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Awoke early after a very comfortable and quiet night. We went downstairs and sat on the porch having an early coffee. The day was already heating up. The forecast is for temperatures of approx 74f but cooler in the morning. We chatted to dave the b and b owner. He gave us some good tips on things to do. Breakfast was 8.30 sharp. A bowl of fresh fruit, yogurt followed by a quiche which had egg, asparagus, spinach. Very tasty.
We decided to get up early and walk the mile uphill to the Astoria Column. This is a monument set above the town celebrating the history of the place. The walk was steep. The view at the top was stunning. Caught my breath sat taking in the view. Not too many people around. Bought a small balsa plane for a dollar. You fly these from the top of the column. Went inside and it was a metal corkscrew tight staircase. 268 steps to the top. Suffered a bit of vertigo going up it was so steep. But it was worth it. 360 views from the viewing platform. You could see across to washington state. I could now see the pacific coast and the forests behind. Immense, grand,amazing.
Temp hotting up now. Walked the cathedral tree trail to pier 39. Lovely and cool in the the forest but a longer walk than we thought. At the end of the pier were lots of male sea lions making a racket as they vied for positions on the pontoons. Lovely to see them in their natural habitat. Feeling hungry so walked on pier 39 to a coffee place called coffee girl. Sat outside eating peanut butter sandwiches with honey. Very American. Also had strange looking scones with apricots in them. Fueled up we looked at the man making bags from sail cloth. Nice but expensive.
Started the long walk back but saw the trolley and got on. This is an experience. Run by jolly volunteers with tales to tell. Might have been faster walking. Rode to the end and came back to look at an antique collectable warehouse. Bought some usa number plates that were cut up. Went into town and found the craft shop but not much for me. Everyone very friendly. Had a huge ice cream so diet not doing too good. Went back to the b and b and sat out on the lovely porch reading and relaxing ... Magic
Several hours passed and eventually needed some food. Decided to go to the micro brewery close to the b and b. Had a wood fired pizza and mac n cheese. Very good food. Nice atmosphere. Bug wooden tables and shared dining. Martin had some of the local beer. A great day with loads seen and some quality down time.
Astoria has been a great place to stay.
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