Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Oregon. Show all posts

Monday, April 27, 2026

Crime 101: A Blind Movie-goer’s perspective



That’s a wonky shade ‘O gray Lt Bullitt! (The Tomaso Collection)

 

But inquiring minds wanna know what type of vehicle that green “Sports Car” is?

 

Have to say I’m really disappointed over the apparent lack of any automotive media coverage, i.e.; Car & Driver, Motor Trend, Hot Rod magazine, etc. Having any stories at all upon this car “Heavy” movie. Or more particularly, the movies “Star” automobile, which I was summarily faked out on!

 

But I’m getting ahead of myself there. As buckle up, hopefully this won’t be too bumpy of a ride, EH?

 

As its all Brad Pit’s fault! That I’ve started going to the movies Solo here in sleepy ‘Ol Bumfiddle’ Florence! Having wanted to “See” F1: The Movie last summer.

 

And with the wonderful assistance of their Awesome employees, I’ve become a bit of a regular movie goer, which I never thought possible! Since hopefully the story title gives away the factoid I’m Blind Y’all…

 

Crime 101 stars Chris Hemsworth, Mark Ruffalo, Barry Keoghan and Halle Berry. Along with Monica Barbaro, Nick Nolte and Jennifer Jason Leigh.

 

Have to say I’d never “seen” (heard) any of the main cast, i.e.; Hemsworth, Ruffalo, Keoghan or Berry perform before. Although I tend to recall that Berry was once all the rage in a Batman film decades ago?

 

it took me awhile to get used to how old Nolte sounded, who’s voice was barely discernable to Mwah. And Jennifer Jason Leigh had a very small part, so I didn’t even recognize Her. With Monica Barbaro also being a newcomer to me. While trying to figure out who was playing Sharon the whole movie.

 

The story takes place in Los Angeles, where Mike Davis (Hemsworth) is a sophisticated jewel thief, who meticulously plans each heist. Which don’t involve any violence to the targets, leave any DNA behind and occur on Highway 101, hence the film’s title.

 

Detective Lou Lubesnick (Ruffalo) relentlessly chases Mike, despite pressure from His boss to give-up and agree the case is closed.

 

As the film opens, Mike heists three million in Diamonds, with His victim grazing Him with a bullet, blowing out the get-away vehicle’s window and Mike racing off in what my Audio Description Headset merely said was a black sedan.

 

This incident causes Mike to reassess His line of work when delivering the loot to His Fence Money. (Nolte) Money then enlists Ormon Keoghan) to perform the next heist Mike was supposed to perform. With Money wanting to know if Ormon, a hungry young, psychotic, violent “Hoodlum” is ready to step-up as Mike’s replacement…

 

Meanwhile, Mike’s rear-ended by Maya, (Barbaro) wit the two becoming romantically involved.

 

Sharon combs (Berry) is a jaded Insurance agent who specializes in wealthy high-end clientele. Yet being passed over for promotion again, becomes disillusioned with Her job.

 

Mike tracks down Sharon and approaches Her to feed Him information upon a lucrative wedding that totals some $11 million. With Sharon first telling Mike that’s not who She is.

 

Yet after Sharon’s promotion to Partner is put on hold another year, She decides to help Mike in a “Walk-away” crime. With Mike deadpanning, first you’ve got to be able to walk away…

 

Meanwhile, Mike discovers that Ormon’s tracking Him, having put a bug upon His automobile, after Mike notices Ormon’s watching Him. As Mike doggedly chases Ormon on His motorcycle, in what seemed like a good chase scene…

 

Next, Ormon violently beats up Sharon during His interrogation to learn what Mike’s up to, has a change of heart and decides to tell Lou everything. With Lou having previously begun attending Sharon’s Yoga class.

 

There’s one scene where Sharon and Mike are waiting for the restaurant’s valets to retrieve their vehicles. With Mike saying He’ll give His to Sharon if She can guess what colour and make it is? As Sharon guesses its dark green and a Chevelle. Before saying She got one half right.

 

Also in the beginning, Lou’s partner says something to the effect of you’re still driving that old piece of crap? With the vehicle never being revealed.

