TILLAMOOK-OR (Pt. 2)/Shabbat~Self-Care

August 29th: Leaves are turning.

So are the wheels of Life unfolding.

Trying new things while remembering past things is okay.

And we need to DO new things in the Present – we can’t keep living in the Past.

Holland's entire Life has been lived jockeying between relatives (homes, jobs, visitations) - and dwelling on Past experiences (musing about those experiences at home; or rehashing them over Kelso kitchen table coffee chats). Courting, dwelling, & focusing 95% of attention to the Past, is not healthy; that activity actually stymies growth & throws shade over outlook on life in general. MPO

I do touch base with relatives and friends … but I live my Life in the Now. I do, on occasion, revisit memories, but on the whole - I incorporate new experiences, new people, and making new memories into my Life. I balance my Life with keeping the Past & the Present in their own lanes, to make room for the Future (though that is flexible because a future is never guaranteed).

And  sometimes … the Past crowds the present without our permission.

Like Last night: a bad memory tripped by Scott's death (and all the dramatizing fallout) was interfering with my sleep. I was debating getting up and drinking some cocoa in hopes of enticing the Sandman - when tears came unbidden. Unwelcome. They do not belong in my New Life. My New Life has enough hurdles to jump, without juggling painful & heart-wrenching old memories I thought had been laid to rest. Holland shifted, and asked, "Are you okay, Baby?" I sniffled and said, "Yeah. Just a bad memory." He reached an arm over and pulled me to him. He didn't ask. I didn't reveal. His shoulder got soaked; and in that moment … he was the gentle, empathetic friend, my heart fell in love with.

He really is a good, kind man, when he's not fighting against the tender side of himself.

Juice Newton - 'The Sweetest Thing' Lyrics: 

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EScsvMU-wmY&list=RDEScsvMU-wmY&start_radio=1)

When we woke up this morning, we drank our morning coffees, then hopped into Betsy to do some backtracking explorations. We didn't have time - nor were there big enough spaces along the route to pull over, when we drove the coastline to Tillamook yesterday; so, today, we set out to explore the places we couldn't explore yesterday when Betsy was tethered to Independence … and Holland focused on the Present with an eye towards the Future.

I was thankful the Past was getting a rest: from both of us.

Today's Plan …

We drove first into Tillamook - there were several things we wanted to visit. Straight off, we drove to the Tillamook Air Museum … and it was too massive to fit the picture taking frame, so Holland drove down a side road - and I snagged a few pictures from the paved roadway, there.

Tillamook Air Museum-OR

Holland tells me these pillars are 'Blimp Supports' to cradle the flying behemoth when it's parked here.

A few  minutes later, as we passed through downtown Tillamook; Holland obliged me by turning off onto a backstreet to check out 2 buildings that caught my attention.

The steeple of this building caught my eye as we drove by.

Community Church; Tillamook-OR

Then, we drove to the Tillamook Cheese Factory … but that was quickly scrapped when Holland said he doubted he could walk the walk even with the cane (the building is huge, and we'd have to park a half a mile away, in the designated parking lot); he'd sit in Betsy and wait for me. I said I wouldn't want to do it without him. It was a nice thought, but I really wasn't that interested (my body is lactose intolerant & I'm pretty sure the restaurant there would be filled with cheesy, creamy, milk-based foods: it's a dairy operation, after all; they will be selling their product), and I'd be perfectly happy with drive by adventures that we could experience together - things off the tourist radar. I'm kinda weird that way. Normal touristy draws do not interest me - I would much rather scout out low-key things that pique my real curiosity.

