Traveling Boy: Terry Cassel - Driving Along the Oregon Coast

Terry Cassel: Oregon Coast

Obstructed by Aliens
Driving Along the Oregon Coast
Story by Terry Cassel
Illustration: Raoul Pascual

hat are these dozens of people doing walking in the middle of this road in front of my car? It's 2:00 a.m. Pitch black. I'm driving a small rented Mazda over the coastal range of mountains from Portland to the beautiful Oregon coast.

cartoon: driving along Oregon road at night

It's a moonless night. Here I am in the middle of the woods. I haven't seen another car for thirty minutes. I'm not seeing well at all. I'm exhausted. I stepped off an airplane late at night after a weeklong visit to family in Florida. Don't get me started on the flight delays, bad weather, and downright bad luck that got me in this situation. I lust for sleep. I'm returning to participate for my third year in a twice-yearly seminar at a retreat on the Oregon coast. It begins Monday morning, about six hours from now.

cartoon: rear view of deer on the road at night

Thus, I'm behind the wheel, squinting foolishly. The radio has been playing static for some time. The window is rolled down for air. It hasn't helped as my mind is drifting to faraway places, and long lost friends. I'm not altogether present on this narrow two lane road winding through the thick tall trees of the Oregon forest. There is a light fog across the road.

I am hallucinating perhaps. My murky mind sees, in the forest mist, the figures of the walking people ahead in the beam of the headlamps. I see enough to tell my foot to remove itself from the gas pedal and slow the car down. I begin to look more closely at these people. I wonder how they got here in the middle of the night.

There is something odd about them. They don't appear to be moving. Are they some kind of alien creatures from the planet Zorgon, here to explore the woods where no one is found in the night? The thought actually takes root in my groggy mind. This turns out to be a good thing as it causes a sudden surge of adrenalin wrapped in fear of alien abduction! It awakens me. They don't seem to have seen me! Thank goodness. Maybe I won't be taken to their mother-ship after all. Or maybe I was already taken to the ship and that explains why I cannot remember where I've been this past hour! My heart is pumping wildly. I do not want alien probes entering parts of my body not meant to be probed. Heck, I'm fearful enough of doctors with stethoscopes. I hit the brakes and bring the car to a stop in the middle of the road, 10 meters from the "aliens".

I blink. I take a deep breath of fresh cold air. I begin to see more clearly. I sit leaning on the steering wheel, breathing hard. I see the dark Oregon forest all around. I see the figures lit up in my headlamps in the road just ahead.

They are deer. Dozens of deer. Standing in the road with their rear ends facing me. I've been staring at the backsides of deer thinking they were two-legged forms of intelligent beings.

I sit there making sure these surreal looking creatures in the mountain mist are actually deer. I'm too tired and sore to laugh. I'm suddenly feeling fortunate that they frightened me. It prevented me from the highway disaster of crashing into their midst on a deserted road in the middle of the night in the mountains.

Now I take a deep breath and consider how to negotiate going through them. Surely they will scatter as I arrive close among them.

cartoon: car negotiating way among deer on road

I'm wrong. I drive into their midst very slowly. Some move aside grudgingly. Some ignore me. I must negotiate my way cautiously among the deer butts. I need to stay on the road, but now I move to the shoulder in order to avoid these deer. Not being a famed deer hunter, I find myself surprised at the height of the deer posteriors looming at windshield level. After about 15 minutes I find clear highway ahead. I increase speed toward the coast feeling fortunate. In forty minutes the road winds and descends down toward the cliffs of the coast as it emerges from the mountains. Soon I make a left turn and I am driving along the coast highway.

The Pacific Ocean lies off to my right and 200 meters below. During the day the beauty of the ocean and the rocks below is breathtaking. In places chimney-like rock formations rise up out of the ocean up to 50 meters. A small beautiful village full of art galleries lurks off the road near-bye. Redwood trees grow along some of the mountains reaching up to my left. I am aware of these sights. I have often stood in places here along the coast with my breath taken away by the natural wild beauty of the surging ocean waves below touching the rocks and throwing spray skyward. In this night I can see only blackness between patches of fog.

After an hour of cautious driving I drive down into the village of Manzanita and arrive at my rental cottage next to the beach. Time allows for one hour of sleep. Dreams of spaceships awaken me with a lurch up in bed in time for going to the morning session.

My knees protest as I shuffle, bleary-eyed, across the little wooden deck. I clump down the three steps to the gravel driveway which makes its way to my small secluded abode, located between tall vines, bushes and some trees about 20 meters from the beach. I hesitate a moment, recalling my first night here three years ago, as I stood near the thundering waves, watching the advance of a mighty Pacific storm.

