 Heart of the Dunes--Reedsport OR, intersection Hwy 38 and Hwy 101 I'm writing this up after attending the 25th Annual Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship: Father’s Day Weekend, June 12-15, 2025. But this is not the first time I've visited Reedsport, nor traveled Hwy 38. Over time I've gathered more than I have written up before, so here's what else I have to say. See also, links below:
 Reedsport Centennial Mural Reedsport OR--at the junction of Hwy 38 off I-5 and Hwy 101 along the coast In order to get to the Chainsaw Carving event in good time, we stayed over at the Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport OR, and grabbed something to eat at the nearby DQ. I wanted to explore a bit before bedding down, so wheeled a loop east along Winchester Ave, north to the site of the event, returning west along Fir/Hwy 38. And finally south on Hwy 101 back to our hotel. Traveled the same loop the next day. Best Western Salbasgeon Inn & Suites of Reedsport--1400 Highway 101, Reedsport OR 97467 Dairy Queen--1250 Oregon Coast Hwy, Reedsport OR 97467 Winchester Ave I wheeled the rear path from the parking at the Best Western right to Winchester Ave, all the way along it to 3rd, where I crossed over Hwy 38. No stop light, but it was safe to cross there by the Post Office. Reedsport Rock & Gem Show at the Reedsport Community Center—451 Winchester Ave, Reedsport OR I was so pleasantly pleased to happen upon this rock show the same weekend as the Chainsaw Carving event! It was hard to narrow down all the photos I took, and they don't do justice to the awe-some rocks, stones, gems, displays, even kid activities. And it's Free! Lower Umpqua Library--395 Winchester Ave, Reedsport OR 97467 Happened upon the library booksale . . . books had no set price, just donate what you can. The Umpqua Riverfront--from Hwy 38 & 3rd St, Reedsport OR 25th Annual Oregon Divisional Chainsaw Carving Championship: Father’s Day Weekend, June 12-15, 2025 You can get stuff to eat and drink as you wander in wonder, watching the carvers at work, or buy their wares premade, or you can sit a spell to eat between wanderings. There are other various vendors, as well. I believe each night they auction the works of the quick carve contests--1 hour to creat a masterpiece! Naturally, I took many more photos than is reasonable to include here. Umpqua Discovery Center--409 Riverfront Way, Reedsport OR 97467 Unfortunately, no photos are allowed in the exhibit walks, because the murals are spectacular! I still found plenty to photograph, I guess. Rainbow Plaza & Boat Launch--next to the Umpqua Discovery Center--409 Riverfront Way, Reedsport OR 97467 "The public lot features ample parking for 10 passenger cars and 34 boat/trailer spaces. Used by adjacent restaurant for customer parking as well as visitor's to the beautiful Umpqua Riverfront. A large restroom facility is open from dawn to dusk for public use along with multiple picnic tables and viewing benches." The site of the Chainsaw Carving event is an open gravel lot: "A large .17 acre gravel lot with plenty of space for parking and events. In 2018 through a major grant project the City was able to install the adjacent fish cleaning station along with the City's only coin operated boat wash which sits in the southeastern corner of the lot. The plaza is most heavily used during the summer months as overflow parking for the boat ramp as well as limited space for dry camping. The plaza also features the Reedsport Main Street Program's Salmon Mural on the north end along the levee wall. "The focal point of the plaza is the 1915 Smith & Watson Iron Works steam donkey also known as "Machine No. 36;" one of only three of its kind, featuring a compound geared two-speed cable pull. Powered by an efficient, wood-fed firebox, Machine No. 36 was used throughout the thick timber around Reedsport and Winchester Bay to haul logs downhill to the rail lines." Kismet’s Landing--351 Riverfront Way, Reedsport OR 97467 We had dinner here, and it was really great. Beautiful decor and table settings, really friendly and accommodating staff, and tantalizing fare. They also