So, that's what we did 😊👌

Along the way I saw an A-frame house, and commented on it - which led to me learning more about my husband 👍 Holland said, "That A-frame in Lexington-WA … my grandpa and father built that." I said, "No way!" He said, "Yeah. Way. In fact my family built all the houses in that tract of housing." I said, "Wow. I've hiked past that A-frame for decades, when I walked the dike behind it. Bob and I knew the people that bought that A-frame. Wow." It's freaky when I think of all the times Holland's, and my, paths have crossed … and it is confusing to me, thinking that now - since out paths have converged and formed a straight line, it's a real struggle to keep this marriage on an even keel 💕😳🙏

But it was fun to listen to him talk about those days of his early life in Cowlitz County-WA … the community growth; the river life back then, compared to now; the dike that wasn't there before Mt. St. Helen's blew her top; the Allen Street Draw-bridge we both remembered crossing, before it was replaced; the little Lexington church we both attended - and did not notice each other (we were both married to our 1st spouses, then); the houses we both lived in, on Nevada Drive, literally a block from each other - and did not notice one another; ect. It was an interesting conversation.

I was also noticing that most of the buildings was highlighting a patchwork quilt design, on them - and then I noticed a sign mentioning a local quilting & textile center: then, the blocks of quilt patterns decorating various buildings, made sense 👌

Latimier Quilting & Textile Center; Tillamook-OR: https://www.orartswatch.org/latimer-quilt-textile-center-a-little-known-hive-of-fiber-arts-activity-near-tillamook/

And, on our return drive back towards the RV Park, Holland & I simultaneously noticed that what was previously thought to be a train trestle bridge cover … was instead, a breezeway over the highway, by which people could access the beach on one side - and housing complexes on the other.

An over-road-breezeway; Tillamook-OR

When Holland was explaining it to me, it made sense: I never would have considered that reasoning. But he did, because he was born in a beach-theme town, lived-worked-& generally fooled around in beach-themed towns; he knew what it was used for. That thing has had me stumped, and AI is clueless, but the way Holland explained it to me makes sense.

Then we stopped at a Taco Wagon in Rockaway Beach-OR, and bought a tasty lunch combo. So good! The short-grain-rice tasted like Basmati Rice, but I know Basmati Rice (it's my favorite cooking rice), and this rice wasn't Basmati. The food was wonderful and the people serving it was friendly & courteous. I even thought the price was okay - this was definitely worth stopping for. We highly recommend this Taco Wagon 👍

While waiting for our food order, a stranger struck up a convo with me - and Holland realized that I don't "hate everyone!": I'm actually quite chatty and relaxed 😉 when I feel [safe] around certain people; even strange men who send off calm and peaceful vibes ✌️ Holland was amazed to see the [old] me in a social situation 😊

Lunch break; Rockaway Beach-OR.Rockaway Beach-OR:  (https://tillamookcoast.com/where-to-go/rockaway-beach/)

SO good! The enchilada's were solidly stuffed with pulled beef & the rice was deliciously flavored & scented.

I could be that relaxed and talkative around his family and friends too, if they would behave. But they don't - so, I'm not. Ditto for my husband, too: if he would relax in this married relationship, he'd find me more relaxed, too.

And the Past memories that squeeze my heart & bring tears to my eyes wouldn't be triggered, either. They only encroach on my New Life when chaotic turmoil is dragged into it - and all those painful memories that ride the turbulent winds of uncertainty, spring with a vengeance 😔💔😪

Anyway.

We spotted another old steam engine … so, we turned down the driveway to to check it out:

Steam Engine #90 is a historic 90-ton steam locomotive in Tillamook, Oregon, undergoing restoration by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad (OCSR). Engine #90 was originally built for the Polson Logging Company. After Polson was purchased by Rayonier Inc. in 1948, the locomotive was also operated by Rayonier.

Back on the main highway, Holland said we'll drive down to Newport-OR, then cut over Hwy #20 (the longest highway in the USA) to I-5 in Corvallis-OR, then to Eugene-OR where if here is no wildfire smoke in the air, we can hunker down overnight; before driving on to Coalinga-CA where a spot has been secured to park Independence through November - Holland's Colorado cousin will be in that region with is bees, and we are hoping for a hook-up then. Where we end up after that, is in Elohim's hands; we're running out of options with warm climate States.

