Here we go again, living in an Airbnb for one month. We are all about the view, and what a view we find in Astoria, Oregon. Watching massive cargo ships and tankers pass below the 4.1-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge puts us in a trance.
Ship passing under the Astoria-Megler Bridge
This behemoth crosses the Columbia River near where it flows into the Pacific Ocean. It connects Oregon to Washington. I love it when the fog rolls in and the foghorns blow, into the mystic.
“When that Foghorn Blows…”
We are living on the second floor, in a house turned triplex, built in 1904. Of course, noise from the unit above travels through the creaky wooden floors.
Our home for the month
Sometimes it sounds like the Goonies are having a bowling tournament upstairs. Yes, the classic adventure-comedy movie “The Goonies” was filmed here in Astoria years ago. But with a view and setting like this, we do not mind the Goonies.
Definitely a room with a view
This small city of Astoria with a population of 10,000 marks the oldest American settlement west of the Rockies. Commercial fishing, canneries, and seafood processing used to be the economic base. No canneries currently operate. It is now a service-based economy based on tourism as is obvious from the breweries, funky restaurants, bars, and quirky retail stores that line the streets and Riverwalk.
Astoria Brewing
Bowpicker Tuna Fish and Chips
Fun shopping in Downtown Astoria
Seafood stores and breweries attract us the most. Oysters, razor clams, crab, and smoked fish dominate my kitchen.
Fresh Oysters
Razor clams for Dinner
Crab Salad
Most mornings, we walk along the Columbia River while birds hunt and fish at low tide. Summer temperatures hover in the 50s and 60s F (around 10–16 C), as they do along much of the Oregon coast, while the rest of the United States swelters through heat waves.
Pelicans eating breakfast
Heron fishing the Columbia River
Putrid scents from a mixture of brewery yeast and waste from seafood processing, mixed with low tide mud come and go, but the air is so cool and fresh it reminds us of Alaska.
The Astoria “Eagle Couple”
I located a good gym that is open 24 hours a day and Marilynn finds scenic hikes both in town, and just a short drive away. We live our life just like in Arizona, only on a different planet with cool temperatures, on a huge river surrounded by old growth forests, only a stone’s throw away from the Pacific Ocean.
Views from the Riverwalk Astoria
Hiking up to the Astoria Column
Views of Haystack Rock from Ecola State Park
Where else can you hike quiet mountain trails that wind through old-growth forest along rugged, rocky coastline in such perfect weather? If you are lucky, herds of elk and deer appear along the way.
Hiking in Ecola State Park
Views from trail to Indian Beach
Views from Cape Falcon Trail
Elk near Ecola State Park
When not hiking, Marilynn gets me off the couch to attend events such as the Scandinavian Festival (Her roots), the Pride Parade, and the July 4th waterfront celebration. Or to climb the 161 stairs to the top of the Astoria Column, for panoramic views. Something goes on every weekend.
Marilynn celebrating her heritage at the Scandinavian Midsummer Festival
He better say that!
PRIDE celebration, Astoria
Snake Farm Family Band on the Beer Pier, 4th of July
4th of July, Astoria
Astoria Column
View from the top of Astoria Column
As this month flies by, we gear up into travel mode to drive and hike through the Northern Cascades to Winthrop, Washington.
Washington State Pass Spires, Liberty Bell
Diablo Lake North Cascades National Park
Blue Lake Trail, North Cascades
Winthrop, Washington
We passed through Winthrop fifteen years ago, saw a flier for an annual blues festival, and swore that we would be back. Guess what, we finally made it! Three days of blues music, with notable names such as Sue Foley, “The California Honeydrops” and Marilynn’s favorite “Southern Avenue” made for an enjoyable way to relax.
Winthrop Blues Festival
Sue Foley, Winthrop Blues Festival
California Honeydrops, Winthrop Blues Festival
Southern Avenue, Winthrop Blues Festival
The geriatric crowd made me feel young, until realizing that I am one of them.
Winthrop Blues Festival
The crowd, Winthrop Blues Festival
Time for our descent down into the 115 F (46 C) back home in Phoenix. We take the backroads along the Oregon coast until the interstate becomes the only viable option. Re-entry goes smoothly but feels like a different planet.
What a great month in Astoria, Oregon
Thank You, Abundant Universe!
Thank you for opening my eyes to all the things to do in Astoria. I look forward to going there!
I think that you would totally enjoy it!
I get lost in your words and Mare’s photos.
Love getting lost once in a while!
My Bro, looks like you lost a little weight.
Actually, I am about 15 pounds over due to inactivity from an injury. Just getting old, that’s all!
Wow 50’s and 60’s temps in the SUMMER ??? Is that during the daylight hours ? Seeing how everyone was bundled up at that blues festival seemed more like late fall weather . Some nice scenic views of course as always . Look forward to the next stop on your tour of the abundant universe . Stay safe friends 🙂
Hey Glenn, The Oregon coast is THE ONLY place to be anymore in summer. Temps were good at the Blues Fest, but now it is hot there with fires and smoke. Glad our timing was good. We are currently suffering in 100 to 120 degree temps in Phx, but are headed to Svalbard and 30 degree temps next month. Stay tuned my friend. Marilynn
Glad you had a great time up here in the PNW. Wow, the photos are next level, new camera or smartphone? Especially the bridge with fog descending (or rising?). And informative/fun prose, too. Astoria is a very different town/vibe than when we were growing up, when the economy was still dominated by fishing and canneries (lots of Finns). An interesting read set in SW WA and Astoria in the early 20th century is Deep River, about some Finns who came from Finland to work in the logging camps and a few Swedes who fish. Just finished a couple months ago. Happy trails, as always!
Thanks Jill! Smart phone. Bought a new Pixel 10 when in Astoria. Indeed, Astoria has changed, but still retains its working class feel. I will definitely check out the book. I love to read about the places I visit, especially when they relate to my personal heritage. Looking forward to a return to Scandinavia next month. Best always ❤️!
Indi and I are down here in Astoria for a few days too. One of my best friend’s bought a place just on the other side of the bridge years ago, so we make the trip almost every summer. Astoria has changed a lot over the years and become one of our favourite coastal towns. Just wish our times here would have overlapped.
Oh man, it would have been so much fun if we could have hooked up! Enjoy the cool.
Great photos and a lovely read. Thanks for sharing your adventures with Marilyn, Ron.
Our total pleasure, Crystal