 

Before another chase scene which involves a “Muscle” car. Leaving me totally perplexed over what type of automobile this is? Along with what is Lou driving?

 

In the end, Lou’s figured out who Mike is, and with Sharon’s help knows what His next Heist is. As both men prepare for their parts in the planned robbery of the wealthy couple who Sharon had initially landed as customers for Her employer…

 

Thus both men set out to outwit each other. As Mike commandeers the security guard’s vehicle and masquerades as the security guard driver.

 

Meanwhile, Lou takes the place of the courier flying from Switzerland with the jewels, and meeting Mike at the airport, gets in the car’s back seat.

 

Driving thru a “sketchy” part of Los Angeles, where Homeless people live, the duo delve into their childhoods. With I believe Lou saying how He’d always wanted a Mustang growing up.

 

To which Mikes says like Steve McQueen. With Lou saying something about you’re too young to know about Steve McQueen. Before asking Him what His favourite McQueen movie was?

 

Mike replies that it would have to be Bullitt. Before Lou says His is the Thomas Crowne Affair, about a high-end jewel thief…

 

As anyone whose a Car “Nut” knows that Lt Frank Bullitt (McQueen) drove a Highland Green 1968 Ford Mustang in that iconic movie, best know for its epic chase scene.

 

Thus, fading to the proverbial black, where everybody happily drives away into the sunset. I left the theater with a smile on my face, thinking that Mike had to be driving a green Mustang…

 

VIDEO: Sheryl Crow’s “Like” Steve mcQueen

 

Photo C/O No Fenders Blogmeister Miguel. 

Monday, March 23, 2026

Intrepid 91 year old Traveler returns to Eugene

But can you truly, really ever go Home?

 

What’s that ‘Ol Forest Gump saying ‘bout “Life’s A Bowl of Chocolates?”

 

As I “read” the following Register Guard, my nearest local newspaper I can listen to via my Newsline for The Blind’s telephone service, late Thursday evening. As the tears just rolled down my eyes!

 

The story’s about Peggy Starr, who at 91 years “young”, decided She’d had enough of Wisconsin’s miserably cold, snowy winters! And decided to move back “Home”, having lived in Eugene, Oregon some twenty years ago.

 

Ironically, on the very same day I went and “saw” the movie Crime 101. Which is an excellent movie, albeit probably out on Amazon Prime now?

 

There’s a scene in the movie driving thru some of Los Angeles Homeless areas, and how once of the characters used to be one of them…

 

While Peggy noted that the materialism and what we’ve become as a country thoroughly disappointed Her as She rolled across the Nation. Not to mention the landscape had totally changed…

 

But the part that choked me up, was here’s the 91 year old woman with three suitcases and Her walker getting off the train in Eugene with essentially no plan on where to go?

 

And the amazing humanity of complete strangers seeing Her, and offering to help unconditionally. Getting Peggy situated in a Motel 6 at a reduced Senior rate before this amazing family took Peggy in. Until She can hopefully get into Senior Housing.

 

If you’re not aware, there’s a total lack of Affordable Housing today! Not to mention Senior and Disable Housing, with most programs taking a minimum of one year to get in. And in many cases 2-3 years.

 

Knowing one woman who waited multiple years before finally being accepted. A second who waited multiple years before giving up, and a third who’s still waiting…

 

Not to mention how one has to be truly poor, not just barely making “Ends Meat” or living just above the artificially low poverty line.

 

And in Peggy’s case, Seniors need to not be too “Sharp” or with-it. In order to be fast-tracked into Assisted Living or Senior Housing, applicants need to be suffering from Alzheimer’s, Dementia, etc.

 

It’s a wonderful article about true life, which I recommend reading. And the article also includes the Go fund Me page set-up for Peggy, who’ve truly one of the lucky ones!

 

As I love Peggy’s gumption. Saying She hasn’t owned a television for 45 years, but that doesn’t mean She won’t watch it. Requesting to watch Gone With the Wind, before realizing it’s a four hours long movie. Saying Lordee!

