Day 3…The Travelin’ Trio discover a new bar

Arrived at our first PoC, Astoria right on time at 7 am this morning. Typical of the Oregon coastal region we were greeted with overcast skies and prediction of rain (now coming down). We were advised of the strong prediction of high winds (60 mph) across the bar (the point where the ocean meets the Columbia River). This could make our 5 pm departure very interesting.

We took a delightful bus tour to some of the highlights of Astoria. What is Astoria famous for…well read on and view the pix. We didn’t really know either. The first stop was the Maritime Museum which documents in pix and artifacts the many years of coastal prosperity brought to the region by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, fur trading, salmon fishing and the many canneries. Almost completely gone now, the region is still a major port for goods (including Midwest grains) going from Portland to the sea.

A quick and windy, hilltop (600 feet above sea level) stop at the Astoria Column speaks for itself…a beautiful view of the area with the history of the town displayed on the 125 foot column. The drive up and down provided us many views of the Victorian houses and painted ladies that give Astoria its nickname as little San Francisco.

Our tour concluded at the Lewis and Clark National Park with the rebuilt Fort Clatsop that L and C built. The fort was so named to honor the Native Americans from the region. A short dramatic film retold the story from the Native American perspective as told by a descendent of one the Clatsop Indians. The fort was the winter encampment for Lewis and Clark through their winter before they headed back east.

Returned to the ship for a quick lunch and time to blog on someone else’s dime. We are connected to the www through a hotel near the port. Thanx Red Lion Inn. Have not been able to connect through RCI yet.

Just to comment on yesterday’s day at sea. Nothing much to report. No sun bathing. Attended a lecture on the Lewis and Clark Expedtion as told from William Clark’s perspective. Very interesting and informative.

To reward ourselves we attended a wine tasting in the dining room. We were surprised to see a familiar face at our table. For those of you who sailed the Mariner with us, you will no doubt recognize this individual. As a matter of fact we have run into 3 other couples who were on the same voyage and have been told there are more on the ship.

Entertainment last night was Marty Allen and his wife Karon-Kate, again in a late night show. Just as witty as our last encounter. Back to the room and off to sleepy time.