have an order out window. It's not inexpensive. Big Fish Café--345 Riverfront Way, Reedsport OR 97467; next to Kisment's Schooner Inn Café--423 Riverfront Way, Reedsport OR 97467; just on the other side of the Discovery Center Old Town Reedsport Hahn Park--680 Fir Ave, Reedsport OR 97467 A memorial in the triangle created when Hwy 38 becomes Umpqua Ave between 6th St & E RR Ave Douglas County Courthouse Annex--680 Fir Ave, Reedsport OR 97467 Roy Henderson Park--West RR Ave between Greenwood and Fir, Reedsport OR Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area, Siuslaw National Forest, US Forest Service Office--at the junction of Hwy 38 and Hwy 101, Reedsport OR South on Hwy 101 between the junction with Hwy 38 and Winchester Ave (see more at “Reedsport OR, up & down the coast”) Brochures, menues, & more info about the wider area
Dean Creek Elk Viewing Area--just east of Reedsport, on Hwy 38 (see also links at the beginning of this post for more pics of the amenities and elk here) Upmqua Wayside, east of Reedsport OR on Hwy 38 Scottsburg OR Scottsburg County Park--43833 OR-38, Scottsburg OR 97473, west of Scottsburg on the Umpqua River Scott Creek, Douglas County Park boat launch--between Scottsburg & Elkton, Hwy 38 aka Umpqua Hwy Wells Creek OR Elkton OR--at the junction of Hwy 38 and Hwy 138 Fort Umpqua--unobtrusive entry next to Elkton Community Education Center--15850 OR Hwy 38 W, Elkton OR
Elkton is an appealing little community, though the hills would be difficult for me to manage as a disabled person. But there's a lot that I like about it. Elkton HS looks so cool, but its photogenic side is right on Hwy 38, so no way to get a shot of the most interesting, historical architectural building (at least not from my vehicle). Alfred S. Tyson Park--640 River Dr, Elkton OR 97436 Elkton RV Park--450 River Dr, Elkton, OR 97436 Leaving Elkton OR east on Hwy 38 Drain OR Since I've traveled through Drain many times, both east and west, some of the following fotos will be east facing, some west facing. There's more behind the scenes at Drain that appears with a mere drive-through. “The City of Drain is located in northern Douglas County at the confluence of Pass and Elk Creeks. A mere 50 miles east of the Oregon coast, Drain is known as the "Gateway to the Pacific Ocean." The city is nestled among fir trees and surrounded by beautiful scenery. It's a small quiet community, far enough away from the hustle and bustle of the city, yet close enough to take advantage of the conveniences. Drain is located just 6 miles west of Interstate 5, making the 39 mile commute north to the city of Eugene, or the 34 mile commute south to the city of Roseburg (the county seat) very accessible.” I note a free family/tween movie & popcorn event July 10, 2025, 4-6pm. I presume that’s not just a one-time event.
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Note: Originally this post was published Nov 2021; 2025 Jewish Holidays update at the end Hanukkah in 2021 began Sunday Nov 28, and I decided it was an appropriate time to visit the Jewish museum and the Holocaust Memorial in Portland OR. For us non-Jews, below are some interesting links: "Hanukkah - Chanukah 2021 - Menorah, Dreidels, Latkes, Recipes, Games and more" "How to Light the Menorah - Light Up Your Environment! - Chanukah - Hanukkah" After about two and a half min the Rabbi focuses on Hanukkah in the following link: I attended the first ever lighting of the Menorah in Gresham OR, the first night of Chanukah in 2021, the year of the opening of Chabad Jewish Center of Gresham / East County. The event was at the Gresham Center for the Arts, a nice plaza on 2nd St between NE Kelly Ave and NE Hood Ave where they have a Farmers Market, restrooms, and a splash pad in summer, a drop box for letters to Santa during the season. I went early so I wouldn't have to try to find the place and van-accessible parking in the dark. I got the perfect easy parallel parking on the curb. After all week fretting that it would be a cold, dark, rainy night, the weather turned out nice, though breezy enough that the huge inflatable dreidel kept blowing over.
