Sunday was largely a freeway driving day. We left the Waterfront Inn and soon drove across the Tacoma Narrows Bridge. Today’s bridge is a replacement for the original span, which became known as Galloping Gertie.
On November 7, 1940, just four months after it opened, the original bridge collapsed due to “aeroelastic torsional flutter” caused by wind moving across the narrow solid girders. While no human lives were lost, a black cocker spaniel named Tubby tragically died after being left behind in a stranded car.
Fortunately, little wind was blowing when we crossed on Galloping Gertie’s replacement span and we had no dog with us.
Surviving the bridge crossing, we made the largely boring drive through Tacoma and down I-5 to Portland and beyond.
Following Subie’s command, we finally escaped the interstate and took off overland…
…and into Silver Falls State Park.
…where we had a small, cabin reserved.
Yes, a small cabin.
Cute and cozy, it did have a nice bathroom, although the shower was smaller than the phone booth Clark Kent used to change into Superman.
After unloading our toys, we headed over to the cafe for a bite.
While dining, we listened to music the staff played on a record player. Yes, a record player!
[Kids, if you don’t know what a “record player” is, please Google it.]