We left cold chickadees and watchful dogs to fly to Oregon and enjoy dawn on the Colombia River.
This was the destination of Lewis and Clark and is now the small town of Astoria , Oregon. The river meets the Pacific here and “crossing the bar” makes it one of the most dangerous ports in the U.S. 
The town itself was named after John Jacob Astor and his lumbering though he was never there!
This was the destination of Lewis and Clark and is now the small town of Astoria , Oregon. The river meets the Pacific here and “crossing the bar” makes it one of the most dangerous ports in the U.S. 
The town itself was named after John Jacob Astor and his lumbering though he was never there!
There was sunshine as we walked to the Pacific shore. Can you see the rainbows on the waves? 
We went inland to a huge bay where the oystermen and crabbers have their homes and piers. 
Of course we had to buy some seafood. The oysters shooters and salmon were wonderful.
Of course we had to buy some seafood. The oysters shooters and salmon were wonderful.
Astoria is home to a fishing fleet and sailboats alike.
In the summer the docks are full of the sea lions who become pests but I enjoyed hearing their barking and hooting all the way up the hill at Caz’s house. On another day Caz took us south of Astoria to see a beautiful waterfall. These eagles stayed on their perch undisturbed by me as I took their picture.
The Oregon climate—mostly mist and rain—coats all the landscape with a mossy coat of green. Great place for a “Hobbit” movie. We found it beautiful.
On the way back through the valley we stopped at Olney’s General store and tavern for lunch. One side groceries and the other food and bar. We had the day’s special, Beef Stroganoff, and it was very good and filling.
We hiked up and down the hills; 
climbed the “Cathedral Tree” trail with Melissa;
ate too big barbeques,
and watched the sunset over town and bay.
climbed the “Cathedral Tree” trail with Melissa;
ate too big barbeques,
and watched the sunset over town and bay.
A wonderful place to visit.
“Caz” Watercolor by Carol
Looks like you guys had a great time!!
I see some wonderful photos to turn into pastels and water colors. I’ll bet the mold count out there is tremendous. But it sure is a gorgeous place to visit.
Oooohh! Thanks for sharing these beautiful photos – maybe we’ll get to see one or two in pastel? I wish I could live in a place like that – one foot there, one here, another in Beulah…sigh, giant sigh…