Tillamook to Fort Stevens near Astoria

Tillamook to Fort Stevens near Astoria

September 8

Interesting observation from my visit to Florence. The main radio station played oldies all the time. When I say oldies, I mean from the 1930’s to 1960’s. Couldn’t figure out who they would be targeting until the next day when I was in town looking at all the old people!! Finally got it but I’ve never heard another station like that one. Perhaps I spend too much time in Twain Harte streaming Celtic music and just have no clue…

Tried to go to a coffee shop in Tillamook but when I entered it, itlooked like a hippy place. Junk everywhere and didn’t look too clean. Turned around & left. A lady sitting outside was busy rolling her own joint as I walked past. Headed to cheese factory & watched them slice 42’ blocks of cheese. Then sampled 6-7 kinds of cheese. They give away 250-300 lbs of cheese everyday during the summer! I suckered for a single scoop of their ice cream. Tasty!

Stopped in Seaside because I kept seeing all these neat old cars. The visitors center was full of answers to my questions. Drove down to a shopping center where I found 60-70 pre 1965 cars gathering. They’re having a big show this weekend but today many of them got together to drive past three senior centers. Isn’t that a neat thing to do?

Now I’m at Fort Stevens, very near to Astoria. I’ll visit the fort in the morning dating from the Civil War to the 1940’s. Also I’m anxious to see Fort Clatsup Friday where Lewis & Clark wintered after crossing half the American continent in the early 1800’s. I’m in a state campground and it is amazing. It has hundreds of sites but much undergrowth everywhere so it feels a little private. Rode my bike around and talked to a number of people. Many, many people are outside as opposed to the RV parks I’ve stayed in where everyone enters their unit, closes the curtains and doesn’t come out till they’re ready to leave. Some clouds and some wind but temperatures in the 60’s today. Had to add a sweatshirt to my tee shirt & shorts when I rode around just before dark. Glad to come into my motor home, turn on some lights and turn on the radio to find some classical music. Time to make some popcorn and perhaps a hot drink while I read.

Trail in the campground

Ft Stevens-Civil War till 1947