tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85013549920662947662024-03-21T20:17:11.605-07:00Discover the WorldCalvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-85713046317293300162016-03-14T10:30:00.000-07:002018-05-30T18:29:12.764-07:00Brutal Tunnel Falls Hike via Eagle Creek Trail<div class="quote">Even when it all seems hopeless keep pushing forward.</div><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTWhZigGbQCBcl4Za7OeN14hgiFXBJ6NZlk7-M0nqyBGN_7-4Xgou8LLrX_DxE8y1LuJU5LsiW1885aZ4lPXdTINqEdo9dUBAv_X-JRJz5wWWlKKYZGZqesWmMH9UlvI5vNlvWxtVJc5j/s1600/wood-nature-person-walking.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Man hiking on a wood covered trail" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivTWhZigGbQCBcl4Za7OeN14hgiFXBJ6NZlk7-M0nqyBGN_7-4Xgou8LLrX_DxE8y1LuJU5LsiW1885aZ4lPXdTINqEdo9dUBAv_X-JRJz5wWWlKKYZGZqesWmMH9UlvI5vNlvWxtVJc5j/s1600/wood-nature-person-walking.jpg" width="640" height="426" title="Man hiking on trail" /></a></div>
<strong><br /><span style="color: lime;">The Tunnel Falls hike</span></strong> by far is the longest hike that I have ever done. We are about 4 miles out when one of my legs starts to cramp and seize up. Things went from <strong>bad</strong> to <strong>worse</strong> as my second leg starts to fail me. If only I had better prepared for this, then maybe I wouldn't have been stuck in this situation...<br />
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<h2>
Hiking the Eagle Creek Trail to Tunnel Falls</h2>
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Like any other day in <em>August</em>, the sun is shining overhead with clouds sparsely dotting the sky above. Now, this is the type of weather you want to have when hiking anywhere in Oregon. Today my mom, her friend and I were going on a hike. The hike we were going on was the <a href="https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Eagle_Creek_to_Tunnel_Falls_Hike" target="_blank">Eagle Creek Trail</a> all the way to Tunnel Falls! A quick perusing of the Internet shows that it is only 12 miles round trip.</div>
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<em>How hard could that be?</em> I postulate to myself. <em>At 30 minutes per mile adding in breaks for photos and snacks, it shouldn't take more than six-and-a-half hours tops, maybe seven.</em></div>
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We had gone up this trail once before to Punch Bowl Falls, which is about 2 miles one way.</div>
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The day started later than previously anticipated as my mom's friend is a bit delayed with calls and such. No matter.<br />
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I should mention now that I am wearing <strong>sandals</strong> which are actually quite comfy.<br />
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Let the adventure begin!</h3>
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It is almost high noon by the time we arrive. Not an ideal time since the parking area is packed with many hikers already whisking up the trail. The plus is that we will be in the shade majority of the time (think no sunscreen).<br />
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It is a brisk afternoon with the sun illuminating the light-green leaves with a cool white glow. Not all the trees were green since the <a href="https://legacy.kgw.com/story/news/local/2015/09/07/ore-worst-us-drought-conditions-weather-rainfall/71836442/">drought in Oregon</a> was particularly bad. The poor lilies of the valley at home started dying in July and were completely withered by August. The maple tree was screaming at me for sunscreen and water while its leaves turned from yellow to brown and fell to the ground. Sad tree :(.<br />
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Anyhow, anything not under some shade of a giant, arm-hugging <a href="https://oregonforests.org/content/tree-variety?type=coniferous&forest=Willamette%20Valley#tree">Douglas-fir</a> or next to a source of water was not doing so well. The grass is usually the first to brown, like a group of dancers without an audience to sustain them.<br />
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On the trail</h4>
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They say that when you initially experience or see something that your perception of the event is slower than the second time you see it. I would say this held true hiking the first two miles of the Eagle Creek Trail to Punchbowl Falls. It did not take long to spot the decrepit <em>Punchbowl Falls <sup>1/2</sup></em> mile sign.<br />
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbAXRolS-jxlOL-8Oo5VNgFjLhETiJx3nzlC-rPvNdM9TP1I-y8_Bp3WY0IJZKIk3I1cSy_BnIq2xXExhzKAVzN9B7bb7IoEMLNJHXiVSwt3UgKm6CZXugj68VQSLrBOy9FOTA0s2-_oi/s1600/3417291138_11484b5e4b_b_DxO.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Punchbowl Falls 1/2 mile ahead"https:// src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkbAXRolS-jxlOL-8Oo5VNgFjLhETiJx3nzlC-rPvNdM9TP1I-y8_Bp3WY0IJZKIk3I1cSy_BnIq2xXExhzKAVzN9B7bb7IoEMLNJHXiVSwt3UgKm6CZXugj68VQSLrBOy9FOTA0s2-_oi/s1600/3417291138_11484b5e4b_b_DxO.jpg" width="600" height="373" title="Punchbowl Falls Sign" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/6cYvAJ" target="_blank">Untitled</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mettamatt/" target="_blank">Matt Westgate</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC by SA 2.0</a> - Tone curve adjustments, vibrancy, and sharpening</div>
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<h3>
Alien Territory</h3>
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From then on it was an entirely alien territory. The High Bridge was our next big view and denoted our halfway mark to Tunnel Falls. With all this hiking, I was too exhausted to be in my right mind, creatively that is. We saw people down in the ravine below, wading in the river. There was a spot we could descend precisely on the other side of the bridge. Another adventure for another time.<br />
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<h4>
Tenas Camp and Skoonichuk Falls</h4>
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Had it not been for some research, I would not have known the name of the next falls that was just a wee past High Bridge. At this point, we decided to take a break at Tenas Camp. Fun, fun! </div>
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We decided to head towards the general direction of the river to get a better view of <a href="https://www.waterfallsnorthwest.com/nws/falls.php?num=3892" target="_blank">Skoonichuk Falls</a> (commonly misspelled as Skoonichu<em>c</em>k Falls). I have no idea where that name came from.<br />
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/24218496616_b1877448a5_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Skoonichuk Falls (not Skoonichuck)"https:// src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1631/24218496616_b1877448a5_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" title="Skoonichuk Falls" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/24218496616/" target="_blank">Skoonichuk Falls</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/" target="_blank">Calvin Hodgson</a> CC by SA 4.0</div>
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After climbing down some steep hills, we end up on a ledge overlooking the falls. There was some rope tied to a tree (maybe it was <a href="https://canyoneeringutah.blogspot.com/2014/08/canyoneering-in-heaven-eh-i-mean-eagle.html">from these daring adventurers</a> a year back). In either case, this is the only spot you can get a view of this stunning waterfall. Being in the heat of summer, there wasn't as much water cascading down as you would find earlier in the season.<br />
