Back to the coast. One of the joys of not being too committed to a plan is to change it! We had planned to stay at Nehalem Bay State Park for a few days but on the way there we passed a marina with rv camping. It looked like the kind of place that we love so we turned around (not easy pulling a trailer) to see if they had availability. We loved it! They had a communal fire pit and you could purchase fresh LIVE crab and they would steam it for you. It was fabulous. And we had our first few days of sunshine after leaving home.
Just a reminder. I do not enhance my pics in any way other than cropping when necessary. What you see is what we saw. I also don’t remove my wrinkles. 😂
North to Ecola State Park. That’s Ecola, not Ecoli.
And then north to Fort Stevens State Park which is at the northernmost point of western Oregon. John liked being able to drive on the beach.
Astoria is on the Oregon side at the mouth of the Columbia River.
This is Astoria’s version of the food truck. This place sells fish and chips made with fresh tuna. It was delicious. During the summer crowds line up down the block. People often ask how we find out about the places and things we visit. The Bowpicker is a good example. Whether in a campground, restaurant or wherever, people ask about where we are from and where we are going. (If we go into a restaurant with a bar, we try to eat there instead of at a table. It’s the best way to get tips from the bartender or locals sitting next to you.) Someone in a campground told us about the Bowpicker. But it was also mentioned in TripAdvisor under “Things to Do” in Astoria. I always check TripAdvisor when we are headed to a town or city for ideas of things we should see.
We took a day trip across the river to Cape Disappointment in Washington. So named because it was so difficult, and often impossible, to go from the Pacific up the river due to the strong currents. We went on a hike to a lighthouse while there. I particularly liked the sign on the trail. These words are so true!
These few days were awesome with the weather getting better and better. We are off to Portland, the Columbia River Gorge and Mt. Hood. The weather is suppose to be in the 80’s!
The picture of Fort Stephens State Park is beautiful!
Your pictures are so beautiful and I love your flexibility with the change in plans! What an authentic adventure! Thank you for sharing with all of us- it’s so fun to follow along! Godspeed! Justin & Amanda
Thanks for following, Smiths!
What fun! Your pics are beautiful and y’all are sure making John and I anxious to go on an adventure! … It’s been too long!
We love Manzanita and stay there every summer. In the past, that was in a rented house. Last year, at the Nehalem Bay State Park. But I love the look of the place you all stayed. Was it just called Kelly’s Marina?
It’s also called Brighton Marina and Rv Park or Kelly’s Brighton Marina.
Great to see you two at it again. I’m sure I’m going to enjoy your blogs as much as I did during your last big trip.
Glad you are following, Ray!
We went to DoHo yesterday….Ken surfed but missed John. I missed you. Think I’ll make some crab cakes & pretend. Happy for you but Cape Disappointment for us.
Ahh. We miss you too. And everywhere we go, John has to check out the surf!
This very day, a beautiful view of Ecola State Park popped up as my Windows 10 start-up wallpaper, and I hoped you would get somewhere near it. So glad you did! I love sharing your adventure and will attempt to add Nick, as he will, too. – Jayne
That’s crazy, Jayne!
I like that stop!
Beautiful Pix!!
Be sure to check out Multnomah Falls (right along the 80 freeway on Columbia River. There is a zig-zag path you can (or used to be able to at least) hike to the top. Was a platform to look down over the falls. We did that many moons ago, but would love to do it again. The Falls (with stone walking bridge across it) is quite picturesque and I see it pictured often.