STONEHENGE & ISLAND OF THE DEAD

Who knew you didn't have to travel to England to see Stonehenge? Did you know if you were traveling in the State of Washington, near the town of Maryhill, you can see a full size replica of Stonehenge? I didn't either until we started driving and passed the sign several times during our travels.

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Along Hwy 14, overlooking the Columbia River, Sam Hill, erected this almost exact copy of Stonehenge to memorialize those who died in World War I. Dedicated in 1918 and finally finished in 1930, Mr. Hill passed shortly after completion of the project and is buried at the base of the bluff. Because he wished to be left alone, there is no path to his resting place.

I apologize for the picture, but I've found most of these places do not accommodate a semi with a 53 foot trailer, so as Craig zoomed by on the highway, I attempted to catch a glimpse of it. Really, it's there in the blur, that clump of something you just can't quite make out in the middle of the photo. So to compensate, here is an actual picture from the web.

As we continued on our way into Roseburg, OR to pick up some boats, we took the scenic Interstate 84 due to the flooding on Interstate 5. This really is one of the most scenic routes you can take, and if you are ever in the area, a must see.

We pulled into a rest area and I had the opportunity to see the Island of the Dead, also known as Memaloose Island. The Indians used it as a burial ground where they wrapped the dead in skins or blankets and often placed them in a sitting position. They then constructed "grave houses" of poles, slabs, and bark. The rising waters of the Bonneville Dam reduced the once four acre island to about a half acre.

I had the chance to walk around and enjoy taking a few photos on solid ground and not traveling at 55 miles an hour. I hope you enjoy and get the feel for this beautiful area as much as I did.