Friday, September 1, 2017

I wished Pam & JC a Happy Anniversary. We walked our dogs and almost got mowed down by two kids coming downhill on the bike/walk path at about 40 mph on their bikes! They do NOT read the sign that says bikes are to yield to pedestrians! They are having too much fun going fast! Plus they probably don't know the meaning of "yield or pedestrian". We survived!

Our Campsite and Buster being calm. Then we left our dogs in the RV and went to tour Fort Clatsop. I flashed my new Senior Park Pass and we got in free (saved $10), Woo Hoo!

We started out at the fort and looked around a little, then they had a talk on the Kentucky Long Rifle by a Ranger - who told a great story.

Next we hiked toward the place we walked yesterday with another Ranger and she told us some Native American stories. She was a good story teller. Great information.

We returned to the fort and checked the visitor center exhibits and talked to another Ranger about fur. We saw his display. He had mink, ermine, sea otters, beaver, red fox, wolf, bobcat, cougar, elk, black bear, badger, skunk, and coyote pelts all on display! He discussed how they were prepared and tanned in early days. I have no earthly idea why I didn't get pictures of him and the pelts. I think it was too shadowy under his shade tent. In case it isn't obvious, I love the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition. If you have never pondered it, read the book by Steven Ambrose. The journey and exploration they undertook was enormous! Plus they were going into uncharted territory basically. They made many scientific discoveries, charted their findings and made maps that were highly accurate. The total undertaking from provisioning to the journey and all their findings always stirs my imagination. Then we went back to the RV. Later after resting we went to the north end of the park where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean and walked the dogs. This is an amazing sight! This area was mostly deserted as it was almost dark. I think it was too dark to take pictures - I don't have any. There was a nice wooden, elevated, walkway out to a bird blind that we enjoyed. And just listening to the waves crash, and the water move is awesome. It was a lovely day and evening.