Caite relaxing in the Jeep, Josh hiding his face, didn't want his picture taken 
First stop was just on the outskirts of Vantage, Washington which is right on the "Mighty" Columbia River. Josh, Caite and I are reading a historic marker on the area.
View from the lookout over Columbia River
On top of the hillside, to the left of the interstate, if you are heading west, there is a monument of wild horses. It is titled "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies". There are a total of 15 galloping horses. They are about 1200 lbs apiece and are bolted in place. I think they are pretty amazing. The sculpture is not yet finished, I can't wait to see the end product!
Across the Columbia River, 1 mile north of Vantage is the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. During the Miocene Period, the central Washington region was wet and humid, dominated by swamps and shallow lakes surrounded by forest.
Also at the park there were some Native American petroglyphs. They were cut from the nearby basalt cliffs before the completion of the Wanapum Dam in 1953. The petroglyphs were removed from the site and placed near the interpretive center. They were carved centuries ago by the Wanapum Indians.
First stop was just on the outskirts of Vantage, Washington which is right on the "Mighty" Columbia River. Josh, Caite and I are reading a historic marker on the area.
View from the lookout over Columbia River
On top of the hillside, to the left of the interstate, if you are heading west, there is a monument of wild horses. It is titled "Grandfather Cuts Loose the Ponies". There are a total of 15 galloping horses. They are about 1200 lbs apiece and are bolted in place. I think they are pretty amazing. The sculpture is not yet finished, I can't wait to see the end product!
Across the Columbia River, 1 mile north of Vantage is the Ginkgo Petrified Forest. During the Miocene Period, the central Washington region was wet and humid, dominated by swamps and shallow lakes surrounded by forest.
Also at the park there were some Native American petroglyphs. They were cut from the nearby basalt cliffs before the completion of the Wanapum Dam in 1953. The petroglyphs were removed from the site and placed near the interpretive center. They were carved centuries ago by the Wanapum Indians.
We camped in Ellensburg, Washington Friday night, the kids were pooped out-I cannot believe they fell asleep so fast, especially for how warm it was.
We we woke up Saturday morning and after we packed up camp, we headed south towards Mt. Rainier National Park. We stopped a few places along the way to take small hikes to stretch the legs and get rid of some the kids "pent up energy". This is a very large cedar tree that Josh is standing in front of, he was making faces, trying not to get his picture taken.
We walked along a dried river bed and Caite was afraid she was going to fall. Mike snapped this picture and I thought it was very cute-Had to share it.
This is a waterfall along side the road we saw. Josh wanted to fill a bottle with water to drink. I love the look on his face. 
Caite hiking down the waterfall, Josh filling his bottle. 
PRETTY!
View from the Jeep
There she is!!! Mount Rainier. It is the largest mountain in Washington State. It is 14, 410 ft. "Columbia Crest". If you look closely at the picture you will notice that the top has a dip in it. That is two different craters from eruptions over 1,000 years ago. A man at a store along the road said that last major eruption was before 1492 (before Columbus came to the America's) The mountain continues to spew ash and steam intermittently. 
Mike and Caite walking across a creek
This bump on the log resembled a dolphin-the kids loved it. 
Mountainside
After Mt. Rainier, we went drove by Mt. St. Helens. We did not get a really good view because of the clouds. The kids did not want to drive close the crater-they thought it might blow up again. We went to the interpretive center and watched movie, about 16 minutes long (that was torture for the kids) BUT they realized the significance of Mt. St. Helens.Here are some Mt. St. Helens facts that you may or may not know. I know that it was over 28 years ago, so the younger people don't really understand or know much about it.
** The mountain lost 1200 feet of height, new height of 8,365 feet.
** The mountain lost 1200 feet of height, new height of 8,365 feet.
** the eruption began with a massive landslide
** the landslide trapped magma and gas, producing a sideways explosion of hot rock and ash
** The vertical ash eruption rose to a height of 15 miles above the crater and continued for 9 hours.
**It erupted at 8:32 AM on May 18, 1980. a 5.1 magnitude earthquake shook the mountain triggering the massive explosion.
** 57 persons were killed from the explosion
** The volcano is still active today
This is the best picture that we could get. Wished it was clearer
This is a "front" view of Mt. St. Helens
Inside the interpretive center, a before and after picture
This is a walkway outside of the center, it was very beautiful.
This is the best picture that we could get. Wished it was clearer
This is a "front" view of Mt. St. Helens
Inside the interpretive center, a before and after picture
This is a walkway outside of the center, it was very beautiful. 
