Astoria, Oregon, Part 1

I haven't blogged in a week because we were exploring Astoria, Oregon, at the mouth of the mighty Columbia River where it empties into the Pacific Ocean. 

We started at Cape Disappointment State Park, at the extreme southwest corner of Washington on the northern bank of the Columbia. Luckily, it was a clear day and we had fantastic views.

Here's some info from Wikipedia:

The cape was named on April 12, 1788, by British fur trader John Meares who was sailing south from Nootka in search of trade. After a storm, he turned his ship around just north of the Cape and therefore just missed the discovery of the Columbia River. 

Cape Disappointment State Park is located on the cape, as is the Cape Disappointment Lighthouse. United States Coast Guard Station Cape Disappointment is situated on the river near the state park. The station crew members respond to 300–400 calls for assistance every year.

This is the lighthouse mentioned above. 

There is a nice visitor center with displays about the Lewis and Clark expedition. I didn't take pictures inside because my camera wanted to be outside in the sun.

Besides sweeping views of the Columbia, there were enticing little bays. My husband, the sea kayaker, pointed out the swirling, dangerous currents while I focused on the sparkling water and dancing trees.

 After one last look at the horizon, were got back in the car and ...

... crossed the four-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge from Megler, Washington, into Astoria, Oregon. There are no shoulders on the bridge, and we couldn't help but wonder what happens if you have a flat tire or an accident.

Our hotel was on a pier jutting out into the water beside the bridge. The photo above is from our window! So we settled in for three days, watching the gulls swoop past our window as the sun set. I wonder if they like the color show as much as I do. More tomorrow on Color In Astoria.

Have a colorful day