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Four-and-a-Half-Mile Bridge</h4>
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About another hour, and we make it to our next big landmark of this hike. The <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/mcigler/8634063889/in/photolist-6JhLmc-e9XQov-4XJi4h-xygrS2/">Four-and-a-Half-Mile Bridge</a> (Again, wasn't in my creative mind so this video will suffice) is like something out of a fairytale. There's crisp clean water, sunlight dancing between the leaves and the soothing sound of the water trickling along. </div>
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Another group that was ahead of us was taking a dip in its glistening water. We took a quick stop to dip our toes and snack on treats.</div>
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Sitting there under the shade of the trees listening to the stream put me in a state of tranquility and serenity. Moments like that are but nil in our fast-paced lives going to and fro doing errands and completing projects. I have actually had one of these moments myself years back, even amidst the chaos of everyday life. It was a perfect day, in my book, with the breeze blowing slightly, the sun shining and the deep-blue skies gleaming. There was no agenda or task needing my immediate attention. That is how this moment felt..<br />
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Unbeknownst to us, a little chipmunk was skittishly peeking from behind the rocks; glaring at us before hurrying along. Once we had caught sight of it, we decided to throw it a peanut. Either it was hesitant or just did not notice it as it continued to peek at us darting between the rocks. Eventually, it braved up and ate the nut. What a cute little creature. After that encounter, it was time to make our way towards Tunnel Falls once again.<br />
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The last 2 miles to Tunnel Falls</h4>
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As the day wore on; we inch ever so closer towards Tunnel Falls. A couple, who had already visited Tunnel Falls and were just heading back, informed us that it wasn't too far ahead. The distance seemd much farther then what they were saying. Our next landmark was a sign informing us of the fire that ripped through here many scores ago. Soon after that, we cross into another camp area. This one looked quite large, able to fit at least a dozen tents. A skip and hop away from there, we approach the boundary marking the Columbia Wilderness. A <a href="https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/willamette/passes-permits/recreation/?cid=fse_005446" target="_blank">self-issue permit</a> for our party needed to be drafted before proceeding along any further. This was likely needed in case we went missing as it identified where we were going.</div>
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1.2 miles to go.</div>
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This part of the trail does not offer much in the way of waterfalls or streams. Any of that is in the valley below. <a href="https://flic.kr/p/dfuvge" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">The Potholes</a> are a sign that Tunnel Falls is close. The Potholes aren't actually... well potholes. They are well-rounded rocks. They are interesting rock formations but not nearly as exciting as what was waiting around the next bend for us.<br />
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Behold, Tunnel Falls!</h3>
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><a href="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1532/23617726313_bcb8b83455_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Water, hundred feet up, cascades down from Tunnel Falls"https:// src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1532/23617726313_bcb8b83455_c.jpg" width="800" height="534" title="Towering Tunnel Falls" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/23617726313/in/photostream/" target="_blank">Towering Tunnel Falls</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/" target="_blank">Calvin Hodgson</a> CC-by-SA</div>
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At long last, we spot Tunnel Falls peeking through the trees. All other falls before this pale in comparison to its size. It's massive!<br />
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Just looking down the steep hill into the amphitheater formed over the eons is enough to fill those with acrophobia with great trepidation. It is <em>steep</em>. So much so that there is a 100-foot long paracord rope to help ease those willing—and daring—to traverse down the steep hill to enter the massive amphitheater.<br />
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The tunnel itself was flush with trickles of water; they softly patter against the rocky path below. I would reckon that minutes before our arrival, some plant lovers were smoking some herbs (<a href="https://www.oregon.gov/olcc/marijuana/pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">weed</a>). The entire tunnel reeked of it. I don't know why you would want to get lifted higher than Mt. Hood six miles from any car, but I guess the adventure only gets better when you are lit up. <em>Puff puff pass.</em><br />
<br /> After going through the tunnel, we could get another spectacular view of the amphitheater and—of course—Tunnel Falls. <a href="https://www.backpacker.com/trips/oregon/portland/portland-or-eagle-creek-to-twister-falls/" target="_blank">Twister Falls</a> was but another two-tenths of a mile further upstream, but we did not get the m-o for it. Another time, Tunnel Falls is the turnaround spot for most explorers.<br />
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After spending some time admiring the falls, taking photos, etc., it was time to head back around. My mom heads down the steep hill aforementioned; her friend follows shortly afterward. My feet are barking. After such an exhausting trek, I passed going down today.<br />
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The Longest Day — back to the trailhead</h2>
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Retreating back always seems quicker, this psychologically has to do with the fact the once new sights have already been gleaned upon, and that you are eagerly awaiting to connect to the Internet to play <em>Clash of Clans </em>(You aren't getting cell service this far out). Either way, things are all peachy for about a mile. Think of skipping down the trail with birds chirping all around and bumblebees zooming past you as they grin from cheek to cheek. Okay, not that cheery. Well, maybe that cheery if you are baked like a cake as our explorers in the tunnel were.<br />
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<em>The time is 4:26 PM.</em><br />
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So the Pain Begins</h3>
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Things were getting a little unbearable passing through the wilderness border. Not so much to hinder my progress but enough that it is starting to become a pain. I distinctly remember passing through the <a href="https://www.oregonhikers.org/field_guide/Wy%27East_Camp">Wy'East Camp</a> with the wide-open camp areas.<br />
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<em>The time is 4:53 PM.</em><br />
<em><br /></em> Based on the topography—and the fact that we were still on the east side of Eagle Creek—I know we would be approaching the Four-and-a-Half-Mile Bridge soon. Unfortunately, this is where I started to slow to a crawl. I began quickly falling behind. It really did not help to have one shoulder hauling a <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Lowepro-Adventura-170-Shoulder-Camcorder/dp/B002P3KY7Y/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1457236033&sr=8-1&keywords=Lowepro+adventura&linkCode=ll1&tag=travl1nw-20&linkId=469e8d75ac0341447d16bf78d7a0f3ba" rel="nofollow">Lowepro Adventura 170</a> and the other a tripod. Mistakes were made.<br />
