Thursday, March 31, 2016

Oregon Coast March 2016



Tuesday, March 29, 2016
We headed out after finishing loading the motorhome going to Les Schwab to get the tire pressures adjusted.  Our trip to Astoria was down I-5 to Longview then going across the Columbia River to Oregon and highway 30. We stopped in Chehalis at an RV shop to have our propane system checked as we though we smelled propane.  All was well.  When we got to Astoria we drove 101 out of town and then to Warrington and the Kampers West RV park taking space A-50.  After setting up we went out to dinner at the Hong Kong restaurant.  Sunny and nice weather which we are enjoying.
After a very long hiatus, we finally hit the road.  We have suffered a very soggy winter on the lake, and had no intention to wait so long, so we are finding our dear RV has forgotten us , how to travel.  Our focus is enjoying our neighbor, Oregon, and re learn how much pleasure we have had uncovering the world our way.   We were given glorious weather, and Sun!   The ocean here is so beautiful and the doors of Astoria opened to welcome us.  Great food and fun shops.  

Wednesday, March 30, 2016
After breakfast we headed into town to the Astoria Column, built in 1926, which has 164 steps to the top observation town.
Astoria Column
The big thing is to fly a small balsa wood from the top and see how far it can go. The murals on the side depict the local history.
Do you see Judy there by the grass?
Beautiful views from the top and the parking area as well. Then we went into the old city and looked around some antique shops, had lunch at the Silver Salmon restaurant which had good clam chowder, and looked around some more.
Before heading back to the park we took the Astoria-Megler bridge four miles over the Columbia River
Bridge over the Columbia R. from Astoria Tower parking lot.
and drove to Ilwaco, stopping in Chinook for some crab for tomorrow night's dinner. 

Thursday, March 31, 2016
Today we decided to go to Tillamook.  On the way we stopped at Cannon Beach and went for a short walk on the beach.
Famous Canon beach rocks
Judy heading to the beach.

Richard check out the rocks.
We stopped at several overlooks and the beautiful views of the sea and sky.  Once in Tillamook we headed for the restaurant for lunch.  Then we went on the self-guided tour.  About the only thing you can see now is the cheese packaging process.  Since my and Judy’s last visits many years ago the place has really changed. We were tempted to taste Tillamook ice cream of course, and some garlic cheddar to take home.  Back home, fresh crab for dinner.  Tough work if you can get it.   



Friday April 1, 2016

Our day started going to Fort Clapsup where Lewis and Clark spent the winter before heading back East.  The fort was built according to the plans drawn up by the explorer.

Judy at Fort Clapsup

They, the 30 of them, spent the 4 months in this small fort.  They reported that they had only 12 days without rain during the 4 months they were there.  Well, it is the northwest coast.  There was a good visitor’s center with very educational displays.  Also, they presented two exceptional movies, one from the native point of view and one from Lewis and Clark point of view.  While the normal recreationists were not there yet, one volunteer group was setting up candle making for a group of school kids.  We really had a nice time there.  We went home for lunch then headed to the Maritime Museum which showed some history of the Columbia river bar from the earliest explorers to the modern Coast Guard.

Steering while checking out the stars
Maritime Museum

Impressive movies of ships and Coast Guard recuses on the bar. 
This is me…Judy… I do think this is one of the best visitor’s center we have seen.  I am a bit prejudice, since Lewis and Clark have been top of my list since early grade school.  I say those of you who live a day away need to put it on your bucket list.  

Saturday April 2, 2016
We will pack up and head home.  The motor home will be left in Chehalis for fixing a roof leak.  Great to be back on the road again… and we were not disappointed with our brief time with Sol. 

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