 

Peggy Starr, 91, finds caring strangers in Eugene

 

I had one Helluva time finding a hyperlink to the story that would work “correctly”. Hence the USA Today article link instead. Since I couldn’t get The Register Guard to cooperate… 

Friday, March 20, 2026

The Tomaso Files: More Blind Travel Escapades



Two Space Age Whiz Kid Coyboys’. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Ran into Sasquatch’s cousin, Not Me! Resplendent in Seahawks colours, before making the Patriots Black ‘n Blue! Now if only the Space Age Fuel Depot had been off of Exit 51 instead of 52, Oh Never Mind!

 

“Just a song before I go
To whom it may concern
Traveling twice the speed of sound It's easy to get burned”

 

I’m always amazed at the Universe’s synchronicity. Since the day I was packing for my trek to thee Valley of the Sun. Turning on the local Old fogey’s radio station, Crosby, Stills and Nash’s Just A Song Before I go started playing on my ancient transistor radio…

 

VIDEO: Just A song before I go

 

Whilst its funny how I was madly type-type-typing away on various, riveting No fenders Blog stories like this 12 Hours before departing.

 

Yeah, I chose the number 12 on purpose. And not because of the Seahawks 12‘s, but for DJ WillyP’. Say What! He doesn’t drive the No. 12 anymore?

 

Have I mentioned that I spent half of February traveling to Warshington’ and Arizona lately, Yall? Meaning that my No Fenders posts will be a Wee Bitamyte’ sporadic and somewhat dated. Since as typical, I’ll be busy playin’ Ketsup on Ye Blob’, just Sayin’. And having caught my first cold in several years isn’t helping matter either. Since isn’t that what vacations are for?

 

Thy trip started off swimmingly, since Southwest Airlines didn’t send the “Memo” (email) until 15mins after my Taxi driver had called to say He’d left Eugene. Informing me that my flight had been delayed by two hours, Crap!

 

And then my Cabbie’ called again warning me He’d most likely be somewhat late since it was snowing really good at the “Pass”, albeit the Ralph A. Petersen tunnel’s elevation is a whopping 990 feet MSL. (Mean Sea Level) With Cougar Pass being situated at some 715 feet. Which for Mwah, a former Warshingtonion Skier isn’t exactly what I call Mountainous! But I digress…

 

Naturally, we’d be having our very first day of snow the morning I was trying to travel to the warmer climes of Arizona, Ya Sure Yuh Betcha!

 

And although the snow had stopped, the sky brightened and the road was virtually dry. With the exception of the overhead trees dripping, making the windshield wipers scratch in protest. After we’d passed a Fed Ex “Box” truck in a ditch, and I mused out loud those packages will be late! Traffic came to a complete halt on Highway 126 and we sat still for 15mins. Before traffic moved again and we passed a further two deliver Box-trucks off the road, with another in a ditch…

 

Standing in the check-in line and waiting for assistance. Melissa, a TSA employee said She’d take me to my gate since She wasn’t busy at the moment. Telling me things were a bit slow that morning.

 

Huh? I’ve never had my own, personal TSA escort agent before. Informing Her of my mechanical Heart valve, we suddenly went down a long hallway into a private “screening” room where She said Her co-worker George would pat me down.

 

Melissa mentioned George was one of Her good friends, and as He was explaining how His hand would go over my buttocks and groin area I couldn’t resist. And said George and I are going to be “Good” Friends too, Hya!

 

Although this TSA Airport screening “Pat-down” wasn’t any worse than last year’s in Arizona…

 

The Perks of being A Blind Traveler

 

Seated at my gate, a further announcement was silently made, as a friendly woman in a wheelchair said they’d just texted Her saying our flight wouldn’t depart now until 3:37PM; a further hour and twenty minutes plus, and three an one quarter hours later than originally slated, Urgh!

 

Reportedly the weather in Denver, with winds Ah-Blowin’ Almighty was causing all of the delays. But what became mondo annoying was the departure time kept playing Whack-ah-Mole! Since after a kind Airport employee had escorted me to the bathroom and we returned to the gate at 2:06PM. The gate agent said we’re boarding now!

 

And then we sat on the tarmac forever before finally departing for Denver.

 

Funniest bit for Mwah was riding in a golf cart to my connecting flight’s gate. As it still blows my mind there’s no direct flights from Eugene to Phoenix, Ack!