After we left Mt. St. Helens, we drove to where we camped for the next 3 nights. We camped in Ilwaco, Washington (pronounced il-waak-coo) Here is a map of the area that we were at. You should be able to click on it to enlarge the map or you can go to http://www.funbeach.com/ 
Port Ilwaco-check out the fog
North Head Lighthouse. Was constructed in 1898 and is still actively working today. It has 69 steps to top of the lighthouse. The light bulb is only 35-watts and can be seen 17 miles out into the ocean.
Check out the fog
This is the pathway to North Head Lighthouse. It was very foggy and this area the fog set on the leaves of the trees, making it appear that it was raining, when it actually wasn't.
The Pacific Graveyard. Multiple ships have been wrecked in this area.
I love this tree, it just weaves around itself at Beards Hollow
Beards Hollow. The ocean used to come up to this walk bridge many, many years ago. Now it is just a wetland.
Caite thought this lump on the tree looked like a rhinoceros
This tree was HUGE. The hole in the bottom goes all the way through. You could walk through it. It reminded me of a hobbit house.
Through the tree.
These are very pretty. I thought it looked like they were "breathing". Mike thought they were changing colors. Just gorgeous.
Inside North Head Lighthouse
Going UP!
Were we are currently located, at the lighthouse. This mape is sideways, notice where the Pacific Ocean is, West is positioned downwards.
a huge kite from Japan
Flight of the Phoenix
"Where The Wild Things Are"
This is at the Cape Disappointment Interpretive Center. This picture is of the actual bulb that was in Cape Disappointment Light House. There was a kerosene fire that would go all the time.
Knife from Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean
This is a replica of the canoes that were build by Lewis and Clark and their companions. The actual size of the tree that was used is the size of the metal ring around the canoe. They would burn the middle out to aid with the making of their canoe
Fort Canby at Cape Disappointment
"Are we done with the movies yet? This is suppose to be summer vacation, you keep getting me educated!"
The weather was foggy and cold in Long Beach, so we decided to cross the border and see how it was in Oregon. We first drove to Astoria to see what we could see. This picture is of the school house where "Kindergarten Cop" with Arnold Schwartzenager was made.
The Astoria-Megler Bridge. What a beautiful sight. It is 4.1 miles long. and contains the longest continuous three-span through-truss in the world. Was opened on August 27, 1966. 
A different view of the bridge. You may need to click on it to see it much clearer. 
What is Josh looking at?
Oh, I see, the old houses on the hill of Astoria! Some of these houses are over 100 years old
This is the Astoria Column-it sits high on a high overlooking the town. you can climb up inside to the top and kids can buy airplanes for $1 to throw over the ledge. BUT when we were there, it was closed for remodel. Just our luck! The column has murals that celebrate the earliest moments of Northwest history. It is constructed of concrete, 125 feet, has 164 steps on the inside, Was dedicated on July 22, 1926. The original cost to make was $27,133.96
A cargo ship seen from Coxcomb Hill where Astoria Column is located.
After we left Astoria, we drove down the highway. We were wanting to go straight to Cannon beach, but the traffic was WAY TO SLOW!! So we turned off onto Seaside Beach. It was beautiful and we found a few sand dollars and clam shells. The kids REALLY enjoyed it. Mike and I loved seeing their expressions and behavior near the ocean.
Running through the Pacific Ocean
Aaaahhh-It's gonna get me!
Caite and Mike looking for shells
I love this picture of Mike, Josh and Caite-especially with their reflection on the water
The fog is rolling in
Check this out, dad!!!
Caite off to chase the birds...."Mine, Mine, Mine" (From Finding Nemo)
Afer Seaside we drove on down the road, we wanted to go to Cannon Beach so this is on the way-what a pretty view.
Cannon Beach
Hi, Dad!! I am having so much FUN!
Haystack Rock-towers 235 feet over the beach and the Needles. It is the third largest monolith in the world. It is protected under Fish and Wildlife regulations as a Marine Garden and Seabird Nesting refuge. This was what the kids on Goonies were looking at when they had the Medalion on "One-Eyed Willy"
Mike loves this picture of Josh and I and the sun
Splishing and splashing in the water
All four of our footprints in the sand
Don't let the sun go down on me!!!
And the waves come crashing in.
I love how God painted his sky and ocean!! Absolutely gorgeous
Haystack rock and the needles
When we were in Astoria, a lady at the column told us about the time of the tides and when was the best time to go looking for seashells. Well, low tide was at 9:15, so Josh wanted us to get up at 4:00 AM to get to the beach, the time we actually got there was about 7:30 AM.
Port Ilwaco-check out the fog
North Head Lighthouse. Was constructed in 1898 and is still actively working today. It has 69 steps to top of the lighthouse. The light bulb is only 35-watts and can be seen 17 miles out into the ocean.
Check out the fog
This is the pathway to North Head Lighthouse. It was very foggy and this area the fog set on the leaves of the trees, making it appear that it was raining, when it actually wasn't.
