additional 2022 Plans.

Road by road I’m building the Daytrip routes Bob used to entertain me with; they were enjoyable drives, and they should all connect without freeway touchdowns, by the time I get them all figured out.

I’m happy with the results – and I know I’ll get “it” figured out in 2022: when the days are longer, and I have more time to dink around on the backroads 😊

I’m happy with the way my day went 😊

Memories were enjoyable, and informative.

Dreams were confirmed: and lived out.

I kept speed-control on. All day.

I'm learning county boundaries ... they aren't blurred anymore. Bob knew all the roads, and drove them smoothly. He never got lost. Ever. And he never used a map; even when we drove clear across America - he just knew how to read the sky and the lay of the land. He was always on target. But I never knew where anything was located, until I started relearning these routes. Everything is different when you are no longer just a passenger.

I stuck to my weight loss goal (I didn't eat until I got home - and I stuck to the Plan).

I found/bought a casserole dish with a dragonfly insignia; and a Great Blue Heron made an appearance: I consider both an affirmation of ‘presence’.

Today's 'find' that came home with me from Battle Ground.

** Sunday~Fundays ~ 2021:

#21/=1 for 2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/sundayfunday-21soul-food-clandestine.html

#22/= 2 for 2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/sundayfunday-22olympic-peninsula-loop.html

#20/2020 – The last of the 2020 Sunday~Funday’s – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/09/sundayfunday-20-deep-river-eden-valley.html (plus 10^th thru 19^th SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)

#9/2019 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020_04_27_archive.html (plus 1st thru 8th 2019 SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)**

==Meaningful Mondays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/meaningful-monday-mccormick-park.html

==Try It Tuesdays ~ 2021: 

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

==Wandering Wednesdays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html

==Traveling Thursdays ~ 2021:

#4/2021 –  https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/traveling-thursday-lael-moon-nursery.html

#3/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/06/lincoln-city-thursday-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

#2/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-sulkum-huff-and-puff.html

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-3-county-hopscotch.html

==Freewheeling Fridays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-boarishboorish-day-centralia-daytrip.html

#2/2021 - https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/freewheeling-fridays-2-river-runs-thru.html

==Saturday Shenanigans ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/10/saturday-shenanigans-jam-session.html

FREEWHEELING FRIDAYS #2 ~ A RIVER RUNS THRU IT/Battle Ground Daytrip

Sometimes I go to bed thinking of daytrips I want to do – just because I miss that particular place.

Other times, I am not thinking of anything but finishing a chapter or two of a current novel; and catching some uninterrupted zzz’s.

Last night I finished the Stephen King novel, drank a mug of cocoa, and drifted off to sleep: no thoughts at all of driving anywhere were entertained.

This morning, I woke up wheezing, with Kalama on my mind: “Why not?” I thought … “I don’t have anything else to do, but chase dust bunnies all day.” I could sip a latte, get fresh air into my struggling lungs, walk the paved trail of Kalama’s Riverfront Park, and watch ships pass perilously close to the shoreline – so close, your neck aches after they pass because you have been staring up the side of the passing ship and thinking what a huge hulk of bulk it is.

I changed the furnace filter four days ago – and it’s a HEPA Purifying Filter that is supposed to reduce allergens and irritants … but apparently some are fighting their way through, because I have been needing to use my asthma inhaler just about every day since the rain has kept me indoors; where forced air replaces fresh air.

I wake up wheezing.

A lot.

Fresh air sounded good to me.

My mind prompted me to “push things a little further; how about Woodland?” There is a little sandwich shop I like there – that could be fun. Eat lunch in Woodland. I haven’t done that since I last did that with Bob, when we did a Bazaar in Woodland. Six years ago. That could be fun 😉

I grabbed a towel and the shampoo to wash my hair, and that pesky mind of mind urged me to “push things a bit further: Battle Ground.”

That thought stopped me in my tracks!

Battle Ground is practically new territory.

