Enjoying the Local Sites ~Part 4~
Mount Rainier, Washington and Parts of Oregon 11/4/2019 through 11/8/2019
Monday ~ November 4, 2019
A Big Birdhouse?
Having shared adventures with my sister has been living a dream come true. As fall was setting in, there were still more things and places I wanted to show her, so off we went on another road trip.
During these journeys, my motorcycles were taking a back seat in my life. They patiently waited in the garage, unruffled by the neglect. That’s the beauty of motorcycles—they don’t get jealous or upset when left behind.
My sister expressed a desire to see the majestic Mt. Rainier in person and I was going to make it happen for her. As we headed west, a recollection of a peculiar place from a found geocaching years ago, sparked my memory.
A wooden grain silo near Cunningham, WA is a unique structure that was transformed into a home. This occurred long before the era of tiny homes became popular, back in the 70s or 80s by a man often referred to as a hippie. To me, it resembles a giant birdhouse, but the geocache page named it the Hobo House. No matter what is called it is a fascinating piece of unconventional architecture.
I was fortunate enough to explore its interior during my earlier visit, as it stood abandoned. However, on the recent trip with my sister, safety concerns prevented us from venturing inside. It didn’t look as stable as the last time I was there. Nonetheless, I was glad she could at least appreciate the external charm of this place. The experience added another layer to our shared adventures on the road.
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Othello, WA
It’s not uncommon for most people to drive by or even through towns and never look around to see what the town might have to offer. Othello has been one of these towns for me but this time was different.
Before this trip, I researched geocaches to mark some we could look for along the way. There were a couple of caches in Othello that caught my eye so they were programmed into the routing and the handheld GPS.
The first cache would take us to a Historic Hotel, which houses an art gallery, the chamber of commerce and a café. We both enjoy small town cafes so lunch there was in the plan.
Being the middle of the week and outside of tourist season when we arrived we found the gallery and chamber of commerce were closed which was disappointing but not surprising. We assumed the café was also closed since it seemed like the entrance was through the main hotel door, which was locked.
Even though we were a bit disappointed we took the opportunity to find the geocache and look around. The hotel was built in 1911 along the busy street that led to the Railroad Station and Livery Stables. Some of the walls are made from the Old Milwaukee Railroad Bunkhouse.
As we were wandering around checking out the exterior of the Hotel we were surprised to find another entrance to the café and a welcoming “open” sign.
We went in and found a quaint delightful café and were greeted by the pleasant solo staff member, probably the owner. We enjoyed a nice sandwich and a cup of homemade soup. I’ll stop there again.
With contented stomachs, we ventured on to find the next cache. Another one that was easy to find and close to the hotel. A fence made of wine bottles seemed appropriate since we had just seen a house made out of embalming fluid bottles in Canada.
It seems things made out of bottles that once contained liquids “that pickle us” is a thing. I once saw a building made out of beer bottles too but I don’t remember where it was. It’s fascinating how everyday objects can be repurposed into unique and eye-catching creations, turning a simple geocaching trip into a memorable adventure.
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Mount Rainier, WA
Driving along Highway 12, east of Interstate 5, is a perfect pull-off spot offering a breathtaking view of Mt. Rainier. We took advantage of the moment, capturing some memorable photos before continuing our journey.
One of the joys of our sightseeing adventures is the spontaneity – just driving and letting the scenery soak in as it comes. While some destinations were on our to-do list, the freedom to explore and discover along the way made the journey even more exciting. It’s the perfect blend of planned goals and the thrill of the unexpected.
It wasn’t long after we were able to see Mount Rainier that we connected with Interstate 5 and it was time to stop for the night. We enjoyed a light dinner and slept contently as we dreamed of what was to come the next day.
Tuesday, November 5, 2019
Exploring Oregon ~
We had spent the night in Centralia, WA, a town split by Interstate 5 offering a perfect spot for an overnight stay. Within a compact area, we found a cozy motel, a good restaurant, a couple of gas stations, and hassle-free access to the interstate.
