FRIENDS FOR LIFE ~Traveling Thursdays

Today is my Thursday Coffee Hour in Naselle 😊

I was up very early (6 AM); and extra hour added because of all the road work going on, to make sure I would arrive at 10 AM. I was up, hair washed, face on, flavored coffee in travel mug … and there was even time to spare to fill up the gas tank (just in case I decided to take the long way home later 😉). I was driving down Ocean Beach Highway 15 full minutes before 9 AM. I was stoked; I knew I’d arrive at my destination point early 😊

 

Walking out the door ...

The day started off with good vibes.

The raging leftists are seriously out of control.

I was making good time, so I made a quick pit stop at the marina in Cathlamet. The totem pole outside the restrooms was brightly painted – the animals are pretty basically the same among the regional PNW totems; and I will often stop and look at them. Some Christians do not. But being around one does not bother me.

Totems are interesting artwork, but their spirits don't frighten me –my God is the Supreme Living God, not a figment of the imagination portrayed in wood.

I got through Cathlamet, Skamokawa, over KM Mountain, and through Graysriver … and was brought up short by road work ☹

From Hill Top Road, to Rosburg Store.

There went my extra time.

I wasn’t terribly late, but I was late. Again. Because of road work; again.

I look forward to Thursdays in Naselle; I like chatting with everyone, and the discussions are always lively. It’s fun to get a different perspective on topics. And it’s fun to share old memories – and make new memories, too.

R is a new face … and new energy: she is a little dynamo with quick wit and sarcastic charm. I knew B from my teen years; and BZ became a quick, solid friend as the circle expanded and the years anchored our spirits in unity. I am grateful Elohim brought us all together.

R's fingernails - the glitter caught my eye.

Front to Back; B – her husband is a logger; R – widowed, like me, and new to the area; BZ – her husband is a farmer, & Me – foot-loose and fancy free, just hanging with my friends.

While we were chit-chatting, drinking our coffee’s, and discussing the topics of the day … David called and asked what I was doing – I said I was hanging with the girls. He said he was headed to his beach property, and would I like to join him: I said, “okay – if you get here before the hour is up, just drop by, and I’ll follow you in my car”. He’s been talking about his place at the beach for a while, and I’ve had a standing open invitation to drop by, check it out, and visit. Today, I went 😊 David and I have known each other for at least 56 years, and he’s been a good friend to me. He knew Bob even longer than he’s known me.

I followed David to his beach property, and drove a cross-over road I’ve never been on before (not even with Bob, and Bob grew up at the beach); there was no reason to drive that road before this afternoon’s jaunt.

I'm glad I topped the gas tank off before leaving Longview. Today's diversion was Longbeach.

David has a nice piece of beach property. I had expected a sandy beach, and was pleasantly surprised to find a grassy field.

I stayed for about 2 hours; enjoying the company, enjoying the sun (I got burnt some more), enjoying the tranquility of the secluded place, and enjoying the conversations about places we both new and had visited (at different times during our lives); I enjoyed remembering/discussing people we’d both grown up with-palled around with-miss when the Grim Reaper showed up with his calling card. We talked about the cougar roaming Longview, and he showed me the picture he took of a black bear on the property next to his (!). We talked about our families, the pets we’d shared our lives with, politics, ect. It was a good 2 hours of sharing, caring, laughter, and friendship.

Then it was time to hit the road for home. I have a standing appointment on Spruce Creek – Thursday evening Jam Session 😉

The day’s driving was very carefree today: traffic was sparce, and what traffic there was flowed smoothly.

Chinook County Park; low tide.

Driving through Chinook - wave break boulders, & Astoria-Meglar Bridge in the background.

When I got to Skamokawa, I stopped at the Duck Inn to grab a sandwich for Supper, and R was there. So was B; I was snatched as soon as I placed my order, and rushed into one of the back deck cabanas – where I was introduced to a few more people (7 more; they had all drove up from Graysriver for their ‘Thursday Night Get-Together’ for Supper and schmoozing). I ate my sandwich with them, joined in the schmoozing, and was invited to join them every Thursday – I said I’d think about it. It was fun; and it will be fun again because they are all fun people to be around: I may join them every other Thursday, depending on the yo-yoing gas prices.

R invited me to visit with her and B every Friday afternoon, at her house too. That would be enjoyable; but again, every other Friday would be best, I think. If I lived in Graysriver, every Friday would work – but with gas prices being what they are, I can only do what I can do with what I have to work with.

