Astoria
As Lewis and Clark did over two hundred years before us, we sailed with the current down the Columbia River to where it merges and becomes one with the mighty Pacific Ocean. A sunrise that filled the sky with golden light greeted us this morning as the Sea Bird peeked over the Columbia River bar to gaze out at the vast horizon of the sea and feel the soothing roll of her swells. We docked in the quaint town of Astoria as we were watched by gulls perched stoically upon moss covered pilings that in the days of old were the foundation for this towns lifeblood, the salmon canneries. At the head of our dock is the Maritime Museum where the detailed, and many hands-on exhibits gave us a superb idea about the way of life on the river and about all those who use it for business and pleasure.
At Fort Clatsop we learned about the culmination of the Corps of Discovery’s voyage to the west coast and the long wet winter the expedition spent here. With the musty smell of wood and the resonance of raindrops hitting the roof it was easy to imagine that we had followed Lewis and Clark’s footsteps and were taking part in the adventure. The afternoon took us across the river to Cape Disappointment on the Washington side. Here the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center furthered our education and helped to continue our journey back in time. In addition to its extensive historical value the center’s immaculate view overlooks the Cape Disappointment lighthouse and oceanic expanse.
On way back to the ship and on the spur of the moment, we gave into a sudden craving for coffee and so stopped off at a drive-through stand, startling the attendant when our motorcoach pulled in – but she handled the order for lattes and hot chocolate beautifully, and quickly!
Those that stayed in Astoria for the afternoon were free to browse the many local merchants, antique shops or return to the Maritime Museum to continue perusing the informative exhibits. Perched at the top of the hill is the Astoria tower, where etchings on the outside depict the story of the towns’ roots and history in a unique art form called sgraffito. For those who twirled their way up the spindly stairwell to the pinnacle, witnessed a breathtaking 360 degree view of town below, the surrounding countryside, and the river mouth and ocean beyond.
As Lewis and Clark did over two hundred years before us, we sailed with the current down the Columbia River to where it merges and becomes one with the mighty Pacific Ocean. A sunrise that filled the sky with golden light greeted us this morning as the Sea Bird peeked over the Columbia River bar to gaze out at the vast horizon of the sea and feel the soothing roll of her swells. We docked in the quaint town of Astoria as we were watched by gulls perched stoically upon moss covered pilings that in the days of old were the foundation for this towns lifeblood, the salmon canneries. At the head of our dock is the Maritime Museum where the detailed, and many hands-on exhibits gave us a superb idea about the way of life on the river and about all those who use it for business and pleasure.
At Fort Clatsop we learned about the culmination of the Corps of Discovery’s voyage to the west coast and the long wet winter the expedition spent here. With the musty smell of wood and the resonance of raindrops hitting the roof it was easy to imagine that we had followed Lewis and Clark’s footsteps and were taking part in the adventure. The afternoon took us across the river to Cape Disappointment on the Washington side. Here the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center furthered our education and helped to continue our journey back in time. In addition to its extensive historical value the center’s immaculate view overlooks the Cape Disappointment lighthouse and oceanic expanse.
On way back to the ship and on the spur of the moment, we gave into a sudden craving for coffee and so stopped off at a drive-through stand, startling the attendant when our motorcoach pulled in – but she handled the order for lattes and hot chocolate beautifully, and quickly!
Those that stayed in Astoria for the afternoon were free to browse the many local merchants, antique shops or return to the Maritime Museum to continue perusing the informative exhibits. Perched at the top of the hill is the Astoria tower, where etchings on the outside depict the story of the towns’ roots and history in a unique art form called sgraffito. For those who twirled their way up the spindly stairwell to the pinnacle, witnessed a breathtaking 360 degree view of town below, the surrounding countryside, and the river mouth and ocean beyond.