The Pacific Graveyard. Multiple ships have been wrecked in this area.
I love this tree, it just weaves around itself at Beards Hollow
Beards Hollow. The ocean used to come up to this walk bridge many, many years ago. Now it is just a wetland.
Caite thought this lump on the tree looked like a rhinoceros
This tree was HUGE. The hole in the bottom goes all the way through. You could walk through it. It reminded me of a hobbit house.
Through the tree.
These are very pretty. I thought it looked like they were "breathing". Mike thought they were changing colors. Just gorgeous.
Inside North Head Lighthouse
Going UP!
Were we are currently located, at the lighthouse. This mape is sideways, notice where the Pacific Ocean is, West is positioned downwards.a huge kite from Japan
Flight of the Phoenix
"Where The Wild Things Are"
This is at the Cape Disappointment Interpretive Center. This picture is of the actual bulb that was in Cape Disappointment Light House. There was a kerosene fire that would go all the time.
Knife from Lewis and Clark Expedition to the Pacific Ocean
This is a replica of the canoes that were build by Lewis and Clark and their companions. The actual size of the tree that was used is the size of the metal ring around the canoe. They would burn the middle out to aid with the making of their canoe
Fort Canby at Cape Disappointment
"Are we done with the movies yet? This is suppose to be summer vacation, you keep getting me educated!"
The weather was foggy and cold in Long Beach, so we decided to cross the border and see how it was in Oregon. We first drove to Astoria to see what we could see. This picture is of the school house where "Kindergarten Cop" with Arnold Schwartzenager was made.
The Astoria-Megler Bridge. What a beautiful sight. It is 4.1 miles long. and contains the longest continuous three-span through-truss in the world. Was opened on August 27, 1966. A different view of the bridge. You may need to click on it to see it much clearer. What is Josh looking at?
Oh, I see, the old houses on the hill of Astoria! Some of these houses are over 100 years oldThis is the Astoria Column-it sits high on a high overlooking the town. you can climb up inside to the top and kids can buy airplanes for $1 to throw over the ledge. BUT when we were there, it was closed for remodel. Just our luck! The column has murals that celebrate the earliest moments of Northwest history. It is constructed of concrete, 125 feet, has 164 steps on the inside, Was dedicated on July 22, 1926. The original cost to make was $27,133.96
A cargo ship seen from Coxcomb Hill where Astoria Column is located.
After we left Astoria, we drove down the highway. We were wanting to go straight to Cannon beach, but the traffic was WAY TO SLOW!! So we turned off onto Seaside Beach. It was beautiful and we found a few sand dollars and clam shells. The kids REALLY enjoyed it. Mike and I loved seeing their expressions and behavior near the ocean.
Running through the Pacific Ocean
Aaaahhh-It's gonna get me!
Caite and Mike looking for shells
I love this picture of Mike, Josh and Caite-especially with their reflection on the water
The fog is rolling in
Check this out, dad!!!
Caite off to chase the birds...."Mine, Mine, Mine" (From Finding Nemo)
Afer Seaside we drove on down the road, we wanted to go to Cannon Beach so this is on the way-what a pretty view.
Cannon Beach
Hi, Dad!! I am having so much FUN!
Haystack Rock-towers 235 feet over the beach and the Needles. It is the third largest monolith in the world. It is protected under Fish and Wildlife regulations as a Marine Garden and Seabird Nesting refuge. This was what the kids on Goonies were looking at when they had the Medalion on "One-Eyed Willy"
Mike loves this picture of Josh and I and the sun
Splishing and splashing in the water
All four of our footprints in the sand
Don't let the sun go down on me!!!
And the waves come crashing in.
I love how God painted his sky and ocean!! Absolutely gorgeous
Haystack rock and the needles
When we were in Astoria, a lady at the column told us about the time of the tides and when was the best time to go looking for seashells. Well, low tide was at 9:15, so Josh wanted us to get up at 4:00 AM to get to the beach, the time we actually got there was about 7:30 AM. This is a picture of a skeleton of a Grey Whale that was found by Lewis and Clark oin 1805-Now that is some old bones!
Brrr, cool ocean morning--
Josh and Caite enjoying the view
We walked about 4 miles up the beach and four miles back down the beach. OUR FEET were KILLING US!! all four of us! Mike and Caite got blisters, Josh didn't want to wear his shoes any more and my ankle was killing me!
On a shell hunt
Mike sneaking pictures of me, again.
"Hangin' with the Jellies" Josh and Caite were impressed by how many jellyfish there were on the beach.
The body of a jellyfish compared to Caite's foot.
It's gonna get me!!!