The Rabbi and the City Councilwoman both gave touching/inspiring messages for the evening. My notes (taken on scraps in the dark) are imperfect, so I beg pardon for that. The Rabbi spoke of how physical symbols remind us of spiritual things like wisdom, friendship, love. We must “use” those spiritual aspects of life or lose them. Hanukkah flames are lights that shine in the darkness, reveal evils—the erosion of time-honored values—give light to those who walk in darkness, and benefit us all. The Councilwoman spoke of the inspiration of Hanukkah celebrating the victory of Right over Might. We must have courage to stand against the tyranny of the powerful. She spoke of the appropriateness in the proximity of Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, both celebrations of blessings we’ve received. She praised the “Melting Pot” of America [where race, ancestry, differences of experience and heritage all season the medley, or add various strengths to the alloy]. We are all Americans. I wished I could have attended the 2021 Community Chanukah Celebration in Esther Short Park (605 Esther St.) in Vancouver USA, with “live music, hot cocoa, doughnuts and a giant ice menorah carving,” (which sounded cool) but I had attended their 2019 lighting, and wanted to spread my wings, so to speak. I couldn't be in both places at the same time. For 2019 “Festivals of Light”, including Hanukkah at Esther Short Park, scroll down at Portland OR, of course, celebrates Hanukkah every year, virtually in 2020, and both live and virtually in 2021. They say you can participate every night by Zoom. The weekend of Hanukkah I went to Portland Friday for the tour at the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education, and to visit the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. I stopped at Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli for lunch, hoping as well to get latkes and jelly donuts for my Hanukkah feast at home. I had tried to call ahead all week to make sure, but got no connection—as it turns out, they were closed 10 days for renovations. But I drove that way anyway, and it was the very day they reopened, unfortunately for me they didn’t have latkes or donuts yet (nor the next day). They have very limited street parking, but Safeway across the street has van-accessible parking, and the street crossing is not bad except for water pooled on a rainy day at bottom of the crossing ramp. There’s a handy bus stop as well. Ben & Esther's Vegan Jewish Deli--6912 NE Sandy Blvd., Portland OR Friday night after the Museum and Memorial I drove to Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes and More, to try to get latkes and jelly donuts, but it was dark, the limited street parking was full, I was tired, and again, I got only a recorded message when I tried to call. So when I had to pick up my main dinner from Zuppan’s Market on Saturday, I stopped at Sweet Lorraine’s (Killingsworth Station Food Carts) for lunch, where I was fortunate enough to get a good spot to park along the curb. The ramp up to the food carts is too steep for a manual wheelchair, but my new electric one was able to make it without tipping over. Lorraine suggested I order online and include a note about needing curbside delivery, park in the back momentarily and call, and they would bring the food out. She did have latkes, and a delicious kale salad, but no jelly donuts yet. Sweet Lorraine’s Latkes and More—1331 Killingsworth, Portland OR Saturday was rainy, but when I called earlier in the week to order my main Hanukkah meal from Zuppan’s Market (Burnside), the person taking my order said just to park and call, and they’d bring my food out to accommodate my handicap. There’s a longer story . . . I had hoped to pick up the food on the way home from the Holocaust Memorial in Washington Square (Portland OR) on Friday, because it is so close and I wouldn’t have to make an extra trip. But as it turned out, I had to make that extra trip, and once again, I only got a recording when I called. Again, I was so very fortunate that the handicapped parking was roomy for a van with a ramp, was right at the doorway, and was unoccupied. I went in and asked about my order, and eventually they got it together while I explored the store, décor and delights, and took photos. I had ordered a meal for 4, but the dishes were generous enough for at least 6. The ad for their Hanukkah meal was really very enticing, and the food was not disappointing. I could have ordered my latkes and jelly donuts from them as well, but I had wanted to try the other places. I wasn’t sorry I tried the others, but I was sorry I didn’t just include the latkes and donuts in my Zuppan’s order. It is an investment. Zuppan's Market-- 2340 W Burnside As always, the first time going somewhere there is considerable anxiety about finding appropriate parking. The online map did show that there