Day 57 - Fort Stevens State Park

We left Tillamook this morning, but not before checking out Fred Meyer.  This is a monster store we have been seeing along our trip.  We knew it was big and that it had a little bit of everything, but wow.  It makes Walmart look like a mom and pop general store.  It is like three stores within a store.  They have electronics, furniture, camping, etc on one end; groceries in the middle; and apparel on the other end.  They also had a Starbucks in this one.  (scored a soy vanilla latte!!)  I guess it is a retail giant out here.  We bought a camera cleaning kit ($1.99) and a cantaloupe.

Of course they have a gas station too.  Have I mentioned you cannot pump your own gas in OR?  Never heard of that.  And no sales tax!  I kinda like this state!

Then we drove an hour and a half to Fort Stevens State Park.  It is about as far northwest as you can get in OR.  The Union built the fort to defend the Columbia River against the Confederates.  What???  They finished installing the guns the day before Lee surrendered.  They used it again in WWI and WWII.  It was actually bombed by a Japanese sub in 1942.  There was no damage done and they did not return fire in order to not reveal the fort’s specific location. Fascinating.  Now all that remains is mostly foundations and the batteries.

We were only able to get one night at this campground.  We will check again in the morning, but may have to move, as this weekend is fully booked.