"We Made It" - Photo: Special thanks to Client T.
In preparation for speaking at the World Opera Conference in June under my presentation banner "Agnes vs. Bertha: and the Battle for Opera Market and Volunteer Share," I am doing a virtual hike to "The Little Apple" located in my favorite town on Oregon Coast, Manzanita! Everyone remembers the McGowan's 362-mile SOLVE Legacy Walk that was very impressive, this 104-mile trek in 31 days on the club's treadmill will ponder some things along the way to the Oregon Coast that have great meaning to this demographic and state as a whole. Check back for a little link that will chronicle the trip and offer some destination savvy for the exceptional wanderer.
Wednesday, May 1:
What was I thinking? I flashed back to Senator Hatfield who once said that he and Mrs. Hatfield tried walking (they were not too athletically inclined) and "didn't like it." Day 1 on the treadmill at 3mph was a lot to take in! haha. From downtown, I got a little past the Sylvan exit today which reminded me of all the great times turning off to go in either direction to visit friends. It made me think of a great walking route I love . . . take the MAX from Goose Hollow to the Zoo, walk up Highland Road past the Racquet Club, down Fairview, and back to the Zoo via Washington Park.
Thursday, May 2:
Today reaching Murray Blvd was a milestone of sorts...the turnoff to the Nike World Campus as well as the memory of driving to Tektronix to become a corporate relations consultant in 2000. Having recently sold its color printer division to Xerox, the test and measurement company founded by Howard Vollum (more on Howard - the father of Oregon's Silicon Forest - later in our tour) was on its way to a $1 billion year. My Tek colleagues and I designed an enormous party for 4,200 employees and their families closing the Oregon Zoo to celebrate the revenue goal. With my home base in Building 55 about 30 feet from the company's Chairman, I advocated to display the magnificent Chihuly glass sculpture outside our board room that he traded years before for a color printer to catalog his work, bringing the then-$35,000 piece out of a box in the archives after asking Tracy Savage to "spot appraise” it. Seeing the finished result with perfect lighting began my love of Chihuly's work.
Friday, May 3:
The Sunset Highway is always atwitter with activity. Fast on a freeway, but slow on a walk brings us to the 185th Exit. You'll notice trees between the grassy areas of both off-ramps and the freeway. The trees were planted by a group of volunteers from
SOLVE, Oregon's most recognizable volunteer organization. It was great to meet so many different people on that day circa 2001. While beautification is the
planned result of efforts like this, the
real benefit is for the citizens of Oregon getting to know each other on our common ground and breaking down the barriers that can divide us by developing relationships with new people.
Saturday, May 4:
Brookwood Parkway in Hillsboro comes into view - the Hillsboro Airport is the site of the most unusual board meeting of my non-profit volunteering life. As SOLV
E board members, we would rotate board meetings to all of our offices - and in six years of service to that organization I saw plenty of great conference rooms throughout the city. Louisiana-Pacific's former hangar held some nice business jets, so we had our post-meeting happy hour on one of them after sitting next to it for our meeting. Fun! Incidentally, you can view the Nike Hangar on Brookwood. Nike's 40,000sf building can hold three Gulfstream V jets and was designed by
TVA, a renowned firm whose principal is the husband of one of my colleagues in our Portland Heights Windermere Realty Trust office.
Sunday, May 5:
I've hit Exit 57 - Go South to Glencoe High School or North to - you guessed it - North Plains, Oregon's "City to the Sunset" pop 3,396. Let it not be said that the city's founders were not creative with its name! While the city itself is currently "finding itself" at the crossroads with development and expansion of the urban growth boundary, Pumpkin Ridge Golf Club has played host to numerous tournaments since opening in 1992 - founded by three partners including my fellow former University of Oregon Foundation Trustee and Portland Business Leader Gay Davis. The club hosted the first US iteration of the controversial Saudi Royal Fund-backed LIV Golf Invitational Series event in 2022. On the less controversial side, I was asked to lead the marketing for what could be considered the state mortgage association's most successful golf tournament in the mid-2000s. If you haven't been golfing here, it's really a peaceful place.
Monday, May 6:
Landing at the intersection of the Wilson River Highway (6) and 26, I am reminded of everything the South of Sunset brings at this location. If one wouldn't be venturing to Manzanita, a trip down the road less traveled to "Sip 47" (a name created by Rudy Marchesi and his daughter Kristin of Montinore Estate) via Forest Grove will drop you into the middle of some of Oregon's great winemakers from the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Alas, staying focused on the route ahead will take us into a more tranquil and scenic part of our journey.
Tuesday, May 7:
The intersection of Hwy 47 itself at 26 is our last agri-centric stop before we begin our initial ascent into the North Section of the Oregon Coast Range.
Wednesday, May 8:
We're dead center between the Hornshuh Creek Fire Station #14 and the Apple Valley Airport. Who knew that Ramblin' Rod Anders constructed this airstrip (OR61) in 1994. The airport is used as a base for spraying crops. The fire station is relatively new (2020) with 4 bays, training room, office, dorm, and kitchen.
