Where is Jack, Day 104?

We woke up to a chilly morning, and a very quiet morning. Robbie, my cousin who we visited in Portland, emailed us pictures of Normandy. Nancy has always been fascinated by the stories of the raw bravery told about this particular place and these particular Soldiers. Rob has traveled all over the world for his job with Nike and tells the most interesting stories. He lives in a condo that overlooks the city of Portland.  He can see Mt. Hood from his balcony. Nancy doesn't think he'll mind if we posts them, here, as log as we attribute them to Robert Lotwis. He has a natural talent for capturing real life in his photos. See his facebook for more. Our favorite is the one he has of himself on a camel--now, maybe he didn't take that one, but I'm sure it was his idea!

Oddly enough, these pictures came while Nancy and Michael were communicating with men who are holding a reunion at Hebo on September 11th and 12th. Nancy thought she might stick around the coast to go with the hope of meeting someone who knew Rich, but then decided that it would be all men and couples.

We will go to Hebo, this week, for the last time.

The rest of the day was spent vegging, and I mean vegging--doing absolutely nothing except for a couple of walks. Tomorrow is Sunday, so probably more of the same unless we go for a walk in Tillamook. Then, Nancy has to get busy with the errands for the week before we move on to ...

Where is Jack, Day 103?

Michael and the girls left a little while ago. Nancy and I miss them and are a bit sad tonight. We had a full day filled with fun, though. I don't think we could have fit anything else in the time that Susie spent with us or when Michael and the girls were here. Days were packed. Nancy was a little apprehensive about how we would fit four people in here, comfortably. She bought extra pillows and aside from sleeping, we used them to sit down at one end of the trailer on the open couch and table bed to talk and watch tv. We really weren't in much except to sleep so I think everyone was as comfortable as could be expected. Last night, Nancy woke up and was cold. She had put long underwear and sweats on to sleep. Peyton had the bed across from her (the girls switched every night) and the window was open and she looked like she was freezing. Nancy closed the window and covered her back up with the blanket and she sleepily said, "Thank you Gramma, I love you." Nancy turned the heat up and before we knew it, it was TOO warm.

The girls are very good to me, and Michael played ball with me this morning before we took off to take the Three Capes Scenic Drive.

We saw Tillamook Bay, Cape Meares Lighthouse, the Octopus Tree, and other beautiful sites along the way. They stopped for lunch in Pacific City at the Pelican Brewery and Restaurant—the same place Nancy and Susie went to—the same one where Nancy and Rich used to get lunch and eat outside. They didn’t have a patio, then. Michael got to see “his Dad’s haystack rock” and wanted to drive through Hebo once again. He also saw the little air strip that Rich always talked about. Nancy didn’t take many pictures because when Susie was here, she took pictures, but there are a few.

Michael really liked this part of the Oregon Coast. Okay, there are a few more pictures than I thought.

This is the sign on the lighthouse side. Michael and the girls took me, but Nancy stayed back and read her book. I can't remember if I told you, but the lighthouse was vandalized and suffered a lot of damage. They caught the teens who did it. From what we were told, they shot the windows out and damaged a lot that can't be replaced, i.e., the original glass. Such a senseless thing to do.

Michael always takes the time to explain things to his girls. He wants them to see as much as they can see as they grow up. 

You've seen the Octopus tree before, but not with Michael and the kids.

Nancy walked part of the way with us to take some pictures.

To top the day off Nancy and Michael took the girls to the Tillamook Cheese Factory. The girls saw how cheese was made, and then they and Nancy sat in the café waiting for Michael to come in. He was on the phone trying to seal a deal. Nancy and I have our fingers crossed that it works out and is very fruitful for him and his company.

The girls had ice cream while they waited. When he came in, they went and got him and Nancy ice cream. They are such great kids. I’m very proud of them and I know Michael is proud as a peacock, too.

Nancy had a great time, but she told me she's going to relax for a few days. Then she needs to have the oil changed in the truck, stop in the RV place, hopefully get the truck washed. The trailer will have to wait. She doesn't want to think about driving right now or where we're going next. We think it's Washington, but she's a bit burned out planning trips so she'll renew her spirit. This area brings many memories flooding back, and I think Nancy is tired mentally and physically. A little down time will help.

Where is Jack, Day 102?