 

As we slowly made our way through the concourse, Tom Petty’s I’m Free, Free Falling wailed upon the concourse’s speakers. Which I mused to myself they shouldn’t be playing that song in an airport!

 

Hey, I like Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and like the song also. But Free, Free Falling isn’t something I want to be hearing at an airport or doing on an Aeroplaine, Hya!

 

As the arrival time for Phoenix apparently constantly rubber-banded before four hours later after our scheduled arrival, we finally arrived! And so much for arriving at dinner time. Which it really doesn’t help just having the airline employees apologize for our being late profusely…

 

Returning home was a relative “Breeze”. As there were no flight delays and TSA was “entertaining”, after they told me to look at the camera. Hmm, I’m Blind Sister!

 

Then another friendly TSA worker said He’s walk me thru the Ronald Dumbsfeld Bodies R Us (Body) Scanner. Asking me if I knew how to do the YMCA pose?

 

As He helped me walk sideways up the ramp, spread my feet and then positioned my arms being splayed backwards with my elbows out. Or something to that effect, which apparently was the aforementioned YMCA pose…

 

What, you mean no full body Pat-down, say what?

 

After collecting my suitcase, it was outside into “frigid” 43 degrees damp weather across the street to the designated Taxicab pickup area. Where two “enterprising”, Cabbies’ worked me over good trying to steal another’s fair. With both men telling me countless horror stories of how my cab company never shows up, Yada-Yada-Yada…

 

As my cab was 20mins late, but I stuck with the company I’d already made a reservation with. Which ironically turned out being the exact same driver who’d driven me to Eugene a week earlier.

 

And although I didn’t “get to climb in the back with the Girl with Kaleidoscope Eyes”. The road was completely empty and we made excellent time home, with another day’s Madcap journey over!

 

Partial song lyrics from: Crosby, Stills and Nash Just A song before I Go; 1977 CSN Album. 

Friday, December 26, 2025

No Fenders Boxing Day Holidazes Tradition continues



A not so subtle Barrage Balloon being deployed on the Eastern Front. (The Tomaso Collection)

 

Apparently Ye Red Baron Done Shot Up this No Fenders Post, ack-Ack-Ack-Ack-Ack-Ack!

 

“Everybody Knows A Turkey and some Missletoe

Helps to Keep the Season Bright!”

 

Although neither Snoopy or thou Red Baron will be taking Off today. Since it feels Nippy enough for another very rare arrival of Snow here in Bumfiddle’ Florence, which is a rarity due to our proximity to Sea level Ho Ho Ho!

 

As little did I, or cadres ‘O it’s loyal listeners then knew. That the day after Veterans Day 2022, would be the final time that  Cool FM, Eugene’s 99.1FM Radio Station. Which None of us can pick up anymore on Ye Oregon Coast via Florence’s Transmitter. When it’s Not Foggy, Raining, Hailing out and you’re holding your Elboz’ just right, Oh Never Mind!

 

Would Began Thar final, yearly, multi-weeks Holiday Programming of playing Nonstop round Ye clock 24/7 Nothing but Ack Ack Ack Christmas Songs Barrage goes thru New Years.

 

At first I couldn’t figure out why they went off the Air for weeks in February? Before one day they returned to the Airwaves as The Beat! Playing Hideous 1990-2000’s Teeny-bopper’ Rap ‘n Hip Hop music, WTF! A far cry from what I enjoyed listening to on their radio station for nearly five years! Since Ain’t Thar something about five Golden Rings?

 

As this is a really crappy way of telling me I’m a Dinosaur, and my Age Demographic Don’t matter to Yuhs G-Damn Advertisers! Although News Flash, I refuse to listen to your new format Bastardoes!

 

I actually enjoyed this yearly tradition, since it was the only time ‘O year Yuhs could Hear such Classics as John Lennon’s so this is Christmas, which is definitely my Numero Uno X-Mas Song!

 

Along with The Beach Boys ‘lil Saint Nick “run-run Reindeer” song. Or I want A Hippopotamus for Christmas. Alvin and The Chipmunks, chuck Berry’s Run-Run Rudolf, You’re A Mean One Mr. Grinch along with other various Classics like Bing Crosby and David Bowies Peace On Earth-Little Drummer Boy Duet et Al.