Thursday, May 9:
The Sunset Highway shares alignment with Hwy 47 for about four miles. Manning, an unicorporated community, is close by and takes its name from Martin Manning who took up a land claim there in 1865.
Friday, May 10:
We hit Milepost 44 and could turn at NW Conway Dr, but proceed on!
Saturday, May 11:
Walking through a tunnel, on the right hand side (south) looks like a relatively significant lumber operation site at NW Ridge Road (MP41. Check out the economics of our lumber industry at the Oregon Forest Resources Institute.
Sunday, May 12:
A Small respite lies ahead just beyond MP38 at the 26 Market at Timber Rd.
Monday, May 13:
Between MP 37-35, Wolf Creek sits parallel to 26. Did you know that the road was originally called Wolf Creek Hwy before it was named the Sunset? For those into firearms, this is your turnoff to the North Fork Wolf Creek Shooting Lanes. And, just beyond you'll find the Four County Point Trailhead.
Tuesday, May 14:
MP 32 - just in the distance will be NW Wheeler Rd but we enter the Clatsop State Forest at Music Rd.
Wednesday, May 15:
MP 29 - We are at the South Fork of Rock Creek for this segment between McGregor and Olson Roads and at a half-way point of our journey toward The Little Apple!
Thursday, May 16:
MP 26 - Did I mention how much I don't like trudging through this range? While we just passed the Sunset Rest Area, Military Creek Road may present an opportunity for a 4.67 jaunt to the North if you're so inclined which I am not as I just need to get to this flippin' Little Apple store :)
Friday, May 17:
MP 23 - What fortune lies just ahead . . . but the old Elderberry Inn (MP 22 - Jewell Junction) which opened in 1939. You can read about it in a 2022 article from our wonderful friend, Pulitzer Prize winning Journalist Tom Hallman Jr. If you haven't checked out Tom's work, it's an absolute must!
Saturday, May 18:
MP 20 - We are almost to Lower Nehalem Road becoming Foss Road that you can straddle the Nehalem River all the way down to Nahelem Bay. Twists and turns abound, but we are forging toward the Ocean on 26!
Sunday, May 19:
MP 17 - But in my world, we will just call it Camp 18! We always stopped coming or going to the beach, but we were anxious either way. Restaurant and home to the Camp 18 Logging Museum. I didn't know that the owner was friends with Maurie Clark who helped name it. In the late 1960's and 70's, Maurie helped transform the City of Cannon Beach through a string of development.
Monday, May 20:
MP 14 - We are beyond a lot of logging activity to both the North and South of the highway at this point. Did you know that forestry and wood products continues to be one of the state's target industries. According to the State of Oregon, we are the largest softwood lumber producer in the US. Somewhere around here through the trees I think there still may be some evidence of the Tillamook Burn that was visible when we would drive down to the beach while I was a child.
Tuesday, May 21:
MP 11 - We have passing lanes and are "on our final descent into the greater coastal plain!" :) While we do have a choice at Mile 9.25 or so of taking the 53 Necanicum Hwy down to Nehalem/Wheeler, I MUCH prefer the longer route along the ocean which is more interesting. To the North is the Saddle Mountain State Natural Area - the tallest mountain in Clatsop County. Its first ascent was in 1841 by James Dwight Dana - a geologist also responsible for development of early knowledge on Hawaiian volcanism and named certain strands "Loa" and "Kea."
Wednesday, May 22:
MP 8 - In case there's a need, we've just passed the Hamlet Rural Fire Protection District and its red barn. 100% Volunteer-led, you may choose to start your political career in Oregon as Position 3 on their board is vacant. They provide an amazing array of services for a small district and have a high volume of motor vehicle accident calls, rescues, and lost citizens on logger roads. Oregon has so many dedicated citizens that we never really have an opportunity to appreciate. There also looks like there could be a Heliport.
Thursday, May 23:
MP 5 - We are about to hit the Summit & Necanicum Mainlines . . . this website explains a 15.2 mile trail that describes a moderately difficult loop.
Friday, May 24:
MP 2 - Close by is Klootchy Creek County Park - the centerpiece being the Klootchy Creek Giant Sitka Spruce - once holding the distinction of being the largest tree in Oregon and one of the oldest living things in the state. It was the first honoree of the Oregon Heritage Tree program.
Saturday, May 25:
Hwy 101 - MP 26 - Before we make our way onto 101, I would be remiss if we didn't visit the site of the old Crab Broiler - what an icon when it was open . . . I am unsure why I liked it as a child . . . it had an interesting entrance with a little pond or something, but it was a treat to go there if we did :) At this juncture, we could go to Seaside and take in a game of Fascination, up to Gearhart which is (what everyone who has a house there would like to call it) Oregon's Nantucket, or Surf Pines which I think is a little more refined in its approach to coastal vacationing.