I had been there a handful of times with Bob … but it was a quick drive-thru thing: we hadn’t actually spent any time to speak of, there. It’s practically to Vancouver. Vancouver is a hop-skip & a jump from Portland.

Mind! WHAT are you thinking of!

“You can do it”, my mind said … and it prodded me forward.

Morning musings.

Morning thoughts lead to morning actions.

Pulling my Big Girls Pants on.

Battle Ground, WA

(https://www.cityofbg.org/9/About-Us)

Hair washed, pj’s shucked and body clothed for adventure (foregoing makeup - no time to waste time); I grabbed a new read (in case I get hungry and stop for a bite 😉), my heavy coat (‘just in case’: I’m going into unfamiliar territory – and I haven’t forgotten my shredded tire incident not long ago).

I drove a short stretch of the I-5 freeway from Longview to Woodland.

New Read.

Woodland from Longview; via I-5 - 21 mins.

I’m in the right lane, driving the speed limit … and I happen to glance in the rear-view mirror, and see the grill of an 18-wheeler bearing down on me. Seeing that grill, and knowing the driver was climbing up the ass-end of my car, peeved me.

I’m doing the speed limit, and that road jock cowboy is pushing my ass. So, I glared at him (even though he couldn’t possibly see me – as all I could see of him was his truck grill) … and thought, “Go ahead buddy: push my ass. I’ll tell you what – you bump it, or dent it, and it’ll cost your ass big bucks to kiss the owie.” Behavior like his is why I hate freeway driving. People lose their minds on the freeway and start acting like jungle animals.

I was glad when my eyes saw the off-ramp exit for Woodland.

I drove the short drive through town, and aimed the nose of the Highlander for the bridge that spans the Lewis River running through Woodland.

Lewis River (https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/giffordpinchot/recarea/?recid=70978)

As soon as I found a decent place to pull over, I did – and punched in the navigational details that hopefully would get me from A to B, with as little hassle as possible.

Straight off … there was a snafu.

GPS had brain freeze.

It was a good thing I had taken the time, before leaving home, to write down route details to keep me on track 😉

GPS didn't get up to speed until I entered Ridgefield.

Battleground from Woodland; via NW Pacific Hwy - 25 mins.

Backroads have GPS stumped; I've been having dreams about driving this road.

I set out with only my post-it-pad notations ...

For several miles, as that old highway backroad climbed in steep elevation, I could clearly see the freeway below: even though GPS was still telling me it could not calculate a route. But I knew I was on the right track… and really wouldn’t need GPS at all until I actually got to Ridgefield, where I’d be zig-zagging on and off alternate route roads all the way to Battle Ground.

I remembered Battle Ground being a pretty congested area – and probably would be more so now. Four years breeds a lot of developments – even people who live there may find it hard to navigate now and then with new construction, road reroutes, ect.

I entered LaCenter at 12:20’noon … and when I got to Ridgefield, I pulled over again to reset GPS: surely there was satellite connection by now.

There was 😊

GPS finally kicked in half an hour later ... and led me true the rest of the way.

I think I'll give this a try, next time I drive through; I always try to help the Mom & Pop businesses, whenever I can.

Ridgefield road is a mini-freeway: it was a snap. LOL

Spots of vibrant color in downtown Battleground - my eyes were happy.

I was so happy to have reached my destination without losing track, losing heart, or losing my cool … I just about did a happy dance and kissed the ground, when I reached my destination 😉

I kicked around Battle ground for two hours before calling it a day, and heading back home 😊

I stopped at a little County Park – and I think I’ll go back in the coming Spring, to walk the trails: the Lewis River runs through it.

Passing through Woodland, I had to use two of those ridiculous round-abouts: total waste of road space … and annoying as Hell.

And my brain prodded me to take another side excursion (and reminded me of another one I’ll explore this coming Summer) 😉

I can handle small-town cities. I'll definitely be going back.

I spotted this pit-stop Park on the way home. It's country cozy.

People were fishing in the background - the Park extends across the highway; with paved hiking trails.