 

Not to mention I would always hear some Vintage Christmas song I hadn’t heard before. As one year I spent several weeks trying to figure out that it was The Carpenters singing Sleigh ride from their 1978 Album Christmas Portrait, but I digress…

 

VIDEO: Sleigh Ride

 

Whilst I most definitely got a Smile on my face when hearing for the very first time ever during the winter of 2021, The Ballad of Snoopy’s Yuletide Dogfight!

 

VIDEO: Father Christmas: Snoopy’s Christmas vs. the Red Baron

 

As the song is by The Royal Guardsmen, a Florida Rock Band who later became known as the “Snoopy Band!” As their Snoopy Christmas song was recorded in 1966. With the song reaching No. 2 on the billboard Hot 100 and was certified Gold in early ’67.

 

Funniest bit ‘O trivia is the Band recorded the song without Charles Schulz’s initial permission. So their record label Up North Eh! In Ye Great White North of Oh Kanaduh’ refused to release it due to potential legal issues Stateside with Messer Schulz.

 

So the Band put out a very blatant re-issue called Squeaky ant The Black Knight Up North Eh! Which also became popular in Ye Frozen Tundra before Schulz gave his permission for the song.

 

Hence, naturally I got a Wild Hair to “See” if I could find said Squeaky and The Black Knight Great White North “Import” version, for which I was super Surprised that it came up almost immediately, Ja Volt!

 

VIDEO: Snoopy vs. the Black Knight

 

And although Snoopy, Woodstock and Ye Red Baron All lived to Fight Another Gory Day, Ho Ho Ho! Unfortunately that Damn Baron Von Richthofen done Destroyed a perfectly good working radio station, meaning Thar won’t be no round thee clock Christmas music to listen to this year upon thoust Mystical Isle of NoFendersville…

 

Since after All, It used to be  the “Most Wonderful Time of The Year,” SPEW! Now, does anybody know where I can buy a Turkey? Or how Much this Damn Bird Weighs? Ho Ho Ho…

 

Then last year, I heard for the first time ‘Ol BJ “Raindrops are Falling” Thomas! Play me my new favourite Sing-along song. Yuhs know about Somebody doin’ Somebody wrong…

 

VIDEO: Hey, won’t you Play another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song

 

Whilst just shy of three weeks before Christmas this year. On a Friday evening, Coast Radio played a song about a Reindeer in Overalls and sportin’ a John Deere Tractor Cap! Hearing Leroy the Redneck Reindeer for my very frist time ever, which definitely cracked me up and brought a smile to my face…

 

VIDEO: Leroy the Redneck Reindeer

 

Happy boxing Day, Yall!

 

Image C/O No Fenders Offical’ Photographer CARPETS’ – Somewhere’ on the Wabash… 

Tuesday, October 7, 2025

ATTRACTIONS: Northwest Aviation Museums

Wings, Waves, a Spruce goose and a Concorde to Boot!

 

These are just a very few, small smattering of Aviation museums I know about, with a Waterpark thrown in for Fun!

 

WASHINGTON

Museum of Flight

Location: Seattle

If you’re an aviation buff, then this is definitely a must see, as it has an impressive collection of various era aircraft. With my personal favourite being the Lockeed YF-12A complete with drone hanging from the ceiling! This was the forbearer to the vaunted SR-71.

 

As it pains me to admit it was over three decades ago when I saw the YF-12A “spyplane” trucked into the museo on three separate semi-truck trailers, before reassembly. Which I Arse-sume still resides in the museum.

 

There was also an outstanding WWI & WWII wing along with an Airpark across the street (Marginal Way) containing a Concorde and Air Force 1 Presidential airplane that you can walk through. As the Air Force One Aeroplane was used by Ike’, aka Dwight D. Eisenhower and contained a pass-thru Doggie’ door. While it also served JFK, (Kennedy) LBJ’ )Linden Johnson) and “Tricky dick!” (Nixon)

 

While I believe these various Aeroplanes,  including a DeHavilland Concorde and Boeing 747SP, are housed underneath “Open air” roofing.

