Traveling on the Mississippi

 Later

Then they came for me—Martin Niemöller

 The Quote

First they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a socialist.

Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out—because I was not a trade unionist.

Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—because I was not a Jew.

Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for me.

—Martin Niemöller

This quote is attributed to the prominent German pastor Martin Niemöller.   After World War II, Niemöller openly spoke about his own early complicity in Nazism and his eventual change of heart. His powerful words about guilt and responsibility still resonate today.

The Nature of Survival

 "The nature of survival is that stuff doesn't always go as planned. Survival is about making decisions, keeping going, keeping cheerful and coming up with a new plan when something doesn't work." Edward Michael Grylls, nicknamed Bear, (b. 1974), British adventurer, writer and television presenter.

Oregon Coast Trip, August 1-2, 2025

On Friday, August 1st, I stayed overnight at McMenamins Gearhardt Hotel.  I had lunch at the hotel's Sand Trap Pub.  I was disappointed that there was not a Happy Hour.  I had a room on the top floor, overlooking the golf course.  Good night's sleep.  I should have taken time to have a hearty breakfast.

I rode the Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad.  The Cafe Car, Open Car and Coaches were pulled by Steam Locomotive No. 25.   I departed from Rockaway Beach at 1:00PM, arriving in Garibaldi at 1:30. Left Garibaldi at 2:00, arriving back in Rockaway at 2:30.  I had a Coach Car Ticket but I chose to sit in the corner of the nearly empty Cafe Car with great Bay Side/Ocean views.

I drove northeast via Hwy 53 and Sunset Hwy 26.  I visited Nehalem Bay Winery. I stopped partway home to have a fish sandwich at Dairy Queen.  I arrived home about 8:00PM.  During the two day trip I found two Virtuals, a Locationless Cache and got coordinates and information to create an Earthcache: Silver Point Interpretive Overlook on the Oregon Coast.  

After six years I finally completed the McMenamins Passport!

On Friday, June 27, I traveled North on I-5.  I filled the gas tank in North Vancouver., WA.  I stopped at Rest Stop 52 halfway to Olympia just to stretch.   I stopped in Chehalis for Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit at McDonalds at 8:20AM.  I got a Passport Stamp and free T-shirt at the McMenamins Spar Cafe in Olympia.  I got a Passport Stamp and free lunch and commemorative glass at McMenamins Mill Creek Pub. 

After six years I completed a McMenamins Passport at Anderson School in Bothell, WA.  I got two free T-shirts, a charm and commemorative glass.  I was awarded several Grand Prizes.  I had dinner at the Tavern on the Square.  I talked to the couple at the next table about traveling and geocaching.  I stayed the night at the Main Lodge on the third floor.  Fantastic room!  

The next morning, I ate a light breakfast at Starbucks on the way to Edmonds.  I visited Rick Steves Europe where I purchased his recent book "On The Hippie Trail."   I wish that I could take his Grand Tour but it is just too physically demanding.  I stopped at Starbucks in Renton for Fruit and Cheese Protein Box.  I stopped at two rest stops on the way home so I could stretch a bit.  I took a brief nap in the remote, shaded Wal-Mart parking lot at one point.  Home again about 7:00PM.

A few of my favorite films...

"The Lake House"

"Capricorn One"

"Letters to Juliet"

"Sleepless in Seattle"

"Rebecca" starring Joan Fontaine

"All the President's Men"

"Serendipity"

"The Secret Garden" with Maggie Smith (1993)

"The Railway Children" (1970) with Jenny Agutter

"Portrait of Jenny" (1948) starring Jennifer Jones, Joseph Cotten and Ethel Barrymore

Seashell Photo threatens Trump's life

Former FBI Director James Comey is under investigation for '8647' Instagram Post seen as a potential threat to Trump's life.  He had posted a photo of a seashells formation that he saw on a beach walk. Comey denied that his posting of the seashells was meant as a threat, saying in a statement that he was unaware people linked the specific number arrangement with violence. 

The number 86 has also been used by Republicans calling for the impeachment of Joe Biden - for example, T-shirts sold on Amazon reading '8646', indicating a call to impeach Biden (the 46th president).  Where was the uproar then?  Some liberals are accusing the right of deliberating misunderstanding Comey's intent in order to score political points.  As for Don Jr's comments what else would you expect.  

Check out the plethora of '8647' T-shirts sold on Amazon.  I especially like the T-shirts that have flowers intertwined with the numbers.