Change of plans at Woodland's 3-way-junction.

I have always wanted to visit the Cedar Creek Grist Mill, but we never did.

This afternoon, I made it a point to see it.

The Grist Mill was closed, but it was nice to look at, and imagine what it must have been like long ago when it was in full operation. I like History, and visiting historical sites 😊

There’s a river that runs through the Mill building: and makes that place feel alive.

Cedar Creek (http://columbiariverimages.com/Regions/Places/cedar_creek.html#:~:text=The%20Columbia%20River%20%2D%20Cedar%20Creek%20Grist%20Mill%2C%20Washington)

I would have liked to walk the trails both sides of the Mill … but it looked too slippery to try this time of year. For younger people, it would be fun – for people my age, it would be better to wait until the ground is drier.

I’ll be going back.

Cedar Creek Grist Mill from NW Pacific Hwy; via Jenny Creek Rd & NE Cedar Creek Rd - 15 mins.

Grist Mill Road Signs.

So cool ...

(https://explorewashingtonstate.com/visiting-cedar-creek-grist-mill/)

The waterfalls are LOUD, as soon as you step out of your vehicle. I like it 😊

Hmm; a trail.

Grist Mill entrance.

The waterfalls.

Live & learn …

(https://www.camaspostrecord.com/news/2016/jul/31/a-slice-of-history-on-the-banks-of-cedar-creek/)

I started back homeward on the freeway … and veered off as soon as I reached Kalama; I had reached my limit for freeway tolerance.

As I passed the Road Sign for Todd Road, a memory was pricked: I remember that Todd Road leads to higher elevation backroads that ties Kalama to Battle Ground – I’ll research the routes and give ‘em a go in 2022 when the days are longer 😉

I enjoyed my adventure; it was a big step.

I know I’ll be doing it again: with confidence, next time.

I was actually glad to be home, when I touched down in Longview – I am “sinking roots” … I’ve never really done that before.

I am open to whatever this season births for 2022.

I am proud of my accomplishments of the day (not sinfully proud, but confident proud) … and I know Yeshua, and Bob, are proud of me too 😊

Maxed out my freeway time this afternoon.

Heron Pointe from Kalama; via I-5 N & Old Pacific Hwy S (WA-432 W) - 25 mins.

Even following the slo-mo school bus along the Old Pacific Highway S. route, was way better than the freeway chaos.

Longview streets. Battle Ground has half as many people than Longview.

The leaf-shaking trees lining the Lake are starting to look daring 😉

The naked trees are showing their secret places.

Nature teaches us how life is rejuvenated from death.

** Sunday~Fundays ~ 2021:

#21/=1 for 2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/sundayfunday-21soul-food-clandestine.html

#22/= 2 for 2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/sundayfunday-22olympic-peninsula-loop.html

#20/2020 – The last of the 2020 Sunday~Funday’s – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020/09/sundayfunday-20-deep-river-eden-valley.html (plus 10^th thru 19^th SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)

#9/2019 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2020_04_27_archive.html (plus 1st thru 8th 2019 SUNDAY~FUNDAY links)**

==Meaningful Mondays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/meaningful-monday-mccormick-park.html

==Try It Tuesdays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/09/wings-mt-rainier-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

==Wandering Wednesdays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-day-to-remember.html

==Traveling Thursdays ~ 2021:

#4/2021 –  https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/08/traveling-thursday-lael-moon-nursery.html

#3/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/06/lincoln-city-thursday-solo-lobo-daytrip.html

#2/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-sulkum-huff-and-puff.html

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/04/traveling-thursday-3-county-hopscotch.html

==Freewheeling Fridays ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/05/a-boarishboorish-day-centralia-daytrip.html

#2/2021 - https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/11/freewheeling-fridays-2-river-runs-thru.html

==Saturday Shenanigans ~ 2021:

#1/2021 – https://jeastofeden.blogspot.com/2021/10/saturday-shenanigans-jam-session.html