So I guess daily writing is not my strong suite. So let me get you up to date.  We left Walport and continued up the coast through Depoe Bay, OR. This is the smallest harbor in the world. The Coast Guard has a station there. If you get a chance look up Depoe Bay on YouTube and there is a video of the Coast Guard doing towing training into the harbor. The video alone scares me to death I could not imagine actually towing a vessel into this harbor.

We then continued up the coast to Lincoln where we started heading east for the first time. When going through McMinnville, OR I found the Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum. I needed a break and thought this would be a great way to stretch my legs. I was totally shocked to fine Howard Hughes’ “Spruce Goose” inside. Last time I saw this plane it was in Long Beach, CA and I remember being upset when Disney decided to not maintain it anymore. It was wonderful to see this “little” piece of Aviation History.

We spent the night in Vancouver with my Uncle Jim (Griz) and his wife then headed east on HWY 84 along the Columbia River to Bridal Veil Falls.  This was an very interesting ride. Going through the gorge was very desolate and scenic and HOT. This was the first really hot day with temps over 100 degrees and we traveled to Moses WA. Monday was the longest ride of the day with a total of 319 miles coved. By the way traveling on a motorcycle is very economical as we are averaging between 40 and 45 miles per gallon.  I am not sure if it is the 92 octane gas or traveling at slower speeds with the traffic.

Tuesday we traveled to Cle Elum, WA. This is the childhood home and finale resting place of SM1 Douglas Munro. SM1 Munro was a member of the Coast Guard during WWII serving on a navy ship during the Guadalcanal Campaign, driving landing craft for the Marines. During the second Battle of Matanikau the Marines position was over run by Japanese forces. He led the extrication of the Marines and was killed by gun fire at the age of 22 on September 27, 1942. Douglass Munro is the only Coast Guard member to be awarded the Medal of Honor. In 1992 I participated in the laying of a plaque at his grave site on the 50^th Anniversary of his death. While at the ceremony I was able to meet a childhood friend of Munro’s named Mike Cooley. I mentioned Mike because at Munro’s Grave is a flag pole. Mike would raise and lower the U. S. Flag at the grave sited everyday from the time Munro was laid to rest until his death in 2008. Upon Mikes Death the Seattle Chapter of the CG Chief Petty Officer Association permanently lit the Flagpole to honor both Doug and Mike.