We spent the last week staying at Ft Stevens State Park, just west of Astoria, Oregon. Ft Stevens is as far west as you can go, bordered by the Pacific Ocean on the west and the Columbia River on the north. Above is the wreck of the Peter Iredale a four masted steel British sailing vessel that ran ashore in October of 1906 and still rests today on the coast line of Ft Stevens.
We enjoyed our week there. Spent many hours riding our bikes on the paved paths through the forest.
We even enjoyed a ride out to the beach...
The Iredale in daylight
Ft Stevens Park, was originally owned by the US Government as a military installation that guarded the mouth of the Columbia River. It was built near the end of the Civil War ordered by Abraham Lincoln. Now this sounded strange to us. Because we couldn't understand how Oregon would have been affected by the Civil War. It was a strategic move to protect the waterway.
Remnants of the original fort still remain.
View through the command station out toward the north and the Columbia River
Now, we didn't see any cougars while staying here. But, we did see a couple elk!
Trust me, they are there, two of them right on the bike path.
We did spend one day in Seaside, Oregon which is about 10 miles to the south on the coast. Seaside is famous for the end point of Lewis and Clark's journey.
We drove into Astoria two times, spent some time walking the Columbia river walk, riding the trolley, enjoying the views and of course trying out some brew pubs...in case you haven't noticed we enjoy doing that :)
View towards the state of Washington, across the Columbia.
Trolley ride, goes about 8 miles and turns around, follows the river walk. You get a great history lesson with the $1.00 ticket. This harbor town has a rich history. Astoria was the first permanent US settlement on the Pacific coast. Originally settled by Norway, Finland, and Sweden.
This is Fort George Brewery, check out the taster tray!
This is marion berry cobbler from the Wet Dog Cafe! Oh my goodness! Goes real good with Porter style brew.
Wet Dog, right on the riverwalk.
This is the Astoria Column that sits high on the hill over looking the harbor. The murals on the exterior tell the story of the original settlers.
Maritime museum,,no, your eyes aren't deceiving you, the display is really on that angle.
Paddle boat in the harbor.
Older US Coast Guard vessel on display.
Check out this yacht, next to the Coast guard vessel.
The campground we were staying in was quite large, probably over 300 sites, but the way they were set up made them seem quite secluded.
This campsite was across from us and we thought the growth on the side of the tree looked like a buffalo head.
Enjoying our campfire.
The weather wasn't the greatest while we were here, but we didn't let that keep us from getting out and enjoying the area.
Nothing like walking in the mist.
Especially when you find this at the end of the trail.
Beautiful lake within the campground.
Ocean waves breaking on the jetty.
We left Ft Stevens on Tuesday and headed south toward Salem where our daughter and son-in-law have just relocated. We are now staying in Silverton at the Silver Spur RV park. Haven't taken a lot of pictures here yet, but I'm sure we will :)
However, we had a special treat last night and met an old friend for dinner...
Anybody recognize this guy? A few of you will. He says hello. I worked with Mike (Ragz) at Planet for several years. He has since moved on to the big time in Portland. We were excited he could take the time away from his busy schedule to meet us for dinner.
Until next time everyone, take care and keep on enjoying life!
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