Driving over Beaver Creek Road on my way to Spruce Creek, it looked like it was an ‘open range’ area; a black steer was on the edge of the road/Herford cows laying in the field … and the fence-line was gone for at least a mile: no barb wire to be seen anywhere along that stretch of road. So, I drove very carefully. Open range animals have right of way – and if you hit one, you buy it. When I reached my destination on Spruce Creek, I asked if the Beaver Creek area was now open range, and got startled looks; so, I explained what I had seen and LR jumped on the phone to get his grandson out looking at the fence-line, saying it’s possible an elk herd had taken the wire out. To which I replied: “It would have had to have been a very large herd because the wire was gone for quite a distance – from the corner house just past your house, to Charlene and Allen’s house. Suddenly coming up on cattle in the middle of the road could be dangerous for night drivers.”

The jam session picked up speed, and watching everyone I thought what a blessing they were to me and how fortunate I am to have them in my life.

I am truly blessed with a rich abundance of friends.

Carole King – ‘You Got A Friend’ song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eAR_Ff5A8Rk

Today has been an excellent day of excellent friendships 😉

HISTORY

I had breakfast again with a friend – and I don’t say that lightly: David really is a friend.

While we ate, we talked about history. 

The history of 2 counties – the changes of Wahkiakum and Cowlitz over the last century and a half, previous generations, and past decades.

The history of our 55-year friendship; the history of our families … and how they overlap the counties’ history (I’m fairly new to the area, not rooted in Washington History like he and Bob are/were; so, I didn’t have much to add 😉). I listened – and commented occasionally, but generally I just listened and learned about the changes he and Bob saw happen; and I take for granted because they were in place when I moved to Skamokawa in the Summer of 1966.

I was intrigued by the history of Ocean Beach Highway, and the pictures he showed me.

I like learning about History – I like learning about the places that have touched my life – and that Bob and David saw change before I moved to Washington: this morning was an education. And I was an avid student 😊

After we finished breakfast, and went our sperate ways … I came home and watered my garden area, and the 2 front flowerbeds.

I was delighted to see a praying mantis in both areas: the last time I saw one was in Pennsylvania, when I was 6 years old.

Green Praying Mantis in the Cabbage Leaf Begonias.

Brown Praying Mantis in the veggie garden area.

It is said that seeing a praying mantis is considered good luck – and because of its “praying hands” aspect, the appearance of one signifies that Angels are watching over you.

Little did I realize, as I appreciated them … how true that concept would be in my life, today.

Then because the morning was still early, I decided to drive Ocean Beach Highway as far as Chinook to see if the pelicans were still hanging around: and view the river pilings in a whole new light – and a new eye’s view.

David said the tunnel that runs under Fort Columbia used to be a tunnel for train tracks; and he showed me a picture of a wooden roadway (Highway 101 – paved today and in the tunnel; but originally built over the river, on wooden trestles) that he said circled the rocky bluff the Fort is perched atop.

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

I see those pilings in the river when I drive that stretch of road!

I always assumed they were fish cannery and wharf supports.

The picture was exciting. 

Like I said: I love History 😊

There was extensive road work all along Ocean Beach Highway: there were three stops along the way (only 2-minute waits, except for the KM road work – that was a 4-minute wait). The first pilot car was between County Line, and Munson’s … the second was at Cathlamet; and the third was on the downside of the KM, a bit before Fossil Creek.

On my way to Chinook to see if the pelicans are still around.

Road work on the downside of the KM; near Fossil Creek.

A lot of noise. A lot of posturing ... not a lot of road work being done.

River pilings that used to lead a wooden roadway around the cliff that Ft. Columbia is perched atop;Chinook.

I got to Chinook about 3 PM; and all I saw were Seagulls, Cormorants, and a flock of Loons – no Pelicans. I must have missed their visitation window.

On my way back home from Chinook, I also stopped in Knappton, to talk to Bob’s cousin Lori to pick her brain about where Frankfort used to be located (access has been gated since the late 1970’s, and the forest has reclaimed the land): David said just out of Naselle … I said I thought Bob and I had ‘gone in from Eden Valley area somewhere’.

Bob’s great-grandparents lived in Frankfort: Grandpa Smalley lived there as a young boy before the family moved to Eden Valley: I knew Lori would know the family history … and know exactly where Frankfurt had thrived before the forest swallowed it up.

Researching the ‘Bean Creek’ at home, I noticed names on the Maps that are recorded in Bob’s Family History: Frank Born Creek, Crooked Creek.

MAPS for Print: https://www.topozone.com/washington/pacific-wa/stream/bean-creek/

 More excitement!

Bean Creek; the Smalley side of the family had Bean links - was this creek named after a family member?

