Astoria, Oregon

I arrived back in Vancouver late Friday night. Bryan said it had rained from the moment I left, and it was still raining when I got here. We stopped at McDonald's for some comfort food and then crashed at the hotel. I awoke Saturday to the sun lightly shining in. It was partly cloudy all day, but it made for beautiful scenery and gorgeous pictures once again. I decided we were going to have some fun, so we drove out to Astoria. In 2004, we took a road trip out to the Pacific coast and then drove north to Seattle. We passed through Astoria with lots of rain, crossed the giant bridge and headed straight for the freeway as we were sick of winding roads. Along the way was a covered bridge that we missed. I decided we should try and find that covered bridge. We drove north and turned at Longview. Originally this was the location for the store we had applied for. However, due to oddball circumstances, Bryan was passed up, mostly due to his rookie status. Our first pass through was in the industrial part of town. It was near the port and pretty rundown and dirty. We then drove along the highway, and missed the turn off for the covered bridge. Along the way we saw a gargantuan eagle in a tree. He was a mottled brown and white. After zipping past, Bryan said we should have taken a picture. I said why not, so we screeched to a halt, three point turned and went back. But he was gone. Darn. We three point turned again and kept heading west. It wasn't until we saw the signs for Long Beach that we realized we had gone too far (no, not Long Beach, CA). Luckily, there was a sign for Astoria, so we turned there. We happened upon Fort Columbia and took a short drive through it. I don't know why we didn't get out and take pictures there. It was beautifully sunny, and there were some great views. Must have been one of those zoned in focused moments where you're too hungry to realize you're seeing something wonderful. We continued on to Astoria and crossed the giant bridge that goes over the mouth of the Columbia, which spills into the mighty blue Pacific. We chose to go to Astoria Column and climb the steps to the top to get panoramic views. The top of the hill is the tallest point in Astoria, a whopping 600 feet above sea level (we live at 4700 feet in Logan). Halfway up the stairs I started to panic. It was very cold and windy, and there were a few people running up the stairs towards the top. This caused the stairwell to shake some and me to shake a lot. I told Bryan to go slow, and he kept saying don't look down or up. But that wasn't my problem. I'm not really afraid of heights, but I am afraid of rickety staircases. And of a platform that sways a little in the wind. Besides, I do not enjoy being cold whatsoever. So after a couple minutes hugging the side of the column, I told Bryan I was heading back down. It wasn't til I got to step 6 that I felt 'safe'. I was very happy to be back on the 600-foot hill, and not at 725 on top of the column. Bryan got some amazing pictures. Next on our list was lunch. We headed east on the 30, and ended up halfway back to Longview before we found something, a small restaurant that served huckleberry pie. Lunch was surprisingly good. Bryan had a reuben and I had a BLT on sourdough, mm-mmm! And of course it was finished with yummy pie. We bought some huckleberry syrup for when we finally have moved into home and can cook up some delicious waffles. On our way back, we stopped in Longview and went by the store. Everyone in Vancouver tells Bryan he's lucky he didn't get Longview as it is just a town of hicks. We were sad; this town reminded of us so much of Logan. Too bad the circumstances didn't work out. We would have felt extremely at home in this small town. Maybe in the future one day. We passed a turn off for Mt. St. Helen's, but we'll have to do that once it's spring again and the snow has melted. There was also a sign for tourist information, pointing out a bulb farm is located here. We will have to definitely check that out. We have probably over 300 bulbs in our current yard and I love springtime. I have everything from tulips and daffodils, to mini irises, gladiator aliums, star of nature, crocuses and on and on.
Today we were able to go by the house and see the progress that has been made. The driveway in front of the garage has been poured, the trim work around windows and doors is complete, most of the cabinets are in place, and the travertine bathroom floors are laid. Today, the landscapers are working on the sprinkling system. Our driveway for the shop will now be concrete, as you need hot days to lay asphalt. We will also be getting a thicker granite countertop, as there was not enough in the color we picked for the thinner size. The wood flooring is inside the house acclimating to the temperature, and will probably be laid tomorrow. Our appliances should be delivered on Friday, and carpet should be going in next week, and sod should be laid by end of week too. It's all coming together and we hope to be moved in by December 10 like promised. I can't wait, as hotel living is...hotel living.