was parking around the block from the Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education. I worried about the time it would take to park and pay and get around to the entrance, that I might miss starting with the tour. But just across from the Museum is the historic old US Customs House (had been sold for shared office space), that had a van accessible handicapped parking spot of which I availed myself. Very handy. I made it to the tour just as they were starting, and they welcomed me in. After the tour I noted the pleasant park along several blocks between 8th and Park Avenues. Oregon Jewish Museum and Center for Holocaust Education--724 NW Davis St, Portland OR The historic United States Customhouse--220 NW 8th Ave, Portland OR Construction was still going on in the area of Washington Park where I wanted to go but wasn’t blocking my way. The online maps and physical street signs leave something to be desired, so I had to go the rounds to try to find the Oregon Holocaust Memorial. At last, I parked by the Coming of the White Man statue (which I take is meant to also be the Memorial parking), and got out for some pathfinding. I rolled the compacted gravel path by the statue, and followed the signs toward the memorial, which didn’t have good follow-up for the way to go. Both ways became steep inclines, and I didn’t have a companion in case I got into a fix. Nevertheless, I continued with trepidation. Partway down I tried to turn back, but my wheels spun, so I continued cautiously toward the bump barrier at the edge of the road, and on my way there caught a glimpse of the memorial down through the brush. I took some pics just in case that was the best I could do. Once I got on the road, I decided to try the crossing, and sure enough, that’s where the inadequately marked paved path to the memorial is. So, to distill all that--drive up and park by the "Coming of the White Man" statue (picnic tables near; costed me $2 for an hour at the pay post, which takes coins and card), stroll/roll back down the paved road to the pedestrian crossing to get to the Holocaust Memorial, as well as restrooms and park map. It’s not suitable for a solo person in a manual wheelchair, but my new electric chair was able to manage the steep incline back up to my van, even as I kind of held my breath. Oregon Holocaust Memorial-- 240 SW Wright Ave, Washington Park, Portland OR United States Holocaust Memorial Museum--100 Raoul Wallenberg Place SW, Washington, DC 20024-2126 Main telephone: 202.488.0400 A modern Jewish immigrant experience Updated 2025 Jewish Holidays Note: Jewish days begin at sundown.
 Awe-Some Days: Poems about the Jewish Holidays by Marilyn Singer (with a Note About the Jewish Calendar) Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot, Shemini Atzeret, Simchat Torah, Hanukkah, Tu B'Shevat, Purim, Passover, Israel Independence Day, Lag B.Omer, Shavuot, Tish B'Av, Yom Ha Shoah, Tu B'Av, Shabbat Beg pardon for organizing the following celebrations by the US calendar. Fast of Tevet 10 10 Jan 2025 Armies of Babylon laid siege to Jerusalem Fasting, mourning, repentance “The Babylonian Conquest and the Destruction of the First Temple” 7.5 min video Jeremiah part 3—history chapters, including the fall of Jerusalem to Babylon Bible Collection: Jeremiah (1998) with Patrick Demsey & Oliver Reed; 1.5 hour movie  Jeremiah sits amidst the rubble of Jerusalem, after its siege, Lithograph by B. Weiss; from Wikimedia Commons Tu B’Shevat—Feb 12, 2025 New Year for Trees Eat fruit, plant trees Sammy Spider’s First Tu B’Shevat Trees to See in the Pacific Northwest Purim 13 Mar 2025 Queen Esther story, from the Book of Esther Sammy Spider’s First Purim Legumes & seeds (Daniel foods), kreplach, matza meal, hamantaschen, etc. Keylitsh—sweet long challah Bible Collection: Esther (2000) The Bible story of Esther starring Louise Lombard, F. Murray Abraham & Jurgen Prochnow
Purim at the Gan: Portland Jewish Preschool--6612 SW Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR 97239 Purims at my place Passover/Pesach 12 Apr 2025 8 days Exodus, freedom, deliverance—Exodus 11-12 Seder Plate & Passover meal (Note: as a non-Jew, my meals pictured below aren't necessarily kosher, I hope not offensive) Feast of Unleavened Bread—celebrated as a part of Passover
Sammy Spider’s First Haggadah Sammy Spider’s First Passover Sammy Spi der’s First Passover Shapes Feast of the First Fruits 20 Apr 2025 The day after the Sabbath ending the Feast of Unleavened Bread 1st harvest-- Leviticus 23:9-14. Deuteronomy 26:1-11 Wheat, barley, grapes, figs, pomegranates, olives, dates (offer the first & best of every harvest) Ruth gathered barley, then wheat in Boaz’s field (Ruth 2:17) Shavuot/Pentecost 1 June 2025 Feast of Weeks, 50 days after First Fruits-- Leviticus 23:15-16, Deuteronomy 16:9-10, Numbers 28:26-31 Giving of Torah on Sinai. Read 10 Commandments, Dairy foods.
