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

COWBOY UP

The holidays are upon us.

Again.

Hard times for those who are alone – with no immediate human contact.

10 months out of the year I do fine: I have good friends. I can get outside the bulk of every day, most every day. I have activities that keep my body, soul, and mind occupied the majority of awake hours.

I’m happy.

I’m healthy.

I’m reasonably {adjusted} to my new station I life.

But 2 months out of the year I am scrabbling to hang on.

I’m told this is normal.

I want something different – Bob would want something different for me.

I know Elohei has Plans for me that won’t include this deep sorrowing; I am patiently waiting.

But, some days … waiting is hard.

I woke up punk this morning; and when I did fully wake up (without rolling over again and trying to shut the day away), I didn’t want to get up.

There’s no rush, anymore, to get up.

When that thought tries to dominate my thoughts … I jump out of bed quick; and find a reason to get out of bed.

The reason I settled on this morning was, Christmas greenery 😉

I want to do something different with the front porch this holiday season; and I thought a trip to Centralia might help me with that – I knew just the place I wanted to go looking, for what I had in mind 😊

Control the Day; or the Day will control you.

Rearranging the Day’s Plans.

I figured it would take me a little under 2 hours one-way, safely driving the backroads in the driving rain. I changed the furnace filter, put the garbage/recycle cans at the curb; grabbed my travel coffee mug, book, coat ... and boogied.

An urgent escape from the house …

Driving along with cowboy music playing.

I’m trying not to get lost in emotions this year.

A logging tower seen from Old Pacific Highway N; Bob was a logger most of his life. The first 18 years we were married, he ran the tower machinery.

Falling leaves were fluttering on the wet breeze, and woodsmoke was in the air.

The drive was enjoyable – the temperature, even with the chilly rainfall, was okay. The music playing was uplifting, and soothing. The scenery was enjoyable; even though the mountains were being shy, and hiding themselves in the shrouding clouds.

I was hoping, with each mile the tires ate up, I'd shake the blues. Old Pacific Highway.

The half way mark; coming up on Paradise Cove RV Park.

Construction is everywhere – no doubt housing for biden's southern illegals, & taliban pals; just before the freeway overpass.

Coming into Toledo, from the Barnes Drive freeway overpass.

I had good intentions of stopping here on the way home for a hamburger & fries; those were waylaid further up the road.

S Lewis County Airport; Jackson Highway.

Toledo Airport Officially Listed as Possible Site for Major Commercial Airport in Washington State: https://www.chronline.com/stories/toledo-airport-officially-listed-as-possible-site-for-major-commercial-airport-in-washington,260200#:~:text=Toledo%20Airport%20Officially%20Listed%20as

Get this on the Calendar! Yummy breakfast here 😊

Utility work; Jackson Highway.

A concern - this area floods; the freeway floods too, around Chehalis & Centralia this time of year. This will be my last trip 'til Spring 2022.

Jackson Highway from Toledo to Mary's Corner; 14 mins.

I don’t know what it was that triggered the tears, but something rubbed my fur the wrong way … and all those emotions I was hoping to distance myself from, started putting their hooks into me ☹

The missingness comes and goes.

There have been significant periods this year where the missingness has not been acute (I’m aware of the absence, but it doesn’t tear at my heart anymore): but, then there are days like today – where it really sucks me in: it hits my heart with a vengeance, and hooks my thoughts. I just have to ride the tears out. They eventually stop.

Most of the time, the tears happen suddenly – no warning: no apparent reason for them (no thoughts had been whipped up). But when they start flowing … the reasons make themselves known.

My heart misses Bob’s heart.

Always at this time of year.

Without warning, I was hit with a dose of creeping melancholia.

I don't know who I am anymore. All I know is I'll never again be who I was ... and that hurts on all levels.

The missingness is hard to shake.

I lost my entire life in a heartbeat in 2018 - on every level: everything I had known for 44 years.

Work Me Lord.

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

Plans for 2022: Main Street gawking in Centralia.

Centralia is a city: but it’s half the size of Longview. Literally. It might be fun to spend an entire afternoon kicking around Main Street, sometime in 2022 😉

I made my destination without any snafu’s; and found what I could use.

After I stashed my purchases in the Highlander, my stomach was urging me to feed it – so I nipped over to the Country Cousin.

Country Cousin Restaurant; 1054 Harrison Ave, Centralia, WA.

The interior hums with a farm vibe - with whimsical kitschy touches.

I read while I ate.

The birdhouses were in my line of vision; I bought the white one.

Alternate route back home ...

Old Highway #603; from Chehalis.

Another goal for 2022: Somerville Road, Chehalis.

Somerville Road; Chehalis-WA

More construction; Old Highway 603. It seems like green grass is being planted with housing projects at alarming speed to satify the glut of the obamanites.

Highway 603 to Napavine is where things took an interesting turn 😉

I thought I’d bypass Vader by going over Military Road from Winlock: GPS led me off the beaten track to N Military Road … which does eventually tie into S Military Road (which I wanted); but GPS took me faaaar afield – totally missing the Military Road I was aiming for.

It was raining so hard, I wanted to make sure I didn’t miss the familiar turnoff spur, so I used GPS: what a mistake.

Highway #505 dropped into Jackson Prairie, near Mary’s Corner … then onto Jackson Highway: backwards from where I was wanting to go. It was a schizoid GPS drive!

If a squirrel has rushed into the roadway, and GPS followed it, I wouldn’t have been surprised.

Uhhh ... WRONG Military Road!

N Military Road - the skinny white line DOWN from the red line is what I needed. Stupid GPS!

I'm sure Bob was aware of this 2nd Military Road - but it is new to me.

#505 Highway.

A new experience ...

N Military Road leads BACKWARDS from Winlock.

Jackson Prairie from Winlock; via N Military Road & US-12 E - 14 mins.

Jackson House – Bob’s family is related to Matilda Jackson (not sure if she is blood-related, or widowed from a blood relative; but she is definitely in Bob’s Family History notations (https://parks.state.wa.us/1060/Jackson-House)

Elohim has a sense of humor; He knows how to get me laughing.

Not where I intended to be; but ... when Elohim starts cutting the cards, I go with the flow 😉

When I eventually made Castle Rock, I drove home over Delameter: daylight was fading, so I called it a day, and will top the gas tank off tomorrow.

I was still laughing about GPS snafu when I walked through the door at home, and hauled my stuff inside from the car.

It was a crazy round-about-drive home … but it dispelled the gloomies: and I am thankful.

Cleaning this birdhouse will be interesting ...