Astoria Oregon, June 28,2024
One of the many joys of traveling at our pace, is the opportunity to meet new folks and spend a moment (however brief) with them.
We awoke to the Astoria Megler bridge, enjoyed coffee and muffins as we watched ships traverse the waterway.
This cruise, it’s been too cold to have breakfast on the veranda.
So we have coffee in our room and second breakfast in Tastes 🩵
Although our room is port side…we had a starboard morning view and then were delighted to see these logs as we debarked on the port side.
Timmy walked over to snap a few pics…because lord knows, I don’t take enough.
Some how, don’t ask me how, my guy began an interesting conversation with these fellows at the gate. We learned about the town and its economy. Astoria relied on fishing and fish processing. At one time, there were more than 30 canneries. The last one closed in 1980. Lumber was also important, but the Astoria plywood mill closed in 1989. Now tourism is a big economic driver…primarily cruise ships. Tim chatted with his new friends and I took a few photos.
The cruise port is so tiny…but so adorable 🩵
We left the Crystal provided shuttle and strolled through the town …window shopping on our way to the Maritime Museum.
I failed to check, but this was the only grocery store that we encountered. The cashier was very sweet and helpful.
You really can’t tell from this photo but the side streets leaving away from the river are steep.
Yep, here’s someone playing a harp, mid sidewalk outside a book store.
I have a verrrrry strong aversion to stepping on these sidewalk “doors” …especially in NYC … but I avoid them everywhere …Tim thinks it’s a ridiculous fear…anyway…when I saw this set up I said to Timmy: “See, here you must have had a collapse…hence the plywood, and a replacement.” He just shook his head. I try to make him laugh…but the man has no sense of humor. Whatever.
Cool facades abound.
We snapped this photo for our friend whose last name is Elliott.
Okay, so check out these two photos of this neglected, over grown spot, on the main drag. I think this would make a great project for an aspiring Eagle Scout…or the Chamber of Commerce.
I’m thinking I’d like to know Lydia.
A stop for the riverfront trolly sits adjacent to the entrance of the Maritime Museum. We started chatting, next thing I know, Tim’s making himself comfortable and we discover that one of the women is from New York. Such nice folks. Like Canadian nice…just not Canadian.
The museum was lovely and we learned tons about the Columbia River, The Bar and shipwrecks.
No description necessary.
I totally forget what this is…some kind of rescue boat, I think.
We sat and watched a short film about the treacherous waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific. Yikes! So many shipwrecks.
Such a good sport ♥️
After the museum, we walked along the riverfront back to the shuttle bus. These bushes had an amazing scent…Timmy looked them up and turns out they are “common brambles”…absolutely nothing common about the aroma. Reminded me of honeysuckle.
Back on board we had sandwiches at the Grill. Here’s Chef Andres making Tim’s Ruben.
While I waited for my burger, I took this pick of the harbor, with the town behind it.
After lunch we wrote postcards to the Bugs , then I headed off to the gym.
Quick selfie on our way to dinner at Osteria d’Ovidio.
You know it’s going to be special when Maurizio appears with Prosecco.
Jose took the best care of us♥️
We both had the Minestrone to start.
The Fallwind was perfect with the soup.
Tortello di ricotta and pear for me.
Tim’s classic pasta …spaghetti al pomodoro.
Super Tuscan for the win♥️
How it started…
…how it ended. Sublime lamb.
Maurizio paired each wine perfectly.
Strawberry sorbet with Prosecco.
We usually step out on our balcony at the end of the evening. We were rewarded with this afterglow. Thanks for following along 🩵