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Making it to the bridge, I get asked if my legs are hurting. Yeah, one of them sure is. The other seems fine, for now. At this point, we rest our legs and cool off in the creek. Thankfully, it is the dead of summer, and the sun is still shining brightly, quite unlike our dreary winters. I have most assuredly lost track of the time at this point.<br />
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Back onto the trail, the herd is slow moving heading towards our halfway destination, High Bridge. From here to Tenas Camp, all I can remember is thick, deep-green forest, the trail, and <em><strong>pain!</strong></em><br />
Tenas camp, just four-tenths of a mile from our last resting spot, was another great place to sit for a while. I knew High Bridge was the next threshold to be crossed after this.<br />
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We push off, and I acquire another big stick to help me dredge on. This one was a bit more cumbersome than the first I had gathered up around Tunnel Falls. Still, I would try it out.<br />
After many spurts and stops, I eventually toss the stick. It just wasn't working all that well.<br />
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The Three-Mile Mark</h3>
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After another quick stop, I push on. Finally, High Bridge is in sight! I would have been filled with relief if this was the end of our adventure for today. However, we still had about three miles to the trailhead. Hardly an ideal hike given my condition. My other leg is wanting to give up, too. I know the next major points of interest after High Bridge is two bridges crossing over perpendicular creeks. Yippe!</div>
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Time—in particular—seems to fly, at least in my memory, due to the lack of anything interesting along the way. As I languish along the trail, we finally make it to our first bridge of three left to cross. Another stop and cool off in the water for my sore legs. I think if you follow a steep portion of the hill near here, you can traverse <a href="https://www.oregonhikers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=21138">Serpent's Tail Ridge</a> to escape this valley of death and head towards the <a href="https://www.trails.com/activity.aspx?area=11113">Pacific Crest Trail</a>.</div>
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The next portion of our slog will lead us to Punch Bowl Falls overlook, and the second of our three bridges needed to be crossed. Water was in short supply at this point, and our food was non-existent. Keeping this pace, we will surely perish out here! At some point, I was given an aspirin that worked with only moderate effect. I did not regain the spring in my step, but I could move with a bit more ease.<br />
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This pain reminds me of the time I went to Seal Rock, OR for a field trip to poke at starfish and sea urchins in the tidal pools, then to the <a href="https://aquarium.org/" target="_blank">Oregon Coast Aquarium</a> to grab slippery eels in the touch tank and pat manta rays. I never had such a brain-splitting headache <em>ever</em> until that day; not ever since have I gotten one so bad. It required downing <strong>two</strong> <a href="https://www.excedrin.com/" target="_blank">Excedrin</a> migraines; one wasn't enough.<br />
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Moving along, the sun is slowly creeping further down below the horizon. The valley we are in is already cast in full shadow seeing as there is nothing but gargantuan mountains on either side east and west. It was sure getting late and there was no end in sight for this trail.<br />
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The Running Man</h3>
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Getting past Lower Punch Bowl falls is a feat of strength. We have 1.7 miles to go.</div>
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Summer in Oregon is just fantastic. Moderately hot but not <em>too</em> warm. No wonder droves of <a href="https://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/09/read_what_some_californians_th.html">people from California move here</a>. Lots of greenery and Voodoo Donuts!</div>
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Metlako Falls sign was another welcome sight. It is not far now.</div>
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I was lagging behind the pack significantly. I don't remember at what mile this happened since there is a lack of any mile markers anywhere, but I remember seeing a man jogging along the trail.</div>
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<em>Wow! If only I could do that, then this long, excruciating pain-ridden walk would be done in no time.</em></div>
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The man soon disappeared around the bend. No one in front of me, no one behind. All in all, not bad. </div>
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The light was quickly fading as sunset was upon us. I wouldn't want to be caught out in the dark without a flashlight or headlamp.</div>
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Thinking back to the guy running, I got this bold, brazen—and quite frankly—crazy idea that I would run, yes <strong>run</strong>, the rest of the trail. I would wager I was about 0.3-0.4 miles away from the trailhead. Anyway, I ran as fast as I could, hoisting up my bag and picking up my stride.</div>
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Maybe it was the sheer excitement of hauling it down the trail, the adrenaline pumping through my veins, or the pain medication talking, but I hardly felt any discomfort, not like what I felt moments before. The aching in my legs had simply vanished. Not too long, I was passing up my mom and her friend as I rushed by. I slowed a few times to catch my breath. By the time I had seen the small bridge that was just a tenth of a mile away from the trailhead, I was slowing back to a crawl. Mainly because my throat was parched but also because, after walking 12 miles, I was as spent as an M9 handgun. The pain was creeping back up my legs, like a spider slowly crawling its way up your pants leg. Creepy!</div>
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Not too far into the future, I was greeted by my hiking compatriots. And after seeing many hikers pass, we had at long last made it to the trailhead. My mom and her friend were already making it back towards the main parking lot to save my sore legs from another harrowing walk. Did I mention I was wearing sandals the whole time?</div>
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<em>The time is 8:42 PM.</em></div>
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Twilight was upon us. I chatted with a few hikers finishing off the trail as well. They soon left.</div>
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It seemed like ages for pickup. In that time, I decide to pour out someone's soda, ants love sugar, that was left on a bench and slowly walk down to the end of this lot. This is when I started to notice quick shadows darting against the almost black sky above. The only other thing awake and <em>flying</em> at this time would be... bats! It had to be. Their silent zig-zagging in the air must have been their feeding time. I hoped they wouldn't feed on me!</div>