 

Having just discovered that there’s now 19 “Jumbo” Jets parked on static display in the Aviation Pavillion. Including the first Boeing 727, 737 and 747. Plus the only West coast Concorde and the aforementioned Boeing 707, the first jet powered Air Force One.

 

Museum of Flight: Aviation Pavillion

 

Whilst I’ll admit I haven’t been to the museo’ in decades, for which I believe its been massively renovated. Most notably now housing one of the surviving Space Shuttles, the lone Trainer. Being housed in the new Space wing, and celebrating its 60th Anniversary on September 13, 2025.

 

Museum Website

https://www.museumofflight.org/#main-content

 

Flying Heritage and Combat Armor Museum

Location: Everett

This excellent museo was initially founded by the late Paul Allen, co-founder of Microsoft. Being sold to Stuart Walton, grandson of Walmart founder Sam Walton in 2022…

 

The museum spans nine acres nearby Paine Field in three Hangars amassing 110,000 square feet, with 26 vintage Airplanes and some 30 Armoured Combat machinery on display.

 

The museum hosts the only flying Japanese Zero and Messerschmidt ME-262 Jet Fighter from WWII. As I believe it was vintage fighters from the museo that used to pass overhead during Seafair when I lived on the “flight-line”. As there’s nothing more symphonic then the sound of a vintage WWII fighter Aeroplane’s engine rumbling overhead!

 

Museum Website

https://flyingheritage.org/

 

Heritage Flight Museum

Location: Burlington

I first learned of this museo accidently when reading Robert Kurson’s excellent 2018 book Rocket Men: The Daring Odyssey of Apollo 8 and the Astronauts Who Made Man’s first Journey to the Moon. And that Astronaut William Anders had created this flying museum operating out of the Skagit Valley Airport.

 

Retired USAF major General William Anders is best known for taking the iconic Earthrise photograph during the 1968 Apollo 8 mission. The first Apollo mission to leave low Earth orbit and circle the Moon ten times.

 

Unfortunately Anders, at age 90, perished at the controls of His Beech A-45 in June, 2024. But the museum lives on. With several flying Aeroplanes. Including a P-51 Mustang, A6M2 Tora Zero; which perhaps I’ve Corfuzed above with the late Paul Allen’s exhibit? An A-1 Skyraider, MiG-21 and F-89 Scorpion to name just a few…

 

Museum Website

https://heritageflight.org/

 

OREGON

Western Antique Aeroplane Automobile Museum

Location: Hood River

Like I previously noted in my Northwest Automotive section. I first learned about the museo Wayback’ when reading an Smithsonian Air & Space magazine article, about a glider I’d never heard of before.

 

A Petrel’s Strange Journey

 

Best part of all about this museum is that they call themselves a living museum. Proclaiming that everything is restored to fully functioning status. Along with either being flown or driven!

 

Museum Website

https://waaamuseum.org/

 

Evergreen Aviation and Space Museum

Location: McMinnville

Having long known about this museo being the home of the legendous’ Spruce goose. I finally got the wonderful opportunity to visit it Wayback in Gory 2019! (Prior to COVID-19)

 

Having what essentially turned into a private tour by the two museum volunteers, proclaiming they’d never had a Blind person visit Messer Hughes “contraption” before.

 

AVIATION: My Long Awaited Trek to the Spruce Goose

 

Or Y’all may enjoy my book review upon Howard Hughes in the following No fenders tome…

 

When Howard Hughes Ruled the Roost

 

As I didn’t get the chance to peruse the other portion of the expansive museum’s other Aeroplanes and other items on exhibit. Reportedly still walking on clouds from my Spruce goose experience.

 

Whilst I was then able to vaguely “See” the F-15 Eagle fighter on static display outside as we departed. In memory of Michael Smith, who’s tragedy is a sad tale for another day…

 

Museum Website

https://www.evergreenmuseum.org/

 

Wings and Waves Waterpark

Location: McMinnville

Also read about this a long time ago, albeit don’t know the specifics. But I believe you slide thru an honest-to-goodness Boeing 747 Airplane’s fuselage! And something about it being a sixty foot drop? As its something different to try. Although reputedly not for the faint of Heart.