Today we got up at 6:30, got ready, and headed off to Depoe Bay to go whale watching. Peyton road with us and Keely and Michael went in their car. On the way, Nancy glanced out the window and said, "Peyton, there's a whale, look!" She no more than said it and it was gone.  Nancy knew where it was because there was a long flat rock visible behind the whale.

I've never been on a boat before so I was looking forward to it. We got to the dock, and there were two other people who were going on the same ride with us. Nancy and I didn't hear it because she was walking me for my last minute--you know, a guy's gotta do what a guy's gotta do kind of walk. The man said something like, "Boy, how'd you like to be going on that little blue boat (zodiac boat). Well, Captain Carrie came and she was very pretty with long light brown hair. Not only that, she loves dogs and was letting me on her boat!! Geez, it doesn't get much better than that!
Carrie Newell

We were about to leave when she realized she was missing a grey box. She panicked because her captain's license, her cameras, and her GPS and other things were all in it. She ran up to her car--wasn't there. Then she drove back to her office, I think, and she had left it there. Boy, was she relieved. She explained to us what she hoped to have us see, and we got quite an education about the local marine life. Nancy told her about the whale she had seen and where she saw it and Carrie said, "That was (and she named the whale) and he has been feeding right there." She knows many of the whales by name. Can you imagine that? In fact, I think she named a few of them.

Michael and Nancy didn't bring their cameras because they were afraid they'd get wet. Nancy put my life preserver on and Captain Carrie had her dog, Kida, with her.  Well, guess what? It was the little blue zodiac boat we went on. Carry had brought life preservers for everyone and warm clothes. Nancy had gotten hats and socks out for the girls and herself, long underwear, and sweatshirts, and had a jacket for Michael, but Carrie felt we needed even warmer jackets. She had everything to make people comfortable. The man and Peyton were a little nervous, but the rest of us were fine. Michael and Nancy laughed because at one point, Peyton said in a shaky little voice, "Is any one else's seat unstable?" As it turned out, her seat really was a little wobbly. She and Keely sat right up front and Nancy and Michael sat right behind them, and I was on the floor. Then, there was Carrie, and behind her the other two people.

Kida is a pro. He (she?) walks around the edge of the boat as though he's working. He didn't pay any attention to me (guess he was too busy), but I could tell he loves being with Captain Carrie on the boat. What a life!!!

The ride was very exciting. Leaving Depoe Bay we hit some big waves; so big that we hung in the air for a few seconds before slamming down in the water. It was a thrilling ride. I lay down by Nancy's feet and she put a blanket under my chin and her shoe under the blanket so I wouldn't hit it on the planks of wood on the floor. After a while and once out of the harbor, I got used to the motion and went to sleep. Nancy really wished she had gotten a picture. When we returned, Carrie waited outside directly in front of the mouth of the little harbor (though we couldn't see it). She told us that waves usually come in sets of seven (I think). Keely and Nancy were hoping for a wild ride in. Without warning, though, Carrie gunned the engine and we were in the quiet little harbor before we knew it.

Carrie has written a book and worked with Jacque Cousteau. I'll post a picture of her website. The girls each got a book, and Carrie autographed them. We were out for about 2-1/2 hours. Carrie got a hug from everyone when we got back after a very exciting ride. The fog came upon us very suddenly and there were very large swells, so we didn't get to see a whale, and she felt so bad that she offered a free excursion later in the day or tomorrow. Nancy and I would have gone back, but Michael had plans to see other sites since he had limited time. I don't think anyone was too disappointed in not spotting a whale, it was wonderful to see the coast, experience the power of the waves, and just be out on the Pacific. Carrie is so interesting and knowledgeable--I felt we were all better to have met her. I was very glad Keely and Peyton got to meet an extraordinary role model. I think we went out about a mile, but the whales feed close to shore. She found one in 15 feet of water, once. When the fog rolled in (very fast), she said she wouldn't take us in closer to shore because of the visibility and the rocks.