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The car finally pulls up, and I hastily enter to the extent that my body would let me. Twelve miles, ten hours later, this was all done in over with. Now it was time for food.</div>
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The Long Day Ends</h3>
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Seeing how late it was and how our stomachs were feeling empty and rumbling; we venture towards Cascade Locks, home of the famous Bridge of the Gods. We ended up at <a href="https://bridgesidedining.com/" target="_blank">Bridgeside restaurant</a> to eat burgers and fries. The pure black of night blanketed what view there would have been outside the windows during the day. Whatever, we were all happy to get something to warm our bellies after burning oh so many calories this day. Time to go home.</div>
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In the next few days, I slowly recover. My legs are sore and aching; pushed beyond the limits of what they could handle. As a result of this haphazard incident, I carry at least one Excedrin with me at all times, and possibly an Advil liquid gel. Hey, when you get a headache or experience pain, you'll thank me later. I have also acquired a small shoulder backpack to carry an assortment of goodies and my camera. Some good trekking poles might likewise be in order to save my legs from long adventures. They will be all but crucial if going off the trail.<br />
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There is just so much to do in Oregon, especially around the Gorge. I can't wait to explore further its depths. For now, I wait for the warmer days.</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Tunnel Falls, Oregon, USA45.584562 -121.8525786999999845.5400985 -121.93325969999998 45.6290255 -121.77189769999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-73912571137902388812016-01-25T17:48:00.000-08:002018-05-30T18:06:09.306-07:00Oneonta Gorge is Packed in the Summer<div class="quote">Fight, fight with all your might, no matter what gets in your way.</div><br />
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From Crowds to Waist-Deep Water</h2>
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No doubt about it, Oneonta Gorge is a hike like no other. I had prepared for it by bringing along a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=as_li_ss_tl?_encoding=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=390957&field-keywords=waterproof%20phone%20case&linkCode=ur2&tag=travl1nw-20&url=search-alias%3Daps&linkId=QTHR7R62WBUNPIJW" target="_blank">waterproof phone case</a>... and that is about it. Camera, camera bag, and tripod were all at the mercy of the elements as I dragged them along.<br />
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<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/20117570989_e0719c5477_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Underwater rocks at Oneonta Gorge" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/514/20117570989_e0719c5477_b.jpg" width="640" height="360" title="Underwater Rocks at Oneonta Gorge" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/wDHNYe" target="_blank">Rocks Underwater</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/" target="_blank">Calvin Hodgson</a> CC by SA 4.0</div><br />
<h3>Let the adventure begin</h3>
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The day is like any other day in Oregon on a summer day; mildly warm, not too hot. The sun is out and the trees are blowing.<br />
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Oneonta Gorge is magnificent yet crowded. Upon first arrival, there are lines of cars parked on all sides of the road. We are lucky to find a spot that is not too far from the start of our "trail".<br />
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After a not so long walk along the side of the road, we walk comes across the <a href="http://columbiariverhighway.com/oneonta-tunnel/">Oneonta Tunnel</a>. <a name='more'></a>This tunnel was at one point used by automobile traffic driving along the historic highway. The highway now runs on the outside of this tunnel. Foot traffic goes through this tunnel now.<br />
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<p>From this vantage, I can see down through rows of shimmering green trees and sparkling water below. While there is one official way down via stairs, I decide upon walking down a fallen tree. Its massive trunk required jumping down.<p>
<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdkdb5bqu6JEUVaKzHHwDXlFf9CZpP4LxIe8LQec-_vXUyXWPBTT3EIXCUhPOCxfo9TPhIFFLzYR7Dokb3dixC76d86jMjuHBWUGzqiwihMMoaGo7op-u1dkJ4Yo8giHW8kX_Hjk9aiS/s1600/3943004384_691966453b_o_DxO.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Oneonta Gorge Tunnel west side" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbdkdb5bqu6JEUVaKzHHwDXlFf9CZpP4LxIe8LQec-_vXUyXWPBTT3EIXCUhPOCxfo9TPhIFFLzYR7Dokb3dixC76d86jMjuHBWUGzqiwihMMoaGo7op-u1dkJ4Yo8giHW8kX_Hjk9aiS/s400/3943004384_691966453b_o_DxO.jpg" title="Oneonta Gorge Tunnel" width="300" /></a>
<br />
<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/3943004384/in/photolist-nxjvvN-ftYVPG-nxuaC1-71qYEs-nxaXR8-71mYJR-71qY7w-71mWuP-71mY5P-71qWWu-71qXhJ-71mXyH-71qY5h-71qVQd-71mWKR-71qWJm-71mXXT-71mYwT-71qWPJ-71mYcZ-71mX1H-71qYns-71qXo5-71qVVG-71qXb1-8zcU8E-7NvwWc-71qW9h-71mWTK-71mXCc-71mZgt-71mYiz-71qXSq-71mX86-71qYxq-7NvvzB-6e5W9s">Untitled</a> by <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/dougtone/">Doug Kerr</a> <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0/legalcode">CC by SA 2.0</a>. Minor tone curve adjustments made.</div>
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<h3>Waiting in line</h3>
Our main concern now is how crowded it will be. We have heard that lines often form when going over the logjam not too far from the bridge. Yet, it is more of a conglomerate of loads of people climbing this why and that.<br />
On this day, a guy with a lasso is filming a commercial for some business. He seems very enthusiastic about it. He was on logs that were harder to climb over on the right-hand side.<br />
It is rather slow to move through this logjam. Like the end of the day rush hour traffic.<br />
After making it towards the end of the logjam, there is waist high water that must be waded through, no going around it. It is smooth sailing from that point on.<br />
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/707/23674440672_9d08aee9c5_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The log jam at Oneonta requires a waist deep dip" height="426" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/707/23674440672_9d08aee9c5_c.jpg" title="Logjam at Oneonta Gorge" width="640" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/C52GpA">Logjam at Oneonta Gorge</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div><br />
<h3>Through The Thick of It</h3>
The fun begins yet again when we come upon chest high water. With a camera bag on one shoulder and a tripod the other, it seems as though I'll have to lug them over my head. Nonetheless, I press on as the sound of the ffalls entices me to push through the water. With each step, my feet drag slower as the water resists my movement forward. My footing seems stable enough to not worry greatly about tipping over like a lady running on heels.<br />
<br />
<h4>Oneonta Falls</h4>
The end is near, a few more steps and I will be free at last from the grip of the river. It lets go of me. Now I trudge along the rock banks towards the end.<br />
There it is, you cannot help but to look up at its glory when you first see it. People, of course, are flocked here like zebra and lions are to a watering hole. With such beauty, I can tell why.
