Gathering Our Nuts

Several years ago, we purchased an audio book, "Younger Next Year" (http://www.youngernextyear.com/) and it changed the way we looked at exercising and eating right.  I can't say that we have been following the book's advice consistently over the years; it seemed making a living and other commitments always got in the way.  Now that we're retired, no more excuses. There are two basic rules (1) exercise an hour every day (the book says it's a primitive need, something to do with gathering nuts or hunting) and (2) stop eating crap.

With such spectacular places to hike every where we stay, the exercise is something we look forward to every day; but eating right has been a challenge.  We're working on that.

Fort Stevens State Park has an extensive system of biking/hiking trails throughout park.  Today, we hiked for an hour through the park woods on wide asphalt paths.  The weather can be windy on the beach or in town, but you take this path through the dense forest of cedar, ferns and deciduous trees and your environment is suddenly very...still and quiet.  Along the way, a deer came out from a side trail not five feet ahead of us--never heard her coming.  There have been cougar warnings in the area; so I either walk in front of Mike or by his side.  No need to intentionally chum for them.

A Beautiful Morning

Fresh salt air, cool breezes, sunny skies and a walk on the beach. Remember the band, The Rascals and their song, "A Beautiful Morning"?

It's a beautiful mornin' Ahhh

I think I'll just go outside a while

An jus' smile

Just take in some clean fresh air, boy!

Ain't no sense staying inside

If the weather is fine an' you got the time

Great song, great day.

When we drove to the Columbia River jetty a few days ago, we noticed a wildlife viewing sign along the way. Today was a perfect day for viewing, so we stopped at the sign and walked into the wetlands created by the Columbia River. Most of the wetlands I've visited have been hot, humid; and well, a little stinky. Surprisingly, this was a nice walkway into tall grasses, pine and out to a lake with a good-sized beach. We caught sight of a large bald eagle--too high to take a photo.

What is cool about staying near Astoria, Oregon is you are centrally located to a lot of interesting places. This past week, the farthest we've traveled is 19 miles to Seaside, Oregon. On June 19, we plan to visit Cannon Beach for the sand castle contest and it's only 26 miles away. For the three weeks we are here, we've got something to do or see every day. One day, we'll have to play the golf course at our RV location--Lewis and Clark RV Park.

Submarine Attack!

On the nights of June 21 and 22, 1942, a Japanese submarine fired at Fort Stevens making it the only military installation in the continental U.S. to receive hostile fire during World War II. I didn't know that until today. It was also interesting to learn that the military installation was built during the Civil War in 1862 (something to do with that crazy pig war in the San Juan Islands).

With a break in the weather, we spent today at Fort Stevens State Park, the military historic site, the wreck of the Peter Iredale on Clatsop spit, and the Columbia River jetty. It has been 40 years since I last saw the park and the Peter Iredale wreck. The park looks the same, but it is amazing how time and weather erode anything on the beach. The wreck I saw for the first time was twice the size of what now remains.

After all that outdoor activity, Mike's internal dashboard oil gauge was showing low on oil today; so we had Kentucky Fried Chicken. Not on my diet, but I admit; so good.