On our way across the 5 mile bridge between Oregon and Washington, a sign said that "Dismal Nitch" was right, 2 miles ahead. Not having been to the Nitch, we decided to stop. It is actually where Lewis and Clark spent six nights in wintery weather, with strong winds and high waves with no food to eat and dry clothing to change into once the stormy weather passed. Because it was so dismal and the area so flooded, Clark called it "Dismal Nitch". 
The carving on this monument is really neat.
This is the view of Oregon from Washington at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is what the expedition members might have seen - minus the 21st century improvements. 
Saturday was rainy and cool so we took the day to sight see with Bill and Becky. There is a new quilt shop in Ilwaco called "Jelly Bean Fabrics". Andi just opened her doors about a month ago and we had to scope it out for future visits. 
We decided to play Mexican train, a form of domino's game with the Doels after our evening supper. Bill won the first game, Phil the second, but Becky and I did go out a few times during the course of the evening.
The train got a little crazy here. 
We stayed at the Kilpatrick home and the rhodie was starting to bloom with the warmer weather.
Although it rained most of Saturday, it dried out enough that we could pick up some of the branches in the yard. The beach area had a bad storm with 75mph winds in December and there were lots of trees down. Fortunately, Betty's home has strong trees and only smaller branches fell. 
Once this dries out, it will be ready to burn in the spring. 
On Sunday, before we left, we were able to get to the beach and enjoy it for a short time. 
The waves were crashing in but it was actually warm out.
Phil went out toward the ocean to see if he could find some sand dollars. 
The waves were coming in.......
and he got some exercise in running ahead of them. Unfortunately we didn't find any sand dollars, just a few broken bits of them. 
It was supposed to be a clamming weekend, but the toxin levels of the water were too high so we were unable to get those clams. 
But this picture tells what happens to clam guns that don't perform... they get made into house number plaques by the end of your driveway so people can find you from the road. Thanks, Doels, for sharing our relaxing weekend with us at the beach. 