Bean Creek, Knappton-WA

I was right – David was wrong about the establishment of the settlement town: David said a fishing community – I said a logging community. I believe both were correct; but logging was the primary purpose for the settlement.

Bob’s family was a logging family – and Bob’s family homesteaded at Frankfort and Rocky Point, before they homesteaded in Eden Valley.

The road to Frankfort started off Sisson Creek; then tied into a logging road, in Naselle. Rocky Point, where Bob’s relatives also lived, was a little further down that road. I never visited Rocky Point.

Neither Frankfort, nor Rocky Point are accessible – and because access was cut off … they faded into the murky depths of memory; alive only to those who remember them from long ago.

I was last standing in the ruins of Frankfort, with Bob, in 1974. I was imagining how it might have been when it was alive with people and purpose.

Frankfort; I always loved spending afternoons in Frankfort when Bob and I would picnic there in the summer of 1974.

Sisson Creek

Frankfort; from left to right - Sarah, Myrtle, Martha (mother) and HENRY (son of Frank) SMALLEY.

Eden Valley, WA

Smalley Homestead; Eden Valley. Lori and her husband live in the Smalley acreage, today.

Frankfort, WA: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankfort,_Washington

I was wrong – David was right about the location. I don’t mind: History has to be right when a person thinks on it. I only remember the remnants of the place when I went there with Bob; I really didn’t pay that much attention to how we got there. And Bob always drove 150 different routes to get to 1 place, so I am justifiably confused when it comes to actual locations, unless I drive there myself 😉

I was glad for the History Lori shared with me 😊

I’ll have to let him know that next time we share breakfast.

The radio talking heads are doing their damndest to force everyone to get biden’s vaccine: ((((NO!)))) – what do those deadheads not understand about {no} and {it’s my body: my choice}.

Still refusing the vaccine; I don't believe anything coming out of the obamanite DC. I don't get the flu shot ... and I won't get the vaccine. MY LIFE - MY CHOICE.

Driving closer to home, I turned off at the Elochoman Road to take the Beaver Creek Road route, because I wanted to avoid road work pinging gravel damage to the Highlander.

It seemed so logical and simple.

I had no idea how long the drive would be dragged out when I started my adventure.

Nearing the top of Beaver Creek Road, I saw the ‘Bradley ORV Trailhead Sign, and thought “Why not? There’s still a lot of daylight, and I don’t think Bob and I were on the road that long last time we drove it.”

Bradley Trailhead.

So, I turned onto it, listening to the radio and taking in the sights.

This place is part of my history with Bob.

It had been a while since we’d been on that road – I was taking my time familiarizing myself with the area.

Adventure ...

Horses.

I stayed left; the main trail.

Here ... I stayed right. I was not lured by the sideroads.

An hour’s drive up the trailhead, I reached the summit, and wasn’t sure how long the drive would loop around; it had been a couple years since Bob and I had been there. So, I decided to turn back and come another day. It was 5:15 PM by then, and sunset was around 8:30 PM – I wanted to be home before dusk.

I got out of the car and scanned the horizon, enjoying the river view.

Cresting the summit of Bradley's Hill.

The Columbia River & the Pacific Ocean in the distance.

Litterbugs will have this trailhead, too, gated off soon ...

I had kicked up quite a dust storm driving that gravel road: the Highland would need a long wash tomorrow. 

AND THEN, 15 minutes on the downside of the summit …

I heard a thumping near the back end of the Highlander.

At first, I thought it was loose gravel hitting the underside of the car; so, I didn’t think too much of it – at first. As I continued forward, I just didn’t like the sound I was hearing.

I stayed in the worn tire marks on the road to stay off the gravel: I slowed down and rolled the window down to get a better listen.

The sound was the same no matter which side of the road I drove – the semi-smoothed ruts, or the gravel … the thunk-thunk-thunking continued, and it concerned me. I thought, “Okay, that’s not sounding a whole lot like gravel; I don’t remember gravel sounding like that when we were up here with Bob’s 4x.”

Granted the Highlander sits closer to the ground than a 4x pickup does. But something just sounded {off}, and I couldn’t figure it out.

I parked the car and got out to see what I could see.

I was still thinking spraying gravel may have been pelting the backend of the Highlander, pitting paint.

I didn’t see any pelting pits in the paint.

BUT I DID SEE SOMETHING THAT DEFLATED MY SPIRITS NEARLY AS LOW AS WHAT MY EYES WERE SEEING.

I was not thinking lady-like thoughts!

I stared at the seriously flat tire for several minutes.

No quick patch-job this time. A new tire is needed.

