Leaving von Tagen Vista

Our final day at von Tagen Vista found us heading to Portland for lunch. Janice with her editorial director and me with Larry Remmers, a college fraternity pledge brother who has apparently discovered the fountain of youth. During our short lunch (and thank you, Larry), we remembered stupid things we did in our college days and expressed gratitude and amazement that our sophomoric adventures had not derailed us. Other serious folks in the restaurant (Higgins), obviously power-lunching, may not have understood the peals of laughter from our table.

In the evening, we treated ourselves to a reading/book signing by Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain. Julie sent us a copy after Carly’s passing and it was helpful in the grieving process. Even if your dog is not dying or dead, this is a good read. Dinner followed at the nearby Broadway Grille and Brewery where we chomped down turkey reubens—first time for those, but certainly not the last time. Arriving back in camp, Fritz had a campfire going in the back forty, and we enjoyed some stargazing and chatter over the embers, joined for awhile by Fritz’s brother Bill and his wife, Linda, visiting from Idaho.

We’ll be missing Fritz and Dee, our hosts off and on for the last 3 weeks. Hopefully our weekend departures kept our visit fresh for them and did not violate the ‘fish’ rule (i.e What goes bad after 3 days? Fish or a visit from friends/relatives). They are a joy to be with. Can’t wait to see them next time, whenever that is.

This morning we headed west to Stub Stewart State Park, Oregon's newest park, where Janice will be the campfire 'entertainment.' This is located on Hwy 47, about 7 miles from Vernonia.

Went for a bike ride there---a 5 1/2 mile out and 5 1/2 mile back flat track, likely an old railroad bed. This is not a 'destination' ride, i.e., don't drive a long ways for it. However, if you are in the area, it's worth a try. Bring a bag for berries along the way. We forgot ours.

And Vernonia--it's one of those towns that got stuck in a time warp, circa 1955, likely when the old mill next to 'Lake Vernonia '(former mill pond) closed. The kids leaving high school as we biked by looked rather unaffected by the world 'out there.' A well endowed young lady was surrounded by a herd of lads, revved up by hormone overload. Friday night football was on the school marquee, and these fellas were already dreaming about the dance after the game, hoping---well---just hoping. Remember? The hardware store owner chatted up local happenings with a couple of spinsters seeking a replacement belt for their Hoover vacuum, and the local grocery store seemed the social hub for this little town. Nice place-clean as a whistle. If the tumult of the modern world is dragging you down, Vernonia might be THE place for you. And it even has a cozy 18-holer on the outskirts of town.