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.