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/23679202351_54e1769726_c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="People Swimming at Oneonta" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5643/23679202351_54e1769726_c.jpg" title="Summer Swimming at Oneonta"/></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/C5s6Tv" target="_blank">Summer swimming at Oneonta</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div><br />
Lots of people are moseying around snapping pictures which will inevitably end up on Facebook and Instagram. (Selfie anyone?) Not surprisingly, no selfie sticks around. Obnoxious things (I happen to own one).<br />
<br />
<h3>Heading Home</h3>
After some time, it is time to leave. If only I had brought a table. I could have <a href="https://youtu.be/Z1Kf0D8yRMM" target="_blank">waited to be served for dinner</a> (that was actually a book signing). The way back seems quicker than actually going towards the falls. The logjam is once again the exception. It is slow going as faces and groins collide (not really <em>lol</em>). The rodeo man was gone, he was the highlight of the slow waddle through the logs.<br />
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That's it, the end of this adventure. Back on the highway west to our eagerly awaiting home.</div>
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</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com2Oneonta Gorge, Oregon 97014, USA45.5792303 -122.0723365999999745.5570023 -122.11267709999997 45.6014583 -122.03199609999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-23354223917180332622016-01-05T12:00:00.000-08:002018-05-30T18:12:45.713-07:00The Allure of Mt. Saint Helens<div class="quote">Half the adventure is getting there, the rest is getting lost in its beauty.</div>
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<br />
<div class="center-div td-center first" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5618/22231813536_0108a6a929_h.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Mt. Saint Helens on a cloud but bright summer day" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5618/22231813536_0108a6a929_h.jpg" width="800" height="310" title="Majestic Mt. Saint Helens" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/zSxRBW" target="_blank">Majestic Mt. Saint Helens</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA 4.0</div>
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<br />
<h2> Get Lost, Find Something Extraordinary</h2>
<div> You can say that winding your way through what seems like endless rows of green pine trees is a travel nightmare. Yet, you may just so happen to stumble upon something you would have never seen had you gone on the road more traveled.</div>
<div> <br />
</div>
<div> In between the wavering trees and the glistening streams that pepper alongside the roadside you will glimpse upon a grey and white giant, a fortress rising above the trees and into the heavens. This, of course, being Mt. Saint Helens. <br />
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It is not far now. <br />
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In between trying to figure where the hell we are and enjoying the splendid beauty of Washington, it emerges in full view. It is hard to think that this once green land could have been turned into molten rock and ash. Nature is always hardy and
continues to grow, even amidst the threat of the mountain of doom! <br />
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It is a brisk afternoon with little wind and plenty of pine trees and sap to fill one's lungs. The sun is finicky today making brief <strong><em>hellos</em></strong> before hiding back under the cover of its clouds. From this vantage, it appears we
have undershot our original destination, the <a href="http://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/mountsthelens/recarea/?recid=31562" target="_blank">Johnston Ridge Observatory</a>. <br />
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As I make my way towards Mt. Saint Helens in what can be described as a river of rocks, I chance upon a little stream. So small, in fact, that it is easy to bound across it effortlessly. I wonder how violent and loud it would be during the Spring season. <br />
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/577/22265836251_6d56418dba.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Tiny Stream Trickles Quietly" height="266" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/577/22265836251_6d56418dba.jpg" title="Small Stream from Mt. Saint Helens" width="400" /></a> <br />
Quiet Stream by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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No matter! I push on towards the mountain with the sound of the stream trickling in the background and the noise of the rocks crunching and sliding beneath me. Every step does not bring the mountain any closer than the last. It still looms ominously
in the distance, the shadow of the clouds makes the light dance to and fro across the landscape. This is not a place you want to get injured at. Nonetheless, this desolate and stark landscape provided spectacular views of Mt. Saint Helens and Helen's
sister mountain, <strong><a href="http://volcanoes.usgs.gov/volcanoes/adams/" target="_blank">Mt. Adams</a></strong>, to the east. I do always wonder if the mountains will blow their tops like a tea kettle while I am visiting them. The foregoing earthquake
would provide ample warning of such an event. Or maybe I'd get swallowed whole by a magma sink hole. Isn't life wonderful? <br />
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<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"> <a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5737/22945891334_4c5827c5d2_b.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Mt. Adams from the point of view of Helens base" height="425" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5737/22945891334_4c5827c5d2_b.jpg" title="Mt. Adams on a Sunny, Summer Day" width="640" /></a> <br />
<a href="https://flic.kr/p/AXDG57" target="_blank">Mt. Adams</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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Anyhow, I have yet to explore out towards Mt. Adams, but I have heard there are <a href="http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2008/03/mt_adams_ice_cave.html" target="_blank">great ice caves</a> during the winter when the snow starts melting. Another
adventure for another time. <br />
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The day has yet to conclude but seeing as how there is a long trip back we decided to mozy on back. Along NF-83, there are some interesting rivers and streams. One such had a bridge red rusted panels. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/23761600755_d10c028b18_n.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Bridge in Mt. Saint Helens Woods" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/634/23761600755_d10c028b18_n.jpg" width="320" height="213" title="Old Forest Road Bridge" /></a> </div>
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The overgrowth and isolated location of this bridge suggest it was used long ago. Perhaps used to access the construction sites of the many of the snow area parking lots. Or maybe for snowmobiles. In any case, its glory days have long since passed. A
reminder of what could have been. <br />
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What started out to be a misguided adventure ended up being an unforgettable memory. Never let the misdirection distract from what is around you. Life is crazy but can bring you tantalizing moments. <br />
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A map in case you get lost.Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Mount Saint Helens, Washington 98616, USA46.191400599999987 -122.195550920.669366099999987 -163.5041449 71.713435099999984 -80.8869569tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-23293173199447099642015-10-15T18:36:00.001-07:002018-05-30T18:02:21.945-07:00See Seattle, WA <div class="center-div td-center first" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7724/16881441540_8b548a4e2b_h.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Pike Place closing time" class="noborder" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7724/16881441540_8b548a4e2b_h.jpg" title="Pike Place Fish Market" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/rHKNqU" target="_blank">Pike Place Market After Hours</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
<h2>Bask in the Afternoon Rain</h2> Seattle, Washington, Oregon too for that matter, experiences rain 280 days out of the year. At times, that is an exaggeration but not far from it. You'll more often than not be caught in the rain during the rainy season; plan wisely.