After leaving the dock, they went to Newport to have brunch while I waited in the truck (of course--not everyone is as nice as Carrie). The woman there was nutty as a fruitcake. Nancy was about to lose her temper, but kept it mostly because of the girls, I think. She had to rush through her "Denver" omelet. It was scrambled eggs with raw (large) pieces of pepper, onion, and tomato on top. The only thing that was chopped was the ham--into such tiny pieces we could only find 3 or 4. Not only that, they got Keely's order all wrong--they were trying to pass an Italian omelet to me, first, and then goofed her whole order up. All the while, Nancy kept telling the nut that she had to be back to hook up the trailer--as a matter of fact, she asked the crazy lady straight up front how fast they could be served. "Kitchen is not busy," was the answer. Well, at any rate, Nancy arrived in a rush at the truck and we hurried back to the park trying to get hitched up by 1 p.m. Nancy did inside and out in just under 20 minutes. Just as she finished, she looked up, and there was a ranger ready to give her a lecture about being considerate, and how he could fine her, yada, yada, yada. Eleven minutes late and no one had arrived at the site, yet.

Nancy had told Michael to go on and do some of the coast with the girls so that was the last we saw of them until tonight. They saw a lot. They went to the sea lion caves and a lighthouse or two. Nancy and I headed for Tillamook where we will stay for a week because Nancy has to get her oil changed, do laundry, wait for mail from Susie, relax and read a couple of books, and figure out where we're going next. Michael and the girls head home, tomorrow. They went to Mt. Hebo on the way here, and also into Tillamook to eat dinner. We must have passed each other because we went in to the grocery store to stock up our bare cupboards and refrigerator. It has been lots of fun having the girls with us and Nancy was happy that they could see so many new things.

I'm hoping I haven't gotten days mixed up. If I don't do the blog every night, it's difficult.

Where is Jack, Day 101?

On the drive to South Beach, Nancy didn't take pictures. Michael did take pictures, but she thought she'd have more time on the beach, but Keely got creative. She followed our route with the Atlas and she also put a hat on me. I kind of liked it, and kept it on for hours to amuse Keely, and so she could take pictures.

Where is Jack, Day 99?

My Susie left this morning. Nancy and I took her to the airport, very early. Then, we came back and slept until noon, then went to Wendy's, then cleaned the camper for Michael, Keely, and Peyton's arrival for the night. He just called, in fact, to tell Nancy they are leaving Mt. Hood. It's a miracle, but we now only have to move a couple of things so that the queen bed can be used. Nancy also made reservations for South Beach over on the coast so that we can go whale watching out of Depoe Bay. Michael wanted a place where we could have a fire at night. Many of the campgrounds were full, but she found one spot for one night. We have to stop and pick up two cheap chairs so the girls have a place to sit. She's not sure, yet, what we're going to do about Friday. She's thinking it might be best to find another place on the coast for Michael and the girls to stay and she'll stay on the coast. Then, they can leave Friday afternoon in as much as their plane doesn't leave until 10:30 p.m. and they have to return their rental car, anyway. (We stayed at South Beach, but the fire never happened. Michael thought it was too cold)

We really miss Susie. When she's here, she takes me on walks, and yesterday she took me all the way up Multnomah Falls--Nancy couldn't have done that. They always get teary when they say good bye. Girls!! I don't have any pictures to show you, today.

Where is Jack, Day 100?

Today, we went to Mt. St. Helens with Michael and the girls. Nancy had been there before with Rich, but it was still fascinating and incredible. The landslide is just as visible as it was 10 years ago, but it didn’t seem as stark because of all the re-growth. We wanted to go because we thought it would be educational for Keely and Peyton. 

One side of the mountain blew out with such force that it incinerated everything in it's path and sent a 200 ft. wall of mud and debris which is hard to describe unless you see it in person.

Whole mountain sides and forests were destroyed; trees looked like tooth picks as whole forests were completely destroyed.

Michael found a trail that I could walk on so I had fun, too. I don’t like it when Michael goes anywhere or drives away. I think he reminds me of Rich.

Through the devastation, it's amazing to see the difference in just 10 years, well 30 since it happened. They say that Mt. Hood or Ranier will be catastrophic when they go; scarier, still, is that the scientists believe it's not "if" they go but "when" they go. Nancy said when she was there last time, it was like being on the moon. The ride up to the mountain was much greener this time. It's hard to imagine what it was like immediately after or even 10 years after.

