Trip to DC
Google Headquarters in Wash DC
Week in Washington DC
Deep River- up the river from here
Brown Cow in Naselle
Grass Roots Garbage Gang
I understand the trash cans were not available due to security concerns.... but gee... aren't these the same people who enjoy our great outdoors? Take care of your waste products people!
The Grass Roots Garbage gang tackles this trashy problem 6 times a year with volunteers who scour the beach and remove the debris. HERE is the link for more information- It makes you feel pretty good- picking up that bad trash- so come on down and help out. The next date is Saturday, January 31.
Longview up the River
Fortunately, the trip is much faster with Highway 30 on the Oregon side and the Astoria-Megler bridge.
It used to be- you would travel by steamship to get down river. Once people were driving cars- you would ferry over the river.
While I am in the big city of Longview (it isn't big- trust me) we will make the trip to Wal-Mart, Target and load up on supplies.
Seaview at the Inauguration
As I watch the television coverage- seeing the mass of humanity on the Capital Grounds- I wonder if I can catch a glimpse of them. Seaview is represented at the Inauguration!
Cars in remote locations
A challenge in living in a remote community is what to do about transportation.
One day last Sept- while driving back from Seattle with an entire car filled to the brim with campaign signs.... my little beloved Landrover Freelander convinced me of the wisdom of local car maintenance. A few days later- we were off to the local Ford dealer in Astoria. 
I decided that a Ford was a good choice. The most important consideration being- local service. I also justified the purchase with- it was on the lot, we got a good price, it is cute, I like the color, etc. I wanted to buy American- gosh the auto industry is in trouble- it is the right thing to do. I had no idea we would fund a bailout- (don't get me started- on with the story).
Fords have a history in remote communities. The photo above with all the girls -is the car owned by Miss Dorothy Elliott. Her parents built our home in 1905, she later inherited it. Miss Dorothy ran Camp Willapa- a girls camp up in Nahcotta. I figured that if Miss Dorothy parked her Ford on our very driveway- I could continue the tradition.
Another reality in living at the beach- to get anything- you have to DRIVE more than a few hours. This is not good when my BRAND NEW 2008 Ford Sport Coupe had a total mechanical failure with just a few thousand miles on it. Long story- short summary. 1. I am not happy with Astoria Ford at this time. I will refrain from posting how completely upset and angry I am with the way they communicate and how they will say about anything, how unhelpful and rude they were in my time of need...etc. I will be fair- and should they do something to redeem themselves- I will post a happy Astoria Ford post- but at this time... my recommendation is to drive to Longview, WA and go to Columbia Ford. Trust me. My dissatisfaction also has to do with some other experiences with them since the time we signed on the dotted line. 2. The 'Tone Ring' was defective- fell off -or something that resulted in my car being undriveable. This isn't a pleasant experience when one is in the middle of a very busy intersection and hours away from home. (and in the evening) 3. Social Networking in the form of Twitter is very helpful when you want to seek information and help. Ford happens to twitter. Finally- after some rather interesting Ford bashing tweet conversations- I received a call from Ford Executive Office and they have impressed upon Columbia Ford in Longview the importance of a timely repair for me.
The last photo is from the local beach here. See the ship mast? A nice day to drive on the beach and check out the shipwreck.
Annual Crab Feed
Quick trip to Cathlamet
Cathlamet was home to a large Native American population (Wahkiakum) and later a Hudson Bay Company employee set up a trading post- the thriving business traded furs, fish and supplies to Columbia River travelers on their way to Astoria.
Winter Soirée at Raven & Finch
During the winter months, many places batten down and it can seem quite lonely. However, the newest kid on the block- a wine bar- Raven & Finch- keeps us warm and cozy with activities that tempt us away from our home fires.
Medical care at the beach.
So- I am thinking about the history of hospitals and doctors in the area- It just so happens the Lions Paw Inn... which is in Seaview- was used as a much needed hospital in the 1930s.
Then in 1938- just a few miles south- the community purchased the land to build a hospital. The current hospital and clinic is on land directly north of this location- and the building is now a community center with the Library and PACE (meals on wheels). This building is undergoing a MAJOR renovation and we can't wait to see how it looks!
I am going to do more historical research about the medical care of the late 1800s - 1930. Keep checking back for that post.
2009 Razor Clam Dig begins
The first of the 2009 Razor Clam Dig days starts today.
Funbeach.com has all the details HERE.
But bring your boots, warm clothing and lanterns- it is an evening tide.
Flooding, roads closed and some evacuations
The main north/south freeway- I-5 is closed in Lewis County. They expect to close I-5 up near Tacoma tonight in the Fife area. Hwy 101 at Raymond and Montesano is closed (route to Seattle for us)... as well as our route to Portland via Hwy 4, Hwy 30 and Hwy 26- off and on.
In summary, we are wet and not going anywhere.
Happy New Year 2009
Realizing it was a new month AND year... I had to get my monthly computer wallpaper with calendar.... HERE.
So that led me to check out the calendar of events... which led me to this very cool photo of the old year 2008- washing away in the sand. I like it- don't you?