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<br />
<h3>Points of Interest in Seattle</h3>
<div>
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Every city has fascinating, must-see points of interest. Some known lesser than others. Seattle is, of course, most famous for its <em>Pike Place Market</em> which certainly is on the map if you come from afar. Living in Portland, we decided not to go during the hustle and bustle of the market at high noon. Crowded during any part of the day.</div>
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<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16818616538_a565ee06d6_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="The Seattle Great Wheel on Pier 57" class="noborder" height="320" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8744/16818616538_a565ee06d6_z.jpg" title="Seattle Great Wheel" width="213" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/rCcNKd" target="_blank">Seattle Great Ferris Wheel</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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<div>
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The Seattle Great Ferris Wheel is but a skip and a hop away from Pike Place. On Pier 57, also known as <a href="http://www.minerslanding.com/" target="_blank">Miner's Landing</a>, this place features many restaurants indoors and shops. I personally only went to the restaurants where I got a big slice of pizza. Yum!
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<h4>Space Needle</h4>
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<a href="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8688/17006311855_5bfbd07a6c.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Space Needle in Seattle, Washington" class="noborder" height="400" src="https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8688/17006311855_5bfbd07a6c.jpg" title="Space Needle" width="266" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/rUMN2n" target="_blank">Seattle Space Needle</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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Next on the must see, still popular places are the <a href="http://www.spaceneedle.com/home/" target="_blank">Space Needle</a>. It is hard to miss it as it, well, stands out like a toothpick in a sea of little cracker buildings. Since this was a day
trip (and because we lack money), we did not go up to the top of the needle. The bottom has a gift shop with astronaut food such as <em>freeze-dried ice cream</em>.
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<br />
<h4>Fremont Troll</h4>
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<a href="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/17068988435_88cd90281d.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Troll under the bridge" class="noborder" height="400" src="https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7646/17068988435_88cd90281d.jpg" title="Fremont Troll" width="305" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/s1k2A4" target="_blank">The Fremont Troll</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="noborder" height="300" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m18!1m12!1m3!1d5375.43697648012!2d-122.35169996746939!3d47.65103709290127!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!3m3!1m2!1s0x5490150128a784bd%3A0x9ddb04f1ce7199df!2sFremont+Troll!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1445045935823"
style="border: 0;" width="400"></iframe>
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<br /> Next on our list is one not as known. It is the <a href="http://fremont.com/about/fremonttroll-html/" target="_blank"><strong>Fremont Troll</strong></a>. North of downtown Seattle, this fun loving troll lives under the bridge. One day, as passing car
took this fancy so he reached for it. The passengers inside managed to escape, but the car never left the troll's grasp. It is forever held in his hand, as if a token from better days.
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<br /> Needless to say, parking is a nightmare. You'll end up on one of the many side streets and walking up to it. Worth a few good photos. The car is not actually blue; just something done in <em>Lightroom</em>.
