wheelsonfire1: Fort Stevens, Lewis and Clark and the 101

Sept 11 We stopped and remembered those killed in the brutal attacks on the US by demented terrorists. While there is a lot I can say on the subject, I will keep it to myself and share with you instead the joy that was our day. After wrapping up the campsite we drove down to the beach to see an old ship wreck. There was no place to park and we had to walk down the beach to see it. No bueno sand and wheelchairs. From there we went to the site of Fort Stevens. The fort has the distinction of being the only fort in mainland America to be fired upon by the Japanese during WWII. A sub snuck up the Columbia River and fired on a ship and missed then turned its guns on the fort.
Out of seventeen shells not one did any damage to the fort. They rained down all around and dug holes in the dirt. The men in the fort were not allowed to fire back because their antiquated guns did not have the reach to strike a blow against the sub but it would have been "salve to an open wound" as one solider out it.

We didn't make it very far today. After touring th fort, buying groceries, getting the flat tire fixed and getting a little down the road we were ready to stop.
The Fort.

Lots of areas were locked or roped off. Gotta keep little Johnny safe from himself.

This creepy little sucker was slithering about in the one ammunition locker. Gives me the willies looking at the picture.

From Fort Stevens we rolled into town and bought some groceries at the Fred Myer and then headed over to Les Schwab to get the tire repaired. We dropped it off and had an hour to kill so we drove over to see the Lewis and Clark National Historic Park. I had no idea this little gem was here but it is. The last outpost built on the Pacific by the intrepid duo and their band of merry men before heading back east. Fort Clatsop.

We picked up the tire and the guys at Les Schwab were kind enough to put it back on the Tahoe and stow the spare. The kid's name was Austin who did the work and he chatted with Patrick about cars, motorcycles and dirt bikes. When it was all said and done, he told us it was on the house free of charge for the tire repair and change out. I don't know why but it was very much appreciated. Les Schwab Tire in Warrington, OR. Thanks guys!
We left Warrington and headed down Oregon's 101, once again an All American Road. Some quick views. The road was tantalizing, giving brief views of vast ocean scenery while shrouding the rest with pines.