Evidence of regrowth:

On the way up, we passed Toutle's Diner. Usually, Nancy and Rich packed a lunch, but Nancy had read about it somewhere so they went, and their lunch was delicious. She was asking herself, today, why she didn't take a picture of it this time--probably because she was following Michael. It looked like it had expanded from a little brown building to a larger restaurant. 

It was a long day with a VERY LONG drive home. The girls were very patient and very well behaved. Nancy thought Michael was driving slowly because he was conserving gas. He had mentioned that he only had 1/4 tank left when we got to the top, but it was driving Nancy crazy and was very tiring. We had a line of cars behind us. When we finally got down and stopped to get gas Nancy asked Michael what was going on with the slow driving. She had to drive in second gear to keep from running into the back of him. They both cracked up when he said he was waiting for her.

I was tired, too. We went to dinner when we got home and then we all sat and watched “Deadliest Catch”. Nancy was going to hook up, tonight, but we just got back too late. Tomorrow, we’ll head for the coast and for the whale watching trip. The girls enjoyed the outing so it was well worth taking them. We had stopped at a visitors' center to watch a film and see exhibits before we took the drive up. It was very interesting. As you can see, it was a happy day for Michael and his girls.

Where is Jack, Day 98?

Today we went to the Columbia River Gorge, one of Nancy’s favorite places. She was anxious to show it to Michael, Susan, Keely and Peyton and also anxious to see it on a sunny a day—a first.

We stopped to see Bridal Veil Falls, first. They were very pretty. Oh, I just love the outdoors.

Peyton, Michael, and Keely

Then, we hiked up to the second level of Multnomah Falls, together. Nancy stayed behind at that point and Michael, Susie, Keely, Peyton and I all went up to the top. Susie is very happy to see that I'm in such good shape. When Nancy and Rich were at these falls, there were few people there because it was early in the season. Nancy saw a young couple standing right in front of the falls and she had a feeling that the young man was going to propose so of course she got her 35mm camera ready. Sure enough, he got down on one knee, then they hugged and she cried, and then she was admiring her ring. When they started to walk down the hill, Nancy stopped them and got their names and address so she could send them the pictures. They turned out to be very good pictures, and Nancy sent them to them and sort of forgot about it until one day an invitation to a wedding came in the mail, and the picture they used on the invitation was one that Nancy had taken. Of course, Nancy and Rich couldn't go, but wasn't it nice of the couple to think of them.

Miss Martha will be happy. Michael got a picture of Nancy with Peyton, Susie, and Keely. See, Miss Martha, she really is with me.

Three Generations!

Peyton, Susie, and Keely.

Our camera isn't good enough to get the whole fall, but I think Michael's is. I'm hoping he'll send a CD to Nancy with all the pictures he takes. She's going to send hers.

The wind was high in Hood River—too high for the windsurfers to “fly” really, but it was fun and relaxing to sit and watch. I got all excited because Michael walked away and also because of the water and almost dragged Susie in the river! Susie was not happy with me.  I just couldn't help myself, I tell ya, Suz. I'm good most of the time!

Peyton Rolling Down the Hill

We also went to the Bonneville Dam. I couldn't go in, but everyone except Nancy and I went on the ranger tour. We sat outside and enjoyed the sights. She went in to see the fish ladder with the others, and listened to the first part of the ranger's lecture. He was very good at his job. I think it was educational for all, but especially for Keely and Peyton since they are still in school.

We ejoyed watching all the activity for a while and then found a place to eat in the town of Hood River. I waited in the truck (of course), but Nancy came out and sat with me while the others shopped for just a little while--everyone loved Hood River as much as Nancy does. Susie bought Nancy and the girls beautiful sweatshirts. It's fun with all of us being together.

On the way home, Michael decided to drive the old river road. Nancy and Rich had been on it, but evidently Michael and Peyton were nervous as it is a curvy steep road—not for the faint of heart.  Nancy, Susie and I were laughing because Michael was hugging the center of the road—it wasn’t difficult to figure out that he doesn’t like heights. It’s a good thing he didn’t go to one of the other places Nancy and Rich drove to—Nancy is a better driver than passenger. Anyway, aren’t the vistas beautiful from the top?

Michael took a picture of me.

I "think" this picture was taken up by Multnomah, but I'm not sure. Someone will remind me, I'm sure.

Michael and Keely (Peyton is like Nancy--hates her picture taken)