 

Museum Website

https://www.wingsandwaveswaterpark.com/ 

Wednesday, October 1, 2025

ATTRACTIONS: Northwest Automotive Museums

When Yuhs need to be inside during Our Inclement Weather, or “Escaping” the Heat…

 

The original Attractions “page” was started long ago, in a different era, when ‘Ol Lone Star JR’, aka Johnny Rutherford had been appointed to the Harold Lemay museum’s Board of Director, circa 2008, Crikeys! Which somehow I’m guessing He’s no longer affiliated with?

 

But my list of museums “Parking lot” had simply become overcrowded and hence, the need to pave more parking spaces, which I’ve been doing very slowly…

 

WASHINGTON

Americas Car Museum

Location: Tacoma

Believe ground was broken on the ten acre site donated by the City of Tacoma in 2010. For what would become a four story, or is it five? 165,000 square foot building housing 350 cars, mostly from the late Harold LeMay’s private collection. Known for being the nation’s largest private collection.

 

Presumably, one of LeMay’s most treasured automobiles was the 1948 Tucker He purchased, which I’ve “seen” before. Having been an ACM member for the first three years of its existence.

 

It’s a wonderful museum, with constantly revolving automotive displays. As think my favourite was when they did an Route 66 exhibit. Not to mention having some of the IMS Hall of Fame IndyCars once on display, most notably one of the Lotus 56 Turbine cars!

 

Alas, having left for whatever will be my Home state, I last visited the ACM museo in Gory 2016, which seems like a really long time ago! Having posted this monstrous five page story, Wayback’ when…

 

AUTOS: Bimmers’ abound at America’s Car Museum

 

Museum Website

https://www.americascarmuseum.org/

 

LeMay Family collection

Location: Marymount

The bulk of Harold LeMay’s private Car Collection resides on the Marymount campus in Tacoma, which I’ve been to once before. But am loathe to admit how long ago that was! Although being before the America’s Car Museum building was built, Crikeys!

 

As I just remember walking past row after row of vehicles, including a Hemelgarn IndyCar, and perhaps a Sherman tank?

 

Having scribbled about Lucky’s Garage and Harold LeMay, the Man in the following No Fenders tome nearly a decade ago…

 

AUTOS: Lucky’s Garage and the Man who Inspired It

 

Museum Website

https://lemaymarymount.org/

 

Hydroplane and Raceboat Museum

Location: Kent

Yeah, this Ain’t a Car museum per se, and suppose it actually angles towards aviation instead. Due to having several great vintage, WWII piston powered Aeroplane engine, i.e.; Rolls Royce, Merlin and Allison Hydroplanes on display. Along with a lone turbine powered boat. Being the 1982 U-00 Atlas Van Lines turbine Hull, driven by Chip Hanauer.

 

But it’s a very quaint, unique museum, with a different flavour for those Hard Core racing enthusiasts…

 

Museum Website

https://thunderboats.ning.com/

 

OREGON

Western Antique Aeroplane Automobile Museum (WAAAM)

Location: Hood River

Stumbled into this museum a few years ago when reading the Smithsonian’s Air and Space magazine via my NFB Newsline for The Blind telephone’s service, about a rare glider I’d never heard of before.

 

Best part of all about this museo is that they call themselves a living museum. Proclaiming that everything is restored to fully functioning status. Along with either being flown or driven, very Cool!

 

Museum Website

https://waaamuseum.org/

 

Pacific Northwest Truck Museum

Location: Brooks

Thar’ were initially two Automotive museums lurking some nine miles north of Salem, the State’s Capitol. In the before unknown Brooks, Oregon to Mwah. With a population of an eye-popping 472, Jeepers!

 

Naturally, my follow-up gander on Zed Intrawoods’, nee internet claimed the museo’ is located in Salem, on Brooklane Road NE. Which I suppose makes more sense, since Brooks itself must be tiny!

 

Trucking is “King” in the Pacific Northwest, albeit it seems odd that Warshington’ doesn’t have a Kenworth or Paccar Truck museum? While weekly I hear the J-Brake and rumble of “Older” logging trucks here in Bumfiddle’ Florence…

 

As the museum’s website proclaims they have over 75 vintage trucks in their collection. Ranging from Semi-truck rigs’ such as GMC, Kenworth, International, Peterbilt, Freightliner and Mack. Along with many trucks from the past that no longer are manufactured.