After indulging in a mouthwatering country breakfast, we hit the road again, geared up for a straight-shot journey to Oregon. The drive to Portland, OR turned out to be a bit boring, with an overcast sky making things look dull and gray. It’s the kind of weather you often encounter on the West Side of the Cascade Mountains – not exactly a rarity.
Interstate 5 makes its way through the Pacific Northwest, sandwiched between the Pacific Ocean and the Cascade Mountains. Thanks to these majestic peaks, a rain shadow effect takes center stage, creating more rain, fog, and clouds on the west side than its drier counterpart to the east. When journeying eastward from the western side of the Cascades, it’s a frequent occurrence to encounter rain as you ascend the mountain. But here’s the twist – once you reach the summit, it’s like stepping into a different world, greeted by clear blue skies, sunshine, and no more rain in sight for the remainder of the travels through the state.
It’s a common misconception that the entire Pacific Northwest has constant drizzle, soaking the greenery. Seattle and Portland, sitting snug in the rain shadow, creates an illusion that all of the PNW is forever drenched. But those who’ve ventured beyond these urban hubs know better – there’s a diverse beauty waiting to be explored.
Traveling on I-5 was smooth sailing until we reached Vancouver, WA. Despite it being the timeframe between rush hours, navigating through Vancouver, crossing the Columbia River, and maneuvering through Portland, OR was quite hectic due to heavy traffic. Although the experience wasn’t exactly calming, the congested areas didn’t take long.
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Side note:
When planning my trips, Ghosttowns.com has been my longtime go-to. The site offers detailed maps of ghost towns across all states. Clicking on a specific town reveals a page with relevant information and often includes pictures of the remaining structures. After that, I check the geocaching site for any caches in the area, which often provide additional town information. If I want more details, a quick Google search usually provides even more information and leads me down a historical rabbit hole. Any intriguing finds are incorporated into my route plans.
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While the main reason for this drive was simply to experience Oregon, we couldn’t resist the side-roads that provide hidden gems. Most of those roads offer pleasant country drives each showing a different type of Oregon’s beauty. It wasn’t far from Portland when we arrived at the first place that was on our radar.
Kinton, OR, a ghost town dubbed “The Creepiest Ghost Town in Oregon,” caught our interest, prompting us to explore its remnants. Research revealed a post office in operation from 1894 to 1903, though the building itself seems to have vanished.
We easily located the old schoolhouse along OR110, adjacent to the town Grange. While the Grange still appears in use, the school was left abandoned long ago. Despite being on private property with “no trespassing” signs, we managed to get a decent view without violating any rules. Though I wished to get closer and peek inside, I respect boundaries and avoid trespassing knowingly.
Additionally, we spotted a picturesque barn near our parking spot, capturing a photo of it. I enjoy old style barns and grab photos of them when I spot one.
The town’s eerie reputation likened to Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Birds,” intrigued us. The school reminded some people of the one in the movie and added fun to our visit.
While exploring the remnants of the town and the old school, I didn’t find a resemblance to “The Birds” movie. However, the experience did trigger memories of watching “Alfred Hitchcock Presents” on TV during my childhood. Alfred Hitchcock had a distinctive appearance, and his mysterious voice added suspense to the shows. What stood out was the use of suspense without relying on graphic visuals, much like Rod Serling’s “The Twilight Zone.” Surprisingly, our mom allowed us to watch these shows, considering the suspenseful nature, but it turned out she enjoyed them and shared the experience with us. 
Those shows left a lasting impression, and Hitchcock’s unique style and storytelling techniques remain memorable.
Shortly after leaving Kinton, just a few miles down the road, we took a turn onto a farm road and encountered a group of birds on the road. As we approached, they took flight, now the movie “The Birds” was visible in my mind Fortunately, these were smaller birds, not the large crows depicted in the film.
Approximately 20 miles south and slightly west of Kinton, we arrived at the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery. Just outside the gate, we found a hidden geocache after a bit of searching. It was a well-concealed micro cache but I got to claim that find.
According to local tales, the cemetery is rumored to be haunted by two women, and there are various stories linking the haunting to witches. Spirits that linger in such places are believed to be individuals who haven’t crossed over to the other side for various reasons, with theories varying based on personal beliefs.
