HOQUIAM-WA ~ Our Morning Miracle-Bleu's Afternoon Exploration

August 22nd: We had driven the coastal route from calimexarabia straight through oregon with periodic pit stops and short naps, because of the wildfire smoke that has literally chased across the upper States of America.

It was well past midnight when we pulled up and spent the night in the parking lot of Dismal Nitch - this side of Astoria. Thankfully, there was no lingering smokey odor … and the Rest Area was not in a high altitude region; there were other RV's parked there too, as well as cars with motors running and windows opened a bit to ventilate: we parked in one of the 8-hour parking spaces near the highway, and snoozed those 8 hours away. It felt good to get a full night's rest.

We were back in the PNW waaaay ahead of schedule. While drinking our morning coffee, and clearing the cobwebs from our thoughts, we decided to drive to Forks-WA. I personally like the primitive wildness of the ocean area there - and Holland has never been there, so we pulled the bedroom slide in, pulled out, and headed off on that direction.

We were driving along feeling the peacefulness of a crisp early morning; Bleu was happily chirping (his high pitched bark sounds like a bird chirp), Holland was looking for the road sign we needed to make our turn, and I was chattering on about the beautiful wildness he was going to experience when we got to Forks.

And then … our hearts got a serious workout.

A bang-up start to our morning …

A tragedy was avoided, thanks to Elohim's grace and favor.

There's no way she would have survived …

This morning was a high blood pressure morning.

Thank Elohim that disaster was avoided.

My graying head got a few white hairs thrown into the aging mix (I had 10 years of life scared out of me!)

Bleu stayed subdued for a couple hours; it wasn't a fun moment for him, either.

Holland kept a calm attitude, though he too, had had his senses rattled back there at the intersection.

By the time we reached Nemah, laughter was filling Betsy's cab :-)

The rest of the day went much better - thank You, Lord!

Rod Stewart - 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' song:

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b96d6-dMi7A)

When we passed through Artic, we started looking for a place in Aberdeen, to sit Independence for the night. I pulled out my tablet and did an internet search: we settled on the Hoquiam River RV Park (1) I really do not like the Aberdeen vibes, and Hoquiam is on the other side of Aberdeen - kinda like Longview and Kelso (2) Hoquiam is close to Forks.

I have family that lives in Aberdeen and Hoquiam (though we have nothing to do with each other - their choice); and I have lived in Hoquiam for a couple months in 1994: I wasn't expecting much from the RV Park.

I was pleasantly surprised :-)

Elohim sent us to a very welcoming place with a peaceful atmosphere; after our hair-rising morning experience, it is a true blessing.

Artic-WA

Where we will be parked while running up to Forks-WA, to kick around a while.

It's not fancy, but it's tranquil, and has soothing vibes.

After Supper, Bleu and I checked out the main trail.

Bleu is loving the time out of the 4x and RV; he hasn't been able to do this at other RV Parks.

There are benches strategically placed along the trail.

Bleu loves people, but he's too enthusiastic for most; this trail is a good place to teach him People Interaction Etiquette.

Curious George had to check out every nook & cranny ;-)

It smells like Fall is on the breeze …

The trail runs along an old railroad track.

Not impressed by the end of this trail; I don't think we'll do this trail branch again.

A sign Fall is coming.

A very worn-out Bleu.