 

While their newest acquisition is the Freightliner donated first generation Electric Semi-tractor. Built upon a 2017 Cascadia Sleeper Cab platform, with many European parts on the hand built chassis.

 

As it sounds like a very interesting museum, worthy of a visit…

 

Museum Website

http://pacificnwtruckmuseum.org/index.html

 

Northwest Vintage Car and Motorcycle Museum

Location: Brooks

This was the other Automobile museum to pop-up when googling Automotive museums in Oregon. Also being located in Brooks, with the same address as the Truck museo’ above, Hmm?

 

As their website says they’re dedicated to preserving the history of vintage Automobiles and Motorcycles. And proud to be one of the 14 Museums located in Brooks, whilst I’ve got no idea how large the museum is? Or what it All encompasses?

 

Museum Website

https://www.nwcarandcycle.org/

 

Powerland Heritage Park

Location: Brooks

Uhm, what’s that well worn saying? Ah, I love it when a plan comes together! As the mystery’s solved, Tuh-duh!

 

The two museums listed above, make up part of the 14 total museums located on the Powerland Heritage Park campus, a 62 acre parcel of land dedicated to the preservation of many vintage machinery.

 

With such factions as Antique Caterpillar and John Deere machinery, the Western Railway Preservation Society,, Willow Creek Railway and Willamette Valley Model Railroad Operating museums. Along with the Trucks, Vintage Cars & Motorcycles, Pacific NW Logging and other related Steam powered collections, it sounds like a fantastic place to visit!

 

Museum Website

https://www.antiquepowerland.com/about-powerland-heritage-park 

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

A Simple deed

The type that makes you smile on the inside…

 

Last week I went to the grocery store twice, to split up my oversized load. And both times I got to go thru my favourite Cashier’s line…

 

Dave, whose predominantly a NASCAR and NHRA fan, nonetheless have begun talking motor racing with Mwah while checking my groceries. Which I get to do very little these days. Making it especially refreshing in what is simply known as Ducks country. As in the Oregon Ducks who are our next door neighbour 50-plus miles east…

 

As I was happy to hear Dave say previously He’d watched the Indianapolis 500. Along with telling me His travails of trying to get access to NASCAR’s six race Amazon Prime segment. For which it sounds like it really shouldn’t have been that hard for Him!

 

First telling me that the account was in His widow’s name so they wouldn’t take His credit card. And then having to pay $47 for Amazon’s tech support to just tell Him His TV was too old. Before Dave figured out He could hook His computer via an HDI cable? Into the back of His TV and Walah!

 

So I’d casually asked Dave who’d won the Mexico City NASCAR race while Dave was multi-tasking and He couldn’t come up with the name at the moment, which really didn’t matter to me.

 

Naturally, I was pleasantly surprised when three days later without prompting, Dave told me that The Giz’, aka Shane Van Gisbergen had won at Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez and that a lot of people were upset about Van Gisbergen now being in the playoffs, thanks to His first win this season.

 

As I’d totally already forgotten about this, and had never bothered finding out who’d won…

 

But what really impressed me about Dave was His elaborating upon Van Gisbergen being in His words a five times Australia Supercars Champion who’s from New Zealand. And when I mentioned there was another Kiwi’ named Scott McLaughlin, Dave immediately said He’s in IndyCar’s! Before I said they’re both Bad Arses from Down Under! With Dave saying they’d come Stateside where All the money is.

 

As Dave’s longtime favourite Roundy-Round RASSCAR’ driver is Kyle Busch, who He claims is the highest paid NASCAR driver, making a ridiculous $35 million, which I have no idea if that’s true?

 

But what made me truly happy was the fact that Dave knew before I’d finished my sentence not only who ScottyMac’, nee Scott McLaughlin was, but that He was an IndyCar driver!

 

Especially since this conversation was taking place in Bumfiddle’ Florence! Three days later and that Dave had made an effort to remember to tell me the winner’s name. Since I highly doubt a “Huge” portion of our miniscule population follows IndyCar, or even knows what it is…