Go by train

 

This isn't exhaustive, because our train rides were basically the same: Portland to Seattle and back, and then Portland to Tukwila (the stop before Seattle, for the Museum of Flight) and back. One of the times we were in business class!

It would not have been practical to take the train to Castle Rock; not all destinations are created equal. 

The Cascades/Coast Starlight trip does have some of the most beautiful scenery.

For Seattle (and Tukwila), you can also reasonably drive or fly. 

Driving has a certain amount of stress with it, especially after Fort Lewis. It would still be cheaper than buying tickets for multiple people, though the rise in gas prices could impact that.  

A train ticket for one could be cheaper than gas, especially if you consider hotel parking fees. Other parking fees could also be an issue with a vehicle, but without there are other transportation costs unless everything is walkable. It's just a choice.

Prices can vary, but flying is roughly four times as much as going by train. We did not have to pay to check bags, and that was a nice change.

In addition, while the flight time might be shorter, going through airport security takes longer and checking baggage adds time as well as fees.

Experiences can vary. 

First of all, staff was much more helpful at Union Station in Portland than at King Street Station in Seattle.

There was no staff at Tukwila, and finding the right track can be a little confusing. We would have found it anyway, but someone helping with Sound Transit, which shares the tracks, helped us.

In addition, the ride back from Tukwila was grosser.

I am not sure if this was because it was busier, because people had already taken the good seats in Seattle, or because it was dinnertime and a lot of people had food with them.

I mean, it's never really perfect, is it?

But sometimes the train can be a good option.

COVID: There is no reason to treat it differently than any other public transportation. Wear a mask.

Accessibility: They claim to have full accessibility, but it would definitely require assistance for boarding and stowing mobility devices. I would learn more in advance to be safe. 

https://www.amtrak.com

Castle Rock, WA -- Mt. St. Helens Visitor Center

Visiting the Mount St. Helens Visitor Center was a real blast from the past.

Yes, the pun was intended.

It was more interesting for me because of my own memories, and how different the experience was for my sisters.

Five years apart, I was young when it happened, but still more aware of things.

We talked about it in school a lot. We wrote stories about it before, and then after we used a glaze with ash mixed in it as we made clay bells. I remember the dusting of ash all over the cars and ground.

Then, about five years later, we had a field trip where we went to Windy Ridge (currently inaccessible due to a landslide) and the A-frame house, and before that there was the coffee table book.

There were still many things that didn't sink in. Of course I knew Harry Truman died and some campers (and horses), but I didn't realize how many or how many people lost their homes.

The Visitor Center does a good job of memorializing and explaining, but it hits differently depending on your experience.

Though I only remember one novelty song. 

Something I remembered from later was that part of the death toll was due to the mountain exploding sideways, which had not been expected. 

That started to make more sense.

There is also a lot of context about the regrowth and what scientists are learning from that.

It was interesting to see that all of the Native names for the mountain mentioned "smoke". I guess there were always signs.

There are also hiking trails and paths, and it's a pretty beautiful area.

Just for the record, the mountain was not out.

My least favorite thing was probably actually a good thing.
 

The restrooms are outside the building, meaning if you just go to hike without paying admission, you can still use the facilities.

However, re-entering the building, or coming out of the volcano, you have exited and have to re-enter if you want to go back to anything.

No one harshly asked me for admission when I went back, so I guess it was okay. 

It is not conveniently located, but was worth the day trip. 

COVID: I masked inside, but there is also a lot of outside to enjoy.

Accessibility: This was mostly pretty good. 

The one exception is the previously mentioned volcano. The general lower area has stairs at one end but a ramp at the other. However it appears to go right inside that is only via stairs.

This matters because that was one of the coolest parts. 

https://parks.wa.gov/mount-st-helens-visitor-center 

"101 at 100: This History of Oregon's Most Iconic Highway" at the Oregon Historical Society through October 11th

I have written about exhibits at the Oregon Historical Society before, and I didn't think I was going to write about this one, but then I had to.

I have been thinking a lot lately about big families without a lot of money piling the kids into the car and driving for all vacations.

While that is mainly associated with I-5, Hwy 101 also played an important part. 

Did these come from Agate Beach?

There was also a lot I did not know. 

I had been thinking of 101 as the spur where you decide between Cannon Beach and Seaside; that is mainly how we use it, and three numbers is for spurs and connections. That's what they said on Big Bang Theory.

Perhaps, but 101 pre-dates the Highway Act of 1956.

In fact, US Route 101 (also Oregon Coast Highway 9) was started in 1926. 

It wasn't really complete until the Astoria-Megler Bridge was opened in 1966. I don't think the technology existed for a crossing like that until then.

Indeed, the bridges are a key -- and beautiful -- part of making a way up the Oregon coast, and that was a highlight of the exhibit.

The exhibit will only be around for a few more weeks, but I hope 101 itself lasts a long time.

At least another 100!

COVID: It's indoors. Wear a mask.

Accessibility: OHS has been very good at this, with ramps, elevators, and easy navigability. 

You can find more information at https://www.ohs.org/museum/plan-your-visit.cfm. 

https://www.ohs.org/museum/exhibits/101-at-100.cfm