Kimberly A. Cook

Military Romance Author

Travel

European Memories and World Cup Dreams

By

Here are my bus mates from Autotours EX 57 in 1983 with our loyal bus. I am bottom right.

Exactly forty-three years ago on June 22nd, I stepped onto a thirty-passenger Autotours Bus in London, England, for an adventure of a lifetime. It was a seventy-day camping trip with twenty-six strangers. It rocked my world.

Onboard our bus we had one Brit, four Americans, seventeen Aussies, and six New Zealanders (aka Kiwis) and visited sixteen countries. We sailed on a ship in Greece for a week, visited the Munich Olympic Stadium, explored the Catacombs of Rome, the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, the magical city of Dubrovnik, Paris, and many other amazing places.

Our tour guide kept a running diary of the trip, which we were invited to write in along the way. One of our campers contributed amazing drawings. At the end of the tour, back in London, the Daybook was given to one camper based on names drawn out of a hat. With much joy, it became mine.

I still have it. As the official keeper of the Daybook, I figured I should launch this little blog post out into the universe and see what happens. I know the locations of five members from the trip. For the American and New Zealander who met on our bus and later married, I did mail them a photocopy of the diary.

This was all before the Internet and social media. Thank heavens! At the time, it was my last summer before completing my Journalism Arts Technology degree. I talked my parents into giving me the money they saved for my wedding, added my savings from my part-time jobs, and headed for Europe.

Along with seventy rolls of thirty-six exposure Kodak 35mm film. One for each day. Popping the lids on every one of those seventy gray plastic cannisters at Gatwick Airport customs was a challenge, but I did it. That was a very patient customs officer.

Watching the World Cup match yesterday between the USA and Australia brought back warm and wild memories of that trip. The party vibe is real. I’ve wanted to post about the adventure on recent anniversaries, but life just happens.

Plus, as an American, I feel I should apologize to our NATO allies and partners for my country’s chaos. Perhaps now is a good time.

NATO’s Article five has only been activated once, when the USA was attacked on 9/11. Our allies came to our aid with comfort and support. It is not forgotten.

The many football/soccer fans from around the world who have come to visit us during the World Cup, have done it again, but this time by bringing us joy and hope. Which we dearly need.

The majority of Americans are hardworking, good people, who want world peace and a prosperous life for our families. We are working to fix our nation. Trust me.

We understand our Allies and partners have to do what is necessary to protect their own citizens.

But I wanted to say thank you for coming to our aid with emotional support right now. You have no idea how much we need it and our gratitude. We will clean up our mess and get back on track, but it requires commitment and fortitude.

In the meantime, I am now an official World Cup fan. I enjoyed the match, sorry Aussies, here’s hoping you make into the next round too. Complete with those yellow and brown inflatable kangaroos I saw in the crowd, that I desperately want. So stinking cute!

Because on that trip in 1983, I had the solemn honor of walking the battlefields of Gallipoli, Turkey, with the descendants of those who fought that bloody battle in World War I, while my own grandfather fought in the Meuse-Argonne, France.

We are bonded. Now and forever.

Thanks for bringing the parties!

Welcome to America World Cup fans!

 

P.S. If this post finds some of my former EX 57 campers, I’m at @instagram.com/kimberlyacookauthor

P.P.S.S. This was our itinerary, except for some detours, and our bus breakdown in Athens… Easy stops means we did not pitch our two-person tents. We were either in a taverna, Gasthof, pension, chateau, or on the ship.

 

Sun, Sand, And Spring?

By 3 Comments

View from outside the restaurant. Perfect.

Sometimes the best thing to do is leave town. For fun. Just for the day. Last week on Spring eve, the weather folks said it was going to be 74 degrees at the beach. What? My friend, Kathy, and I decided to beat feet to the coast for lunch and a stroll in the sand.

We promptly got stuck in a traffic jam on the freeway, but we didn’t care. We were off on an adventure. Stopped at the Oregon State Park rest stop at VanDuzer Corridor, one on either side of the road. Besides improving personal comfort, I always like to go and check out the streams close by and watch the burbling brook. (On the South side rest stop it’s a full river)

We made it to Gleneden Beach in no time to have lunch at the Clarion Inn Surfrider Resort, which has great food and a killer coastal view. My halibut sandwich was amazing and I ate the entire thing. I do not apologize.

Warm sand and sun. I didn’t notice my footsteps until after I took the photo.

Next we drove over to the Gleneden Beach Day Use beach access and broke out our flip flops. Due to coastal wave erosion, the excellent path down to the sand ends in a rather challenging climbing access the last seven feet to the beach. I chose to go down in flip flops, but saw the error of my ways and used bare feet on the return trip. A guide wire to hang onto would be an improvement, but we charged on.

Great trail except for the last seven feet. You can see the cliff erosion.

The ocean was topaz blue, the sun knocked your eyes out and a slight breeze let us sniff the fresh sea air. The booming waves reminded us it was still winter water out there and the high waves required respect. I began picking up rocks and treasures from along our walk and after several blocks, we decided to perch on a driftwood log high above the shoreline.

Winter waves require respect. The rest of the year too. Sneaker waves are real.