Holland just informed me that we will be pulling stakes here, tomorrow …

Back home, I walked around the Park - enjoying self time with the Almighty. Opening my senses to Yeshua's creation (this is a country lot Park; there are trees, lots of grassy areas, a river along the back end). Occasionally meeting new people - striking up a short convo, or nodding in passing (2 people were walking dogs - hello's were exchanged in passing's); and found that the Park walk was smaller than anticipated. I thought a mile walk … it was 'just' under half a mile.

A couple cabins for rent …

Bob & I knew the Ferrell heir, in Raymond-WA. We met him in Fellowship, there.

The Park waterwheel feature.

This is a mobile home park model - not an RV.

And there WE are - 2 streets over.

My walk results …

And I laughed when I lit a scent candle next to the potted plant sitting on the kitchen counter: I had come home from our shopping in Tillamook with some groceries & a pretty ivy plant … but we could not find Tillamook Cheese of any kind in Tillamook! There were other brands - but none of them were stamped with the Tillamook brand 🧐 So, I guess the only place to buy Tillamook Cheese in Tillamook, is at the Cheese Factory 😕

The pretty Ivy I bought grocery shopping in Tillamook-WA

Tomorrow, we pull stakes here; so, tonight, I'm going to ease into the intentional space of Shabbat through some preparatory 'moving teardowns' before sundown, and doing a little self-care ✨🌹 before my eyes close in slumber 🛌😴

=August 31, 2025 - TILLAMOOK-OR; Pt. #1: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/08/tillamook-or-pt-1.html)

=September 1, 2025 - TILLAMOOK-OR (Pt. 2)/Shabbat~Self-Care: (https://roadgypsiesvalandholland.blogspot.com/2025/09/tillamook-or-pt-2shabbatself-care.html)

TILLAMOOK-OR (Pt. 1)

August 28th: I have Ashkenazi, Sephardic, Hungarian, & American Indian DNA coursing through my veins … being "on the move" is part of who I am. I have itchy feet that need to feel the rhythm of motion from one place to another; so, I'm glad to be on the move again 😁

We'll probably crash as soon as we secure a spot for Independence.

Tillamook-OR from Ocean Park-WA; 2 hr 6 min (91.1 mi) via US-101 S

Hanging coastal fog gave off an ethereal feeling as we passed through Chinook, this morning.

We were both glad to be leaving the PNW gloominess behind; it's been like this since we arrived here, in April 😟

As we were nearing the Astoria-Megler Bridge, flocks of brown pelicans flanked us as they winged their way up the Columbia River … and as we passed through Astoria to Warrenton, we saw huge flocks of white pelicans perched atop the old pylons lining the Bay's shoreline. I like seeing pelicans; so, I will miss this part of our ventures in the PNW.

Crossing from WA to OR, where we'll follow the coastline to our 1st layover in Tillamook-OR

Hwy 101 & Youngs Bay Bridge, which connects Astoria-OR to the Oregon Coastline.

First stop was Les Schwab in Warrenton-OR to have a tire switched out - I stayed in Betsy and slept through the whole thing.

Then, on the road again & fueled by a coke & Cheeto's (Holland sipped a Red Bull), I did stay awake the rest of the drive; but I knew Holland must have been feeling the Sandman's breath on the back of his neck. We agreed that once we set pegs, sleep would dominate the rest of the Day👌: there would be plenty time to engage in adventurous explorations over the weekend.

The Day was gray & foggy, all day long, but it progressed peacefully and amicably 🕊️

Twins Ranch Rail Bike Tours; Wheeler-OR: 

(https://tillamookcoast.com/what-to-do/railriding-oregon-coast/)

We heard before we saw the big black Steam Engine on the tracks in Garibaldi-OR. It was pretty cool to see the puffs of white steam billowing around the bulky black engine - kinda like a time-warp moment 😉

McCloud Railroad #25 is a historic 2-6-2 "Prairie" type steam locomotive built by ALCO in 1925, which spent 30 years hauling logging trains for the McCloud River Railroad before being preserved and entering excursion service. After appearing in films like Stand By Me and Bound for Glory, the locomotive was purchased in 2011 by the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad and moved to Garibaldi, Oregon. It now operates public excursions on the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.