I looked at the waning sun – and mentally calculated how long I had until sunset.

I thought of all the times Yeshua has been prompting me to leave the past in the past; and start living in the now and making memories in the present … and I am doing that. But, I am also letting past memories lead me down the primrose path – and anyone going that route knows where it eventually leads: to dicey situations.

Logical and simple was suddenly a complicated mess. 

I don’t remember a single flat tire incident in the forest with Bob.

Ever. 

In 44 years … not a single flat tire, in the forest.

I know there were flat tires: just not in the fricking forest.

'This is a fine mess you've gotten yourself into this time, Val' ...

I looked in the hatchback end of the highlander and lifted the rubber cover mat: I did not see a spare tire … I didn’t even see a space for a spare tire: the tools needed to change a tire were in plain sight – but there was no spare tire.

I bent down as low as I could, and studied the underside of the car.

I did not see a spare tire. 

I called my guy friends and asked a huge favor. 

Leave the Past IN the past.

Of all the places to have a flat tire: in the middle of nowhere – a full hour’s drive into the middle of nowhere.

I have hiked for hours – I have hiked 5 miles.

But I know that an hour’s drive is quite a bit further than an hour’s walk: I knew I would not make it out of the forest before nightfall. I opted to stay with the Highlander.

I asked how much a tow truck would cost: a couple hundred dollars was quoted. I have the $$$ … but not at the ready; I could pay tomorrow – but not tonight.

I didn’t think the tow truck driver would be that gracious.

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BfQuvrlnOdo)

David said he’d come; and see what he could do. 

Thank the Lord, my friends love me.

Thank God I didn’t take any side spurs.

I stuck to the main trail road.

Lesson learned.

I read my book until David arrived (I was an hour’s drive into the forest – and David was at least an hour’s drive away, at home) … and he brought the {calvary} with him: a friend named Ed, who was also helpful.

Bradley's ORV Area from Longview; 43 mins.

The Highlander was inspected.

The spare tire was found; Ed spotted it tucked under the car’s underside; it had to be lowered by a giant wingnut apparatus.

Both fellas got the car lifted and spare tire changed out.

I watched ... I would not have been able to do it, even if I knew how to do it. I know there are women who can ... and all I can say, is : "More power to 'em."

But, for me: I know my limitations.

This is one of them.

Spare tire in place.

And we were all amazed at how torn up the original tire was.

That tire was heavy!

Thank God for the strength of men.

I was glad this happened fairly close to home!

I am glad Angels were watching over me.

I was glad the calvary was available, and had arrived 😊

The original tire had been thoroughly shredded; it had caught on an inside piece of the axle, after the blowout. You'd think I would have heard this blow out! I didn't hear a thing, except the clunking that sounded like gravel being sprayed on the undercarriage.

I learned a lesson today: I’m too darned old at 64½, and too petite (a chunky petite, but petite just the same) to be dealing with stuff like a flat tire on a logging road, miles from civilization.

My friends; and family who care to be concerned, will be happy to hear that there will be no more excursions like the one I had tonight.

I can’t afford to have this happen again. My guy friends are happy to help me, this time: but, I don’t think it will go over so well if there were a next time.

So, from now on I’ll just stay on the paved roads … in civilized areas … for all my next adventures.

Yeshua has been patiently guiding me away from the past memories, and gently leading me into new life adventures that will make new memories.

And I have been walking the center line, trying to find balance in both.

I believe I have mentioned in previous posts that Elohim has a way of getting my attention, and nudging me back on track ... when I am dawdling instead of obeying.

Tonight, my attention was snagged with a flat tire spanking.

I am never going to hear the end of this little snafu from my friends who are praying I get married again - now they will pray for a mechanic.

Cautiously driving the trailhead road with the skinny spare tire, back to the main Beaver Creek Road tonight, while the fading sunlight bathed the darkening forest in a pretty shadowy crimson light filtered through the tree trunks as the sun slipped over the horizon; I could almost hear Yeshua and Bob – at the same time – asking, “Have you learned anything, Val?”

Yes; yes, I have. 

Solo Lobo ventures on dirt roads are now history.

I hate being spanked 😉

David and Ed followed me in David’s truck; out of the forest and to Heron Pointe, to make sure I arrived home with no more snafu’s – I am thankful and deeply grateful.

And because there was a spare tire … I did not have to leave my car in Les Schwab’s parking lot until tomorrow morning: Frank does not have to drive me there tomorrow – I can drive myself 😊

God is faithful.

We have history.

This whole thing could have turned out very differently; my eternal ticket did not get punched today.

Job 1