Back home seemed like a million miles away. We even started to get a little sun kissed. We moseyed back to the parking lot and got rid of sand between our toes, then prepared for the trip back to the valley. We had spied a Joann Fabric store in Lincoln City and then a Michael’s in Tualatin. Stopped at both for bunny booty and unneeded craft supplies.

A fabulous way to spend evening rush hour, shopping the craft aisles. Got home around 6:30 p.m. with Spec Ops Cat waiting at the door for his dinner. A cat waitress’ work is never done.

Some days a girl just needs to get sand between her toes.

Here’s to more spontaneous beach trips for everybody!

On the way home we spotted this quirky forest restoration project. Not too bad a photo at sixty miles per hour through the car window! See the happy face?

 

 

Need An Off-Season?

By 1 Comment

How does this look for fun? Being on a ship, without being on a ship. No fishing or diving. Just saying.

Is it just me or is it time for an off-season? From life! Watching two of my three NFL teams get beat this past Sunday, I pondered their talk about the off-season. When do we get an off-season? Between the news, bad weather and the major construction outside my front door, I need to re-stock the chocolate shelf. Might fill up the downstairs shower too. Can’t be too careful.

Here is a look back at Wildfin restaurant from the suspension walkway. Trot off that dessert.

But a lovely escape did happen last week, celebrating my sister’s birthday. We motored across the Columbia River to wonderful Vancouver, Washington to see the new river walk area that opened up.

You can look down at the Columbia River or out at the Interstate Bridge.

Had a lip smacking lunch at the Wildfin restaurant, super tasty. Only been open a week, but the place was jam-packed. Try visiting off-hours between lunch and dinner. The industrial vibe can get a tad noisy when the place is full. But the food is great and the prices reasonable for a river front view.

After lunch we walked outside to experience the over the water suspended walk way along the Columbia River. Very cool. Great view of the Interstate Bridge and the river traffic.

Or you can watch a tugboat push a barge through the open railroad bridge.

They are still finishing final art and landscape installations along the river walk, but you can wander at will and enjoy the view. Mega condos and apartments are also still under construction. Walkers, runners, wanderers and doggies on the prowl were all in evidence.

Or you can help me figure out why somebody parked my yacht on the Oregon side of the river when I was on the Washington side. (I know the proper term is moored, but I love to drive Navy sailors nuts. It’s an Army thing.)

Sometimes a small escape from an ordinary day gives one a whole new perspective. There is another restaurant open, Twigs, so we must go back and explore that one too.

Never underestimate the power of a lunch date escape out-of-town. The sanity you save may be your own!

Looking back at the work in progress on the Vancouver USA River walk. Pretty darn spiffy!

 

Got Blown Glass?

By 1 Comment

Glass shopping heaven on the Oregon Coast!

Getting out of town is a time to find new places to see and visit old friends. That’s what we did on our beach trip. On the way home we decided to stop by the Alder House III glassblowing studio. It had been decades since we visited, so the time was right.

When we walked into the studio, Treasure was demonstrating his glass blowing techniques and educating the onlookers. We quietly joined the small crowd and realized everyone was listening and learning. Not a piece of tech in use!

Treasure hard at work using the 2000 degree furnace. Another reason this studio is at the beach.

He was working on a glass vase and went through the process of firing, blowing it hollow, shaping and adding embellishments to it. Fascinating. From the hot glass to the super hot furnace, his artistry was on display.

I know it’s really hot everywhere right now, but this is a true furnace.

      After the presentation we wandered the wonderful glass items on display. Three pieces of artwork magically jumped into our hands. We had to take them home.

Treasure applying the detailing on the outside of the vase. Art in action.

            My friend Kathy started with one bowl and then the matching two pieces in the set also jumped into her hands. We happily packed them up and put them in the back seat with the seat belt on. Precious cargo.

This glass heart insisted on going home with me. Who am I to fight destiny? Inspiration for my romance writing. Truly.

If you want to visit, the Alder House III, it is located a half mile north of Salishan Lodge on Highway 101, at 611 Immonen Road, between Lincoln City and Gleneden Beach at Siletz Bay. The lovely three-fourths of a mile road leads you along the river and through the woods. Literally. There is also Mossy Creek Pottery studio next door.

You can check out their website at www.alderhouse.com They are open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. from May 1st through the end of October. The five glass artists make creations for everyone, so don’t be surprised if one launches itself into your hands. It’s a good thing!

Art is for everybody!

Alder House awaits for those willing to venture down the less taken road.

Astoria, Captain Flavel And Clouds

By 6 Comments

Flavel House Museum, Astoria, Oregon

 

When the going gets tough, I leave town. During the crazy of the web site remodel, construction project and heat wave, a day trip to the coast seemed like the best course of action. My friend and I headed for Astoria for cool breezes, clouds, seafood and research.

We both have wanted to tour the Flavel House Museum for years and finally our timing was right. The Flavel House was finished in 1886 for Captain George Flavel, a mover and shaker in early Astoria.

Captain George Flavel of Astoria, Oregon.