I drive a short mile to the espresso café. As I enter, I'm invigorated by the thought of the gorgeous young woman behind the counter whose brown windswept hair and glowing sense of humor often greet me on these morning visits. This morning, however, my feet do not cooperate.

My left foot catches on the small final step into the coffee house as I open the door. I stumble forward awkwardly toward a possible crash landing on my face with my feet reacting wildly beneath me. I put my hands out to catch my fall. To my right I see the little reading room with its rack of surfer and photography magazines. To the left I see what I hoped I would not see. I see her watching me. She has seen my entrance. It's too late to salvage any pretense of dignity. My hands on the wooden floor, I push myself upward in sections to stand. I look into her big blue eyes which are smiling.

cartoon: weary driver on floor with girl standing over him

She asks, "Long night?" I chuckle and say, "You have no idea". She tilts her head and says, "Were you abducted by aliens or something?"

Terry's Feedback

Great article, Terry Cassel. Balanced and articulate. We have until Nov 4 to sift through the glitz and image-making and make a serious choice baaed on the candidates' intelligence, character, experience, and stances on major issues such as the economy, foreign policy, and energy independence. The election will soon be upon us. Let's hope that, between now and then, the debate turns serious.

- Norman, Madison, WI

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Thank you, Norman, and well said.

Let's also hope the campaigns will show some respect to the voters and stop
the incessant dishonest attacks. This time around, let's not allow the hate
speech and fear-mongering dominate the agenda. Americans are growing weary
of being treated like fools.

- Terry

Terry,

Thanks bro, for another illuminating piece. You never cease to surprise me. Especially appreciated the link to Sarah Palin addressing the Wasalia Assembly of God. May everyone I forward it to watch it beginning to end and draw the same conclusions!

Your Boitano Sister, Citizen of the World

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Hello Sister,

Thanks for your "worldly" support. I, too, believe there are definite conclusions most folks will draw upon viewing that video.

- Terry

Hi Terry,

Nice article and refreshing to read such an unbiased view of what could be a visit back to happier and less complicated times of the 1940's and 50's. Back to the cold war period and back alley abortions. At least I'll have less difficulty shooting wolves and moose from a helicopter. My only concern is that when she's making important decisions that will effect the planet, will she know if the little voice inside her head telling her to go to war with Russia, will be God's or just another voice in her head.

Steve, Topanga, CA

Nice article, gives the appearance of impartiality. The fact of the matter is that those who don't think a governor is ready to be vice president, would prefer to elect a community organizer for the higher office of president, whom few can articulate what his accomplishments, if any, really are. I am biased, since Gov Palin and I share a similar alma mater and Christian faith. And I was born in Anchorage, too. What most aren't saying who are opposed to her, is they just don't want a Christian or gun-rights advocate, or pro-life person in office, so they say things like "she has no international foreign
policy experience" when I don't recall the same group complaining about that lack of experience when governor Clinton ran for president. Or governor Reagan for that matter.But we shall see what we shall see. There are obviously different world views animating each party, and I respect that they are sincerely held by both. (I just hope my side wins) :)

Chris, Boise, Idaho

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Thanks, Chris.

You make a good point about the issue of experience, especially in a vice presidential nominee. Voters will define experience in different ways.

I recall the foreign policy inexperience of Govs Carter, Reagan, Clinton and Bush, Jr. all being debated prior to their elections. But the issue is arguably less relevant for a vice presidential nominee.

Al Gore and Dick Cheney, each with extensive government and foreign policy experience, became powerful and influential vice presidents, ready to step in as president at a moment's notice. There's no reason Gov. Palin must follow that mold. Spiro Agnew and Dan Quayle were nominated, by Richard Nixon and George H. W. Bush respectively, simply to shore up a political base. This is a legitimate role. That's all some presidents expect their vice president to do.

Terry

Thank you for wonderfully thoughtful words on Gov Palin, beginning with that quote from T.S. Eliot.You are much more generous toward the lady in question than I am; in fact, generosity is not what I feel I need to muster up to make a decision about her worthiness as a candidate. I think she is a cruel joke played first on women; second, on the Democrats; and third,on this too to gullible country. I wish Karl Rove had remained at home in Texas, retired, but the Republicans could never let a mother lode like that go dormant.Bitter am I? --- guess so --- and will be so disappointed if this country doesn't give obama a chance to shine in its own eyes again as well as the eyes of the rest of the world.

P.S. re my comment on your earlier article, realize it wasn't friendly to wish you a trip to Beirut --- guess I was wishing you could visit the "old" Beirut for me!

Brenda, Richland, WA

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Brenda,

Many folks are unsure about Gov. Palin's readiness for the international stage. This includes quite a few Republicans I speak with as well. It is to be expected, inasmuch as she is virtually unknown outside Alaska and has only begun to be vetted by American voters and the press.