2hr 16min. TV PG (free on Tubi): silent movie; at 50 min it becomes a “modern” story Sammy Spider’s First Shavuot Scroll down to Tillamook Creamery at Rosh Hashanah/Feast of Trumpets 22 Sept 2025 2 days Jewish New Year. Creation, Adam & Eve First of High Holidays-- Leviticus 23:23-25 Challah, pomegranate, chicken, tzimmes, apple kugel, honey cake, apple coffee cake, etc.
Yom Kippur 1 Oct 2025 Day of Atonement; holiest day of Jewish calendar-- Leviticus 23:27-28, Leviticus 16:1-34 Fast, pray, seek forgiveness from God & fellows The food photos following are for before and after Yom Kippur; of course from more than one year. Peak of High HolidaysYom Kippur War (an ad before the feature could cause confusion)
Sukkot 6 Oct 2025 7 days Feast of Booths, Feast of Tabernacles, Feast of Ingathering, Harvest Exodus 23:16, 34:22; Leviticus 23:34, 42; Deuteronomy 16; Zechariah 14 Informative and interesting explanations:Commemorating the wilderness journey of the Israelites to the Promised Land, and a Harvest festival. Challah, corn, pumpkin, tzimmes, kugel, gefilte fish, carrots, chicken, apples, pears, edible sukkas, etc. Sammy Spider’s First Sukkot Chanukah/Hanukkah 14 Dec 2025 8 days aka Feast of Dedication Fried foods, latkes, jelly donuts, brisket, kugel, etc. Lighting of the Menorah at Pioneer Courthouse Square, Portland OR, 2023 A really fun event. I drove down early to find parking at our favorite parking garage not far away (Smart Park at 4th & Yamhill, Portland OR), but buses stop right at the Square. I worried about being there at night, especially with recent current events, but I felt perfectly safe there on my own. The city and the organizers both provided security. Hanukkah around Hanukkahs at home Hanukkah books Sammy Spider’s First Hanukkah The Count’s Hanukkah Countdown, Shalom Sesame, 24pp (special number 8), picturebook grade K-1
These series have a Hanukkah title:
Shabbat Shalom begins at sundown Friday nights Other pertinent books I haven't read all, so can't vouch for all, nor comment on their possible biases. The size of the photos has more to do with the number of photos I had of each, not their relative importance. The Angel: The Egyptian Spy Who Saved Israel by Uri Bar-Joseph Who By Fire: Leonard Cohen in the Sinai by Matti Friedman Master of the Game: Henry Kissinger and the Art of Middle East Diplomacy by Martin Indyk Bibi: My Story by Benjamin Netanyahu (2022); 736pp He has also written A Durable Peace: Israel and its Place Among the Nations (2000) Fighting Terrorism: How Democracies Can Defeat Domestic and International Terrorists (2001) |
Wheelchair WomanI've been in a wheelchair for 30+ years. It poses some challenges for traveling. Maybe others can benefit from my experiences. Archives
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