Not only did Flavel see the coming shipping boom, his most impressive feat for me is being the father of the Columbia River Bar pilots. These men and women today continue his legacy of heroic measures to keep river traffic flowing across the Columbia River Bar, considered the most dangerous bar in the world.

Flavel did it with wooden ships, sail and row boats. Yowsa.

So working hard and smart his whole life, he had an 11,600 square foot home built for him and his wife, Mary, and daughters Nellie and Katie. His son, George Conrad Flavel, had married and did not live in the home.

 

The most amazing part of all Flavel’s accomplishments? He was regarded as a fair, good man by the community.  He was truly mourned when he died in 1893, after living seven years in his retirement home.

Music Room.

The house went on the National Register of Historic Places in 1951. The refurbishing of the home over the years has been nothing short of astounding. The additional Carriage House was built in 1887 and now holds the Visitor Center, gift shop, introductory video, and exhibits.

The home and Carriage House take up one whole city block. With a great river view of course.

The Library!! Be still my heart.

This grand old lady is well worth taking a visit to see. The fresh sea air, cool interior and fabulous food in town made for a great day getaway.

New favorite reading chair. Got to get me one of these.

I took more than one-hundred twenty photos and I could have taken more. I’m lazy so I take pictures of the placards so I can read them for in-depth research later.

Astoria is famous for movies being filmed there like “Kindergarten Cop,” “Short Circuit,” “Sometimes A Great Notion,” and of course “Goonies.”

But I think the star of the town is the Flavel House. She was there first and she’s the belle of the town.

For more information:  www.cumtux.org

Then finish your visit with a nice sit by the pond and watch the goldfish. Heaven.

Heaven In Hood River?

By 1 Comment

by Kimberly A. Cook                               (Twitter@  WarriorTales)

Last month I took off on a day adventure with my family to celebrate my birthday. One of those decade birthdays and I’m not telling which one. Now this trip came about because the two special places I wanted to go for lunch only served dinner. Drat it all. After trying other ideas, I asked myself what I really wanted to do; road trip to Hood River was the answer.

IMG_1251 (2)
Packer Orchard and Bakery pre-made pie fillings. Seriously, the easy button for pie bakers. 

 

Born and raised in Oregon, sometimes it’s easy to take our amazing state for granted. A quick trip up Interstate 84 and I feel miles from Portland. It’s a short trip unless it’s winter, then it can be a skating rink for semi trucks. Which is why Troutdale has a big truck stop for the gazillion truck drivers who need to sleepover when the Gorge highway closes to all rigs.

This summer day was perfect with fabulous sun, a great view of the Columbia River, waterfalls on our right and excellent company. Ever the operations officer/sergeant, my mission op was in place; first stop Packer Orchards and Bakery, at 3900 Highway 35, on the road up to Mt. Hood.

IMG_1272
North View from the Packard Orchard and Bakery parking lot. They have picnic tables you can use in the orchard. The view is Mt. Adams in Washington state.   

 

This is the mother ship for big cookies and the fabulous cookie bar. In addition, there are pie fillings you can buy, jams and jellies and even pickled asparagus and white honey to name just a few treats. Since I’d bought a bargain tiara before the trip I’d decided to wear it only in the car, but upon a few glances from other patrons I realized it was still on my head. Every woman should wear a tiara into a fruit stand at least once in her life.

After loading up on jams and cookies, piled back into the car and headed for? Foothills Yarn & Fiber, 4207 Sylvester Drive, my favorite alpaca yarn store that comes complete with alpacas. The herd had been shorn for the summer and they were quite happy to bound toward us to get the feed we purchased from the former quarter candy machine.

IMG_1293 (2)
Sunny day, shorn alpaca, daisies. Be still my heart.

 

After playing with the alpaca kids and the greeter dog, bounced into the store and bought more yarn I don’t need for my collection. It was my birthday so I could buy yarn; it’s the law.

Next it was off to the Sixth Street Bistro and Loft, 509 Cascade Avenue, for my favorite salad of all time and a grilled cheese sandwich where cheese goes to die. The 6th street pear and walnut salad with maple vinaigrette is the closest I’ve come licking a dish in public, every time.

IMG_1332
Local pears, sugar coated walnuts, dried cranberries, gorgonzola cheese, maple vinaigrette, sourdough bread, three cheeses; my life is complete.

 

Went for the gusto and finished off the meal with the chocolate mousse, which I hope is served in heaven or I’m not going. Amazing dessert. Almost licked the glass too.

IMG_1335 (2)
Local chocolate mousse!

 

All in all a wonderful day with family, food and laughs; life doesn’t get much better when you throw in sun and alpacas too.

I’ll let you in on a little secret about the Hood River area; it’s the setting for both fiction series I’m writing. More about them in the months to come.

Also explains why more Hood River road trips are necessary to eat and soak up the ambiance with a chocolate mousse chaser. I LOVE research!

Got a favorite summer place? Hit the road and explore!

 

P.S. Working on combining my web site and blog, moving domains and a web page redesign. If everything disappears it’s not my fault.  Heading off to get a dump truck load of Dove Dark Chocolate to make this happen in the coming weeks. Pray for me, send chocolate or tech help. Preferably all three…….