Further along, we saw a gigantic coal burner smokestack in Garibaldi … and a concrete bridge in Tillamook - both pretty impressive, and ground-breaking in their landmark eras:

Mc C.R.R.R. #25 Steam Engine; Garibaldi-Oregon: (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/McCloud_Railway_25#:~:text=The%20locomotive%20is%20stored%20in,in%20service%20as%20of%202024.)

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad Car - part of the McCloud Railroad #25 Steam Engine Tour; Garibaldi-OR

It's a mystery … I can't dig up any internet info; Garibaldi-OR

The 'Three Graces' rocky protrusions in Garibaldi-OR:  (https://jbrish.com/adventures-oregon-garibaldis-graces-pier/ & https://www.beachconnection.net/news/old-familiar-landmark-falls-off-garibaldi-three-graces.php)

The tall, old, smokestack that still stands in Garibaldi-OR, was built by a man named Hammond in the 1927. The smokestack was part of the Hammond Lumber Company. People from the time period described him as an exceptionally caring and generous man.

1927 Hammond Smokestack, seen from across the river as we continued forward to Tillamook-OR

The Garibaldi Smokestack

The great smokestack still towers above the small coastal fishing town and port of Garibaldi located on the Oregon Coast.

In 1918, developer Cummings-Moberly built a sawmill on this site. The Whitney Mill Chimney, the remaining smokestack, was constructed by the Hammond Company, the third owners of the mill.

Thanks to construction of the Pacific Railway and Navigation Railroad, they had a distinct advantage over the other mill in Garibaldi, the Smith Mill, which relied on coastal schooners to transport its lumber. That said, in 1920, Cummings-Moberly went broke and was taken over by the Whitney Company which operated until 1924 when it too was sold to A.B. Hammond.

Under Hammond, the mill became one of the largest on the West Coast. In slow market times, Mr. Hammond built houses for the workers to keep them busy. By the late 1920’s Garibaldi was known as a “company town” providing homes for mill personnel, a boarding house at the Whitney Inn, and some of the best baseball teams on the west coast.

Hammond built the smokestack in 1927-28 to keep from suffocating the town’s growing population as there was a large electric generating plant fired by wood waste located here.

In 2013, the Garibaldi city council debated whether or not to tear down the iconic landmark due to extreme deterioration. It had become a safety hazard, caused by the wind and salt air coming off the Pacific. 

Thanks to John Foulk, who suggested fiber glassing the structure to help prevent any further disintegration, the old smokestack still remains to this day. 

The Concrete Wilson River Bridge.

The Wilson River Bridge; Tillamook-OR:  (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wilson_River_Bridge)

Tillamook-OR: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillamook,_Oregon)

Air Museum; Tillamook-OR: 

(https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tillamook_Air_Museum)

We arrived at our destination 🎯, secured a nice country-setting-space in Tillamook-OR through Saturday, & set up; chatted a few minutes with a friendly, curious, neighbor; I got a workout wrestling the picnic table about 15 feet out of the way (it had been blocking both doors, so I dragged it up towards the main road - cardio & full body workout was engaged 💪😉👊; while Holland finished getting Independence set to right) - & as soon as the slide-outs were slid out & set in place … we both promptly fell into 🛌 for a much needed 6 hour sleep 😴

Our layover, for the next 2 Days … Pleasant Valley RV Park: #11880 U.S. 101 S, Tillamook, OR

This RV Park a nice place to layover - but there is a glitch: WIFI is very sketchy here - like the dial up, landline era. It could be that the trees , or the ever-present coastal fog, is hampering the airwaves - but whatever the reason for the snail pace internet crawl, Holland is not happy with our high-priced [signal anywhere, everywhere] T-Mobile Tower 😡; he's been threatening that tower with replacement of Elon Musk's Starlink, and this may be the final straw. The connect with T-Mobile is very slow, with many sudden cut off's.

Other than that, this is a nice place to layover 👍