A view down the street into the Kite Festival
Check out all the kites! I am surprised that they didn't get all tangled up!
Flying high in the wind.
Caite wanted Mike to get his kite out and fly it also.
multiple kites on a string. 
One of my favorite kites
checking out all the kites down the beach
Just wished it wasn't so foggy!
The World's Longest Beach
A wooden sculpture of Lewis and Clark
The world's largest frying pan. Imagine making a pancake in this pan?
This sea lion was carved out a large cedar tree
Sea horse carving
Jake the Aligator Man-on display at Marsh's Museum
We drove out to Oysterville on Willapa Bay. This is a large oyster area. This picture is of a lot of oyster shells piled up. Boy, did it smell fishy!
These signs were all over the penisula. I wanted a picture of it, because I didn't think anybody would believe us about the signs
Off we go to do some more learning. There are quite a few cranberry bogs in this area. I never have seen a cranberry field and always wondered how they harvested the cranberries. Josh talked me into getting some cranberry jelly to try on our toast. Haven't had the courage to try it yet!! There was a museum and research center just for cranberries. The place that we were at said that Ocean Spray is their largest buyer. Hmmm....more than apples come from Washington!
Brrr, cool ocean morning--
Josh and Caite enjoying the view
We walked about 4 miles up the beach and four miles back down the beach. OUR FEET were KILLING US!! all four of us! Mike and Caite got blisters, Josh didn't want to wear his shoes any more and my ankle was killing me!
On a shell hunt
Mike sneaking pictures of me, again. "Hangin' with the Jellies" Josh and Caite were impressed by how many jellyfish there were on the beach.
The body of a jellyfish compared to Caite's foot.
It's gonna get me!!!
A view down the street into the Kite Festival
Check out all the kites! I am surprised that they didn't get all tangled up!
Flying high in the wind.
Caite wanted Mike to get his kite out and fly it also.
multiple kites on a string. 
One of my favorite kites
checking out all the kites down the beach
Just wished it wasn't so foggy!
The World's Longest Beach
A wooden sculpture of Lewis and Clark
The world's largest frying pan. Imagine making a pancake in this pan?This sea lion was carved out a large cedar treeSea horse carving Jake the Aligator Man-on display at Marsh's MuseumWe drove out to Oysterville on Willapa Bay. This is a large oyster area. This picture is of a lot of oyster shells piled up. Boy, did it smell fishy!These signs were all over the penisula. I wanted a picture of it, because I didn't think anybody would believe us about the signs
Off we go to do some more learning. There are quite a few cranberry bogs in this area. I never have seen a cranberry field and always wondered how they harvested the cranberries. Josh talked me into getting some cranberry jelly to try on our toast. Haven't had the courage to try it yet!! There was a museum and research center just for cranberries. The place that we were at said that Ocean Spray is their largest buyer. Hmmm....more than apples come from Washington!Mike, Caite and Josh being silly
This is a cranberry vacuum, one of many ways that they tried to harvest cranberries
Bogging shoes. Check out the soles of these shoes-it is suppose to keep you from crushing the cranberry vines
This is a Purford Picker. 
Off we go to check out the fields
They are all subdivided here, because of all the different research that they do.
Cranberries on the vine. They are quite low to the ground
This is a cranberry vacuum, one of many ways that they tried to harvest cranberriesBogging shoes. Check out the soles of these shoes-it is suppose to keep you from crushing the cranberry vinesThis is a Purford Picker. Off we go to check out the fieldsThey are all subdivided here, because of all the different research that they do.Cranberries on the vine. They are quite low to the ground 
The pond in which they irrigate from. Beyond popular belief, the cranberries are not in water all the time. The only time that the water comes on to irrigate or get them soaked is if it less than 35 degrees or more than 85 degrees to keep from freezing and to keep from drying out. It takes up to 5 years before you can harvest a new crop. That is a long time! The lady at the museum told us that they have to bring bee's in to pollinate the vines because it is to cool on the penisula for the bee's to live there.
Fort Columbia was constructed between 1896 and 1904 and remained active until after World War II.
This is an old ship on the Columbia River just about 5 miles inland from Pacific Ocean
This is the last Wood Covered Bridge in the State of Washington. It is now on the National Registery of historic sites. It is at Grey Mare Crossing
We had such a fun time, especially Josh and Caite. I think that Mike and I enjoyed living our childhood through them by the way they responded to a lot of the different things that we saw. Even THOUGH we watched a movie or two at the interpretive centers, I am sure that it will stick with them, some way or the other. Caite surprised me when she mentioned the "Mighty Columbia" and started talking about the Grand Coullee Dam. I guess she did remember it!!
This video is on the trail to North Head Lighthouse on Saturday evening. We could not believe how foggy it was!
No comments:
Post a Comment