Sunday, May 26:
Hwy 101 - MP 29 - Everyone LOVES Cannon Beach! While it is a little oversaturated with vacationers these days during peak holidays, it is worth a stroll through town and have an ice cream. While we have Ecola State Park to the North for a little picnic, Haystack Rock is a straight ahead and one cannot miss this iconic mass. Don't forget a photo with the cannon off the highway - but my real gem growing up was a trip to Tolovana Inn - give a 10 year old an indoor swimming pool and an arcade, and you don't need to say anymore! :) My mom loved Unit 126 in Building 4. High tide at night in Winter will bring the ocean waves crashing right to your deck. We will save a conversation about Mo for a later date.
Monday, May 27:
Hwy 101 - MP 32 - Yes - I know it's only MP 32, but in this case we will focus on Hug Point State Recreation Site is a wonderful place to get a glimpse into some tide pools during the LOW TIDE is optimal - or at least when I was a kid. You'll glimpse the old road that lends its name to the site, where stagecoaches would need to "hug" the road that's still visible even during low tide to reach Arch Cape.
Tuesday, May 28:
Hwy 101 - MP 35 - We have reached Arch Cape! My quasi-aunt and uncle had a beach house here located right on "Sally's Alley," a beach access trail. Their home was small with a decent-size lot - their neighbor was a well-known parking lot king in Portland who once sent them a letter to buy the home so he could convert it to a "master bedroom." My uncle framed the letter as a fun part of their history there. Many interesting people along the way have made Arch Cape their beach outpost. Tektronix' Howard Vollum and his wife Jean had a presence here as did the Oregon Symphony's irreplaceable Maestro James DePriest - landscapers with a sense of humor used to mow treble and bass clefs into Jimmie's lawn. Remember Maurie Clark from the earlier Camp 18 post? He also provided the building materials for the Catholic Church which is a convenient highway landmark, St. Peter the Fisherman.
Wednesday, May 29:
Hwy 101 - MP 38 - Landing near the middle of Oswald West State Park, the conclusion to this journey is close. This 2,484 acre park is great for hikers, surfers, and those interested in some stunning views. Named for Oregon's 14th governor who is credited with established the state's highway system, you could elect to stay for a day - but camping is NOT permitted!
Thursday, May 30:
Hwy 101 - MP 41 - For beach weekends in Manzanita, it was always a kid-pleaser for the dads to take the boys on a leisurely hike up Neahkahnie Mountain. Legends of hidden treasure from Spanish sailors had three curious boys on the lookout for "X's" in the dirt where change from a dad's pocket would be buried to finance our soft serve ice cream and Domino matches purchases at The Little Apple in the afternoon (for fireworks later in the evening) before our standard Saturday night pizza dinner at Nina's (who took the recipes after it moved to Wheeler and subsequently closed?) !!!
Why not do a little self promo on the side of the building? Here it is in all of its glory, "The Little Apple"! Photo: Client T.Friday, May 31:
Hwy 101 - The Little Apple at the Manzanita Oceanfront - Finale!!! Well, we have reached the great unspoiled magnificently perfect [city] of Manzanita - Oregon's answer to Vineyard Haven on Martha's Vineyard. The Little Apple is actually named for the Manzanita bush's 'little apple' - something I never knew until I wrote this just now . . . I just thought it was a play on words for NYC! :) This city is the stuff that beach legends are made from - and I can claim that my sandcastles (even today if I would venture down) are renowned for their scale . . . usually 30'x30' and armed with an excuse for children intruders from participating in my master plan, "oh, we need farmlands for the castle developed about 50 feet away from here, and, 'we'll name the Duchy in your honor!'" haha. My friend Timmy and I loved riding our Honda Sprees everywhere; played on the land that eventually became the golf course; were curious about and explored the blue tiled home being built on the beach that dwarfed others just south of town; and uncovered virtually every inch of this charming beach haven with his guidance while lighting off every illegal firework under the sun to the applause of all who watched. What FABULOUS memories of this special place - which reminds me again of a Tom McCallism from a 1971 speech - "you're welcome to visit, but please don't stay!" Thank you for joining me on this mini-journey - while a real walk would have netted more than 7 pounds lost, I had a fun time this month with everyone cheering me on.
BUT, as Lily Tomlin's character 'Violet' says in 9 to 5, "Hey, we've come this far, haven't we? This is just the beginning!" Let's just finish this and do the entire 362-mile coastline together . . . after all, the coast is where my father first came for work as a teacher at Toledo High School in 1958 living in South Beach below Newport and my mother as a native Oregonian grew up with coastal jaunts.
INSPIRATION: Many of you know Jack and Jan McGowan who were stewards of SOLVE and helped drive it into the superpower of volunteerism it is today. In 2001, they organized the SOLVE Legacy Walk to raise awareness about our collective responsibility to preserve this treasure called Oregon. The McGowans inspired all of us to try something different and they completed their one-and-a-half month trek flanked by supporters. So, stay tuned below as I head down toward California . . . after all, I'm going to be presenting in LA. Enjoy - I'll post when I've completed the balance of this walking tour along the most beautiful coastline in the country! :)