It’s important to note that all of these accounts are rooted in stories, and the narratives often differ. Visitors have reported eerie sensations, the feeling of being watched, seeing a woman wandering through the headstones in the shadow, whispers, laughter from female voices, and unusual temperature changes in the cemetery, particularly experiencing a chilling drop.
As for encountering the ghost of someone who hasn’t crossed over, it’s uncertain. We didn’t witness anything, but the possibility remains for those who venture in.
In the stories surrounding the Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery in Lafayette, OR, two women, Anna Marple and Lena Elsie Imus, are said to be haunting the grounds. Although both women lived in Lafayette, there doesn’t appear to be a direct connection between them.
Anna Marple’s story is intertwined with a dark chapter involving her son, who was hanged in 1887 for murdering a local businessman. While there were suspicions of Anna being an accomplice, she was never charged. On the day of her son’s execution, as he faced death, Anna reportedly cursed the town to burn. Some locals believed she was a witch, and shortly after the hanging, Lafayette experienced two significant fires, seemingly confirming the curse.
As for Lena Elsie Imus, she took her own life in 1908 by drinking carbolic acid in her home. The location of her home is now the location for Argyle Winery, where it’s said she continues to haunt. Despite being buried in the Pioneer Cemetery, Lena’s activity appears more active at the winery.
While details about Lena are limited, her connection to both the winery and the cemetery raises suspicions of her presence in both locations. The tales of these two women contribute to the haunted reputation of Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery.
The Lafayette Pioneer Cemetery in Lafayette, OR, has more stories connected to it. While the Pacific Northwest didn’t witness the severe witch persecution seen during the Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts in the 1600s, witch hunts persisted until the 18th century and, in some places, continue today. Even in the mid-19th century, being accused of witchcraft was considered a crime.
In Lafayette, an unnamed woman was accused of being a witch, hung, and reportedly buried somewhere in the cemetery. Although the details aren’t verified, the story has been passed down through the years.
There’s a belief that the land itself harbors a spirit unfriendly to visitors. Maybe that spirit has influence on the county since the cemetery is now off-limits to the public. Between Youtubes and articles about the cemetery, it’s causing too much attention and people going there looking for ghosts.
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Eventually, we pointed the van westward, joining Highway 101 which hugs the Pacific Ocean as we continued northward. The shift from inland to coastal landscapes marked another chapter in our road trip, showcasing the diverse and captivating beauty that Oregon has to offer.
The day was long but we were having fun so we were bothered by it. Usually, I’m more concerned because when I’m riding a motorcycle I make sure I’m off the road by dark. In my van, it’s not as important and I can keep driving.
Driving a big loop, our journey took us north on Highway 101, tracing the scenic Pacific Ocean. 
Wanting to make the experience even more special, I decided to treat us to a room with an ocean view. Luckily, given the off-peak tourist season, we managed to get a room at a reasonable price. However, the Pacific Ocean decided to play a little hide-and-seek, as thick fog covered our anticipated view both when we went to bed and when we woke up. Oh well, we gave it a shot!
The Oregon Coast offers a breathtaking sight as the waves of the Pacific Ocean crash against its rocky shores. Highway 101 provides convenient pull-offs where you can stop and immerse yourself in the views.
Reflecting on my experience, the ocean brought back memories of my first encounter at the Atlantic Ocean many years ago. My initial exposure to ocean side landscapes was through the Pacific along the
shores of Washington, Oregon, and Northern California stand out with their large rocks and cliffs that splash water when hit. Although there were some sandy stretches, they were not comparable to the extensive sandy beaches I later discovered along the Atlantic. When I first laid eyes on the Atlantic, I was astonished to find, flat sandy expanses stretching as far as I could see. This was in the southern part of the United States, and I acknowledge regional differences in the north, but my initial impression was “This ocean is boring.”
We were able to watch the fog rolling in across the water as we made our way to Rockaway Beach, OR, and our Motel. After we checked in we thought a walk on the beach was in order but the rolling fog was now rolling up to the motel. The walk was canceled and we went to sleep early, we were pooped. How does driving/riding in a van make us so tired?
There is more to come as we continue our Oregon journey and back home again. . .
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