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<br />
<h4>Gum Wall</h4>
<div class="center-div td-center" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmzW5Z0zzTKO-TzPutFMurf6U9I_4Shr7kGWKKEAU1iTqDwksW9yqaUG1kRcgf7mMqvKCLIAxsovKT_TEC26nzUR0c4AlY-YpM0dNARV_ZEWRCRoJHKwVIexHWOJP35ROgUYW9d9abGlS/s1600/chewing-gum-550554_640.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Wall with Gum" class="noborder" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMmzW5Z0zzTKO-TzPutFMurf6U9I_4Shr7kGWKKEAU1iTqDwksW9yqaUG1kRcgf7mMqvKCLIAxsovKT_TEC26nzUR0c4AlY-YpM0dNARV_ZEWRCRoJHKwVIexHWOJP35ROgUYW9d9abGlS/s320/chewing-gum-550554_640.jpg" title="Gum Wall" width="213" /></a>
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<a href="https://pixabay.com/en/chewing-gum-wall-glued-dirty-mess-550554/" target="_blank">Gum Wall</a> by Michael Schwarzenberger</div>
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Our last stop on our journey took us towards the gum wall. Located right next to Pike Place Market, this wall is plastered with chewing gum of all colors. The <a href="http://www.odditycentral.com/pics/the-seattle-gum-wall-a-sticky-attraction.html"
target="_blank"><strong>gum wall</strong></a> was originally started as theater patrons grew weary of waiting in line. This is now an official attraction drawing many each year. Gross and fascinating.</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Seattle, WA, USA47.6062095 -122.33207084.3633939999999996 155.0507417 90 -39.7148833tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-37585904484046975582015-09-29T15:36:00.002-07:002018-06-01T20:07:30.751-07:00Super Blood Moon at Astoria Oregon<h2 style="height: 0px;">
Super Blood Moon as seen from Astoria, Oregon</h2>
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<div class="center-div td-center first" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/588/21775726946_bdb5687fcc_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="The super blood moon rises over Astoria. Four moons in one shot." class="noborder" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/588/21775726946_bdb5687fcc_b.jpg" title="Super Blood Moon Time-lapse" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/zbfhY3" target="_blank">Super Blood Moon Time-lapse</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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<div>
It was quite a sight for the world to see. The Super Blood Moon is a rare occurrence that happens only once in 20 to 30 years. The next one will not be <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/26/science/super-blood-moon-to-make-last-appearance-until-2033.html?_r=0" target="_blank">around until 2033</a>. It is called a <a href="http://wgno.com/2015/09/16/what-is-the-super-blood-moon/" target="_blank">super blood moon</a> because it is a full moon that is closer to the Earth than it normally would be.</div>
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<div>
The shot above was just so fun to shoot from atop of the Astoria Column here in Oregon. This is a time-lapse of the moon. <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=Tripod&linkCode=ur2&tag=travl1nw-20&linkId=5OQG4TQIND5G6HKD" target="_blank">Tripods</a></strong> and a <strong><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=as_li_qf_sp_sr_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&index=aps&keywords=shutter%20release&linkCode=ur2&tag=travl1nw-20&linkId=S4GORLU7S2FFWQI2" target="_blank">shutter cable release</a> </strong>are critical to taking a steady shot. As is having a capable camera with a <em>long focal length</em> to be able to capture the moon. No, your iPhone won't cut it. Much too wide field of view lacking dedicated <em>full manual</em> controls.</div>
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Let's just say, there were many people at this popular destination. Even with the column being under repair, many came out tonight to glimpse the blood moon.</div>
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It was around 7:15 p.m. and we all were eagerly awaiting the rise of the blood moon. Little did we know that the moon was already in full eclipse by the time the sun was setting just behind us in the west. It was already rising before becoming just barely visible to the east. It was a spectacular view as the night went on.</div>
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<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5622/21802703765_b7f9bdfc29.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Super Blood Moon with Astoria Column in foreground" class="noborder" height="265" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5622/21802703765_b7f9bdfc29.jpg" title="Astoria Column and Super Blood Moon" width="400" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/zdCyeB" target="_blank">Astoria Column w/ Super blood moon</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC by SA 4.0</div>
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<div>
I could not help thinking about how the view would have looked from Saddle mountain. I have not been up there yet and it sounds like quite a hike. Yet, the view would be less obstructed and there would not be as many artificial lights. This is just south of Astoria and east of Seaside.</div>
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In any case, wear warm clothes next time. You are going to be out for an hour as it passes through the Earth's shadow. Plus, be fortunate enough that the forecast does not call for clouds. Ruins any chance to see a blood moon.</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Astoria, OR, USA46.181018973330907 -123.8181924819946346.178270473330905 -123.82323498199463 46.18376747333091 -123.81314998199463tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-18867896096010495582015-09-15T19:47:00.000-07:002018-06-01T20:04:56.059-07:00The Not So Sunny Seaside, Oregon<h2>
Low Tide Time</h2>
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While Seaside, OR does not have any tidal pools during low tide there is an abundance of sand dollars.<br />
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<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/708/21205754358_5f165b9ca4_b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Fishermen are fishing in the early morning while the tide is out" class="noborder" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/708/21205754358_5f165b9ca4_b.jpg" title="Out at Low Tide Seaside" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/yiT2Ys" target="_blank">Out at Low Tide</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/myfwcmedia/14992426763/in/photolist-oQQ79B-5MwdjC-5jyiQq-5jyiMJ-4DeD9k-6sWAqV-5eqz6x-f2oWku-5euZTy-kSz8HG-5Rwuy9-4TQXas-9eWQm8-9Yt6Pa-9fpuKd-f2862t-5euvFG-f2nCiS-f28nPg-f2osuA-f29h9n-aoUFf9-4bpMV9-acabF2-fnXrwi-f2nGNh-f2nAKY-5bF81k-4AcNUa-4sPVGn-3gsuBw-daWmCA-76AHC4-4bUUtU-daWmGN-87baCW-daWnMh-6TfKKJ-deysYC-bFTtoX-7CMoy-4HQZWd-38UB-8x2kD7-4os-nQp6u-cxH3sQ-4XMR4a-6HPouy-kKVuP" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Sand Dollar Under Sand"><img alt="Sand Dollar Under Sand" height="300" src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3953/14992426763_783cd6e6ed.jpg" width="400" /></a>
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Sand Dollars under Sand by Florida Fish and Wildlife <a href="https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nd/2.0/legalcode" target="_blank">CC-by-ND 2.0</a></div>
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Seriously, you can't walk 10 feet sometimes without finding a sand dollar. There were many on the beaches that you could have made a necklace with the amount you find. There were a few that looked "fresh" but with no little creature inside the shell. They may have been recently eaten by a crab or a hungry seagull.<br />
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<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5715/20983418500_3261958891.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Sand Dollar with a Caterpillar" class="noborder" height="266" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5715/20983418500_3261958891.jpg" title="Sand Dollars" width="400"/></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/xYevgA" target="_blank">Caterpillar on Sand Dollar</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA</div>