Over the next several weeks, as her handlers allow her to appear more often before the media, we may discover more about her. Meanwhile, the contest between McCain and Obama continues to heat up. Let's hope voters will cut through the lies and personal attacks and concentrate on the serious issues we face.

And, yes, I've never been to Beirut, but I know that at one time it was a safe, vibrant and beautiful cultural center.

Terry

Terry,

Good article. I see what you're saying about the majority of the nation not knowing who she is. Be that as it may, many are turned off by the current candidates whom we DO know. Several of my friends including myself have been disinterested with the campaign. Blame it on the mud slinging and that dirt thrown by the candidates and the media. Palin's surprise entry in the ring has actually revitalized many of us.

So far, depending on who you decide to listen to, her accomplishments in the short term she has been in office is better than that of Obama whose records are good in paper but has lacked substance. She has an approval rating of 80% among her Alaskan constituents which is better than most gevernors. Obama seems to be riding on promises more than accomplishments. Even his colleagues like Sen. Kirk Watson, are at a loss as to what he has really done.

If you are impartial to evangelical Christians, then she is definitely NOT your (wo)man. Here is a clip of her giving glory to God after giving birth to her baby.

At least you know where she stands. Some candidates are more conscious of what people want to hear than what they really believe in.

Here's a link to a blogger with aprehensions similar to yours. Click here.

Peter Paul of South Pasadena, CA

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Peter,

Thanks for your insights.

The Constitution guides my own biases about the vice presidency. Ultimately, the only stated duty of the vice president, besides being the tie-breaking vote in the Senate, is to step in as president should the president be unable to complete his or her duties as Commander-in-Chief. Any other tasks are assigned by the president as deemed fitting.

It's an issue of governance, yet many presidents choose running mates whom they believe will help them get elected, not help them govern. Of course there are no rules. It's a personal choice.

Selecting a running mate is the first real presidential decision a candidate will make. With Sen. Biden and Gov. Palin as the choices, I believe we have the first clear window into the thought processes, wisdom and judgment of our two candidates for president.

Terry

I liked the article on Palin. It tries to be impartial. Actually, there is much to recommend Palin. For one thing, she has revitalized the Republican party.

My main concern is "CAN SHE BE THE PRESIDENT OF THE U.S.? " Common sense tells me, (God Forbid!) that there is a big possibility that McCain may not be able to last his full term if elected. (Age, health) I do not believe Palin is qualified to be president.

Personally, I like McCain, and wouldn't mind if he gets elected. Between Obama and McCain, the citizens of U.S. have a good choice. Let the people speak. Here's the thing. I admire Biden too, and I believe he can easily step into the shoes of the presidency should something happen to Obama. I can't say the same for Palin. And after all, the main role of the VP is to be a stand-in for the presidency.

Henrietta, a US citizen residing in the Philippines

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Henrietta,

I appreciate your remarks. And I agree with you. I believe the country has a clear choice, and a good one, between Sens. McCain and Obama. At this point I also believe we have an even clearer choice between Gov. Palin and Sen. Biden.

Terry

Thanks, Terry, for letting me hop on your shoulders (in my imaginary travel, I'm light as a feather) and wander the streets of Istanbul with you. This mode of travel allows me to smell the smells, see the sites, as you describe, but avoid the crushing heat and humidity!

Most of all I enjoyed the wisdom of Mahir - his wonderfully simple declaration of being a Turk first and then a Muslim; his observation that Americans are children in this world. Only children could elect the biggest bully to its highest office and give him the keys to a closet full of horribly dangerous toys. One can only hope we'll grow up before we blow up.

Please travel to Beirut - another city I've always wanted to 'walk.'

Thanks for sharing.

Brenda Hughes
Richland, WA

I'm struck by how kind and civil the people were to you considering how much hostility (justified) that they have toward our government. It's refreshing to know that if Obama or Clinton becomes President he/she may be able to begin to heal these wounds and hopefully undo the Bush/Cheney damage and that because people of all faiths are good people, the damages don't have to be permanent.

p.s.

You make Istanbul sound like a great destination.

Roger Fallihee
Puyallup, WA

I so had to laugh at your conversation with Ali. Trying to be an open minded American abroad and having a political discussion can be a very frustrating experience. Now matter how open minded we can be, or how many points about our own country we willingly admit, it can be so tough getting others to do the same. They do seem to take any topic (such as the Armenian genocide) and just turn it back to us. "But what about all the bad things the US has done?" Yes, but...I already conceeded that. Can we talk about your country now? As I'm heading for uber-anti American Serbia in 3 weeks I'm going to keep your Istanbul experience in mind.

Ben Liu
Seattle, WA

Stay tuned.