Mon 29th - last night here!

Today was biking day. This morning we did another 'round' on the campground trails. After lunch we loaded up the bikes and drove to Astoria where we went for a ride along the Columbia River. We had an interesting encounter on one stretch of the bike path when we had to yield to an ambulance! We didn't hang around to see what was happening, however.

We were able to ride out on many of the piers and once again were entertained by the resident sea lions -- quite a 'pile' of them!!



We drove to the "Astoria Column" which is a 125 ft. tall concrete monument etched with murals and events depicting the pivotal years of Astoria's history and growth. The 164 steps up the centre of the column were closed for repair -- not that we'd be making that climb anyway! The column is on top of a 600 ft hill in the centre of Astoria, so even from the base of the column, it gives one a pretty impressive panoramic view of the ocean, river and townsite.

Tomorrow we leave this campground and Oregon, and it's on to Washington. We haven't really worked out plans beyond this. One little 'tidbit' I have been meaning to mention about Oregon. Gas stations here are required to pump gas for you -- no such thing as a 'self serve'! That took some getting used to as Ron is in the habit of filling his own tank. The attendants always come running to intervene.



We had a late fire tonight with lots of wood to burn. Oh, a little trivia about Astoria. Supposedly Clark Gable began his acting career here in 1922!  And on that note, I'm off to bed!
(Hope you had a happy anniversary, G & K)