Seattle, Tillamook, and Portland

We WERE headed to Seattle but took a detour to Everett, WA. The guys took in The Future of Flight--Boeing Museum & Tour. By the time that was done just couldn't justify a trip on in to the city. Found an RV park and played "catch-up" on laundry & schoolwork. 

Hung out til (most of) the rain passed. Then whirl-winded another city. Afraid it might've been a bit of an overload for poor Taylor, unused to Grandpa & Mary's frenetic pace: Monorail, Pike's Market, Waterfront, Space Needle & Chihuly Gallery & Gardens. First time for me for both Space Needle & Chihuly.

Confession: too much art is lost on me. Rarely has a painting captivated my heart, although I could name a couple of exceptions. It wasn't until I traveled to Italy and was moved to tears by old marble sculptured into exquisite being that I "got it". Centuries-old mosaics at Herculaneum touched my core as well. The Chihuly exhibit, well, it simply elicited pure joy. I enjoyed the explosion of colors and shapes, but when they were incorporated into landscaping themes...it was "oh, WOW!" 

It was late by the time we got to Hannah & Nick's RV Park. We hugged, chatted, then slept. Taylor got a reprieve from the old farts, hanging out by himself for the day. Nick took Greg crabbing. Nick pulled in some beauts. Greg said he needed to work on his technique after only one catch & release. Hannah & Mary ran errands then hung out with friends. Good day had by all.

BFF's mom died in Georgia so I spent the next day trying to get on a flight standby. Long, unsuccessful day. Greg introduced Taylor to Powell's Books before taking him to Oregon Museum of Science & Industry (OMSI). Hands on exhibits, a submarine tour, and actual artifacts from Pompeii were the highlights. Late afternoon after I was told I wasn't getting on the last flight of the day (a red-eye, for crying out loud), the guys picked me up and we headed out to the Columbia River Gorge. 

The fires definitely scourged the hillside and there were still a few places smoldering, but the beauty of the gorge is still intact. Prepared to turn off the Multnoma Falls exit only to find that area is still completely off-limits. One more easy evening--crab cakes for dinner--with Nicholas & Hannah before we launched again.

Drove to Oceanside and walked the beach.  First time Taylor's had his toes in fine, grainy sand. Spent the day driving down the coast on OR 101: stopped in Depoe Bay for an ice cream & whale spout spotting; stopped at Yaquina Head to explore tide pools and watch some seals. Turned east toward Crater Lake at Florence and got to Black Canyon US Campground in the Willamette National Forest. 

We've been surprised at the number of campgrounds that are already closed for the season. Got here about dusk and were tickled to find it still open. That was the good news. Bad news was: it was full! Spoke to one of the campers who said the host left this morning and told everyone they had to clear out. No one did. So, tonight we are nestled in the host's spot surrounded by towering, old-growth hemlock, cedar and Douglas fir thickly barked and dripping with moss.

Two weeks, 3,370 miles and counting. 

Added a few more pictures here.