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<h2>
Ecola State Park</h2>
Located right between Seaside and Cannon Beach, <a href="http://www.oregonstateparks.org/index.cfm?do=parkPage.dsp_parkPage&parkId=136" target="_blank"><strong>Ecola State Park</strong></a> is right off U.S. 101 going into Cannon Beach downtown area. Instead, you go towards the right, or Northwest for you navigators. There is a fork in the road. The one going left leads towards some great views of the beach view. Cannon Beach is hidden away.<br />
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The path on the right goes towards what was La Push beach in the movie <em>Twilight</em> but is actually Indian Beach right here in Oregon. Along the way, you may find some Elk. We were lucky enough to see some. Keep your cameras ready!<br />
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<a href="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5672/21264883890_672d3fa038_z.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="An Elk Looking My Way" class="noborder" height="320" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5672/21264883890_672d3fa038_z.jpg" title="Elk" width="212"/></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/yp7689" target="_blank">It's... watching</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA</div>
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The park has many trails. One going south leads back to the beach below. It did go further south, but the path was closed off. On the north trail, you can get a better view of the Tillamook Rock Lighthouse. It is out by itself detached from the coast. So unless you have a boat you are not getting close to it.<br />
The lighthouse in the picture below is just a small spot on the horizon. Follow the Flickr link for a bigger image. I don't put full-size images on this site to keep load times reasonable.<br />
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<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/772/20830393094_b560497c0f.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Ecola State Park View of the Pacific Ocean" class="noborder" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/772/20830393094_b560497c0f.jpg" title="Ecola State Park View" /></a>
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<a href="https://flic.kr/p/xJHd9w" target="_blank">Dreadful Weather</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA</div>
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</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Ecola State Park, 84318 Ecola State Park Rd, Cannon Beach, OR 97110, USA45.9273151 -123.9729570000000120.4052806 -165.281551 71.4493496 -82.664363000000009tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8501354992066294766.post-70387592287967867162015-09-05T14:40:00.000-07:002018-05-30T15:50:54.057-07:00The Wonderful Cannon Beach in Spring<h2>
Cloudy with a Chance of Rain</h2>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MPhGosZarOejA8d8bjG17r1seXLwKEX5quo2H-yobUGBj1gRDOswl0NSoIQCC6_6_JzIaNpcpiIX4ozzwbAbEh6ZcIvz1o3H3Wvvro00iAjd-lw5yfe_M9MXAuUOkQW6x0MHk4-njdHu/s1600/20983593168_827502ea54_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img class="noborder" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9MPhGosZarOejA8d8bjG17r1seXLwKEX5quo2H-yobUGBj1gRDOswl0NSoIQCC6_6_JzIaNpcpiIX4ozzwbAbEh6ZcIvz1o3H3Wvvro00iAjd-lw5yfe_M9MXAuUOkQW6x0MHk4-njdHu/s1600/20983593168_827502ea54_z.jpg" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/20983593168/" target="_blank">Cloudy day on Cannon Beach </a>by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA<br />
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Let's face it, Oregon is generally cold and rainy 3 seasons out of the year. The beaches are no exception to this. With bone-chilling <a href="http://www.currentresults.com/Oceans/Temperature/oregon-average-water-temperature.php">water temperatures</a> of just 54 °F in May, you won't see many wading into the ocean nor any sunbathing. Much too cold for any of those activities; the summer is much more promising. This begs the question: What is there to do on the Oregon coast?
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<h3>Cannon Beach Walk</h3>
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Cannon Beach attracts many tourists from far away. The main draw, of course, being Haystack Rock. As seen in <em>The Goonies.</em><br />
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This 235-foot tall behemoth is a good mile walk from the downtown of Cannon Beach. Being very well-known, expect lots of people to be around, especially in the summer. During low tide, there are many tidal pools next to Haystack Rock which we did
not get to see this time around since it is well 1. Cold and 2. Soon to be high tide.</div>
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If you ever get a chance to go during low tide be aware of when the tide comes in. Many a traveler has been stuck out there needing rescue.</div>
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There are also many seagulls to chase or that might interrupt your picnic to feast on your Lay's potato chips.</div>
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<a href="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/658/21146164666_b7f5539415_z.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Seagulls on Cannon Beach Flying" class="noborder" height="210" src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/658/21146164666_b7f5539415_z.jpg" title="Seagulls" width="320" /></a>
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<a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/slr-extreme/21146164666/" target="_blank">Seagulls</a> by Calvin Hodgson CC-by-SA</div>
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Downtown Cannon Beach</h3>
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Taffy!</h4>
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You didn't come all this way not to pick up some salt water taffy did you? This is one delicacy you cannot miss. You never can go wrong with salt water taffy. Every coastal city has their taffy makers. Many flavors to choose from so you'll never
be left with a sour mouth. Unless you happen to pick sour apple.</div>
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/27190564@N02/14876084598/in/photolist-oExPFd-9YkNjV-2iy5tZ-5cTFj-FdW9p-6dUS9J-6Zh7ke-4cSYNF-5bqmMA-8A7gGH-8AaoRC-5gMnmY-2cppzB-8AakDE-o3EjER-8Aaekd-9YiA97-dXBmmt-6KzgpM-x7uy8X-6fsT5x-5kcEeK-jMFXx-ws7Yrc-x7utFv-wrYgju-x7uopt-FAUPQ-8rZiMR-bSsACK-8t4SWo-i3kQBC-6Mz7No-cLmBn3-6vwycW-bKsdp4-8KjFSQ-7TwCTp-7TAcpy-7TAdXU-x4nyRp-7Tx1ei-KQruA-cUBRfN-a3HEQd-qyWWMM-KQB8T-KQBmx-6YunLj-ao5xcp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Eeny, meeny, miny, moe"><img alt="Many choices of salt water taffy to choose from" height="534" src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5589/14876084598_241c39c8d9_c.jpg" title="Salt water taffy shop" width="800" /></a>
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Galleries</h3>
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While at Cannon Beach, we visited many art galleries. I might have taken photos, but most galleries are not too fond of that. There were some pretty (and pricey!) sculptures and carvings. Quite a feat to have the patience to craft some of those masterpieces.</div>
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Well, that was it for one day at Cannon Beach. There's a myriad of activities to do around there which I'll get to in later posts. That's all for now!</div>
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</div>Calvin Hodgsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02473002442198581996noreply@blogger.com0Cannon Beach, OR, USA45.8917738 -123.9615274000000245.8033483 -124.12288890000002 45.9801993 -123.80016590000002