Down the road on the Astoria Bridge
Photo by Jim Roberts

While in Texas the skipper caught some sort of a bug, that turned into a sinus infection. Although a treatment was started before he returned to the NW at the end of June, it mutated into pneumonia by mid-July when it was finally correctly diagnosed and treated. It wasn't until mid-August that he was feeling well and his strength had come back.

Also during July we had friends from Vancouver, Texas and Arizona visit in their RV's. So we had lots fun showing our freinds the delights of the Long Beach peninsula and some Letterbox hunting too. Places like Beards Hallow take you back in time as you search for your Letterbox treasures. The hiking is wonderful too!

One day we ventured into Astoria, Oregon (25 miles away) to see some of the sites. There we took a step back in time while visiting Fort Clatsop at the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.
"Fort Clatsop is the site on the Lewis and Clark River where the 33 member Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered from December 7, 1805, until March 23, 1806. The park includes the 2006 replica of the 50' square fort; a visitor center with exhibits, bookstore and theater; historic canoe landing, and a view of a seasonal spring joined by trails through the wetlands and rainforest (young Sitka spruce and western hemlock) of the park." We really enjoyed ourselves wondering through the indoor exhibits, the fort itself, along the tree lined paths, punctuated by lush forest smells and by being entertained by the folks performing reenactments. These are folks dressed in period clothes talking about everyday life at the fort as if you were there at the time.

Next we went to the Astoria Column. After a couple of wrong turns we made it. The column sits atop one of the highest hills in Astoria and commands a view of the entire valley, all the way to the ocean on a clear day. Our visit provided us with spectacular views in every direction.

We had lunch at one of the watering holes along the river front and the Riverfront Trolley tracks. Of course after lunch we had to ride the Trolley. This restored trolley cruises most of the Astoria water front. The ride takes about 45 minutes round trip and is well worth the 1 or 2 (all day) dollar fee. What else is there to do after a great train ride but find a couple of Letterboxes before heading home.

Other Letterbox outings included trips to the Northhead light house, parts of the Discover trial, Oysterville and Leadbetter State Park. Other activities included attending the Long Beach Sand Castle festival and the Kite Museum. Alas all our friends had to move on down the road.

We finished up July by having Susan's grandson, Grant, out for several days. We went to a local rodeo, played games at the beach, visited our neighbors, visited Astoria, and rode the trolley. In Astoria we went to the Astoria colunm again, only this time Grandma and Grant climbed the 164 steps to the top. Once there Grant had a great time tossing glider planes off, which he had gotten for free from the gift shop, for that purpose. We also meet up with some friends for lunch. They had just completed a world circumnavigation on their boat. Grant really enjoyed visiting the sailboat and talking to the owner.

August started with a family campout weekend at our place. This is a busy time preparing and coordinating the meals, activities, beach visits, kite flying and campfires. This year we had 29 members attend for the weekend. Fortunately the weather was good. All had a good time!

Near the end of August we went to Cathlamet, Wa for the annual Mexico cruiser rendezous weekend get together. We had fun visiting with everyone and needless to say the pot luck was great. The weather turned out good. The views of the Columbia River were as spectacular as can be expected.

September brought more visitors to our place. Our good friends Herman and Nancy spent 10 days with us in their RV. We had fun visiting, Letterboxing and Susan and Nancy painted. We made a drive down the coast on a Letterbox hunt. We went as far as Cannon Beach on the Oregon coast, had lunch at Mo's one of our favorite resturants. All to soon our friends had to hit the road. They are like us in that they head south as snowbirds for the winter months.

Now it was time for us to prepare our Ocean Park place to sleep for the winter. By the end of September we had moved the RV to our friends Tom and Sue's place in Vancouver. We spent the time visiting family and friends in Seattle and Portland. By mid-October we'd said our goodbyes and retracked the jack's, pulled in the slideouts and headed for warmer weather. Our joints have much less to complain about when they are warm!

However we had to pass through some chilly, darn cold areas, with temps in the 20's and teen's in the mornings, 50's in the PM, before reaching the nice weather of Mesa, Azizona. We've visited with our new grandson and family, and our friends. Susan is planning to fly to New Holland, Pa for a visit with her mother, who is now 97 and not doing well. Susan may have to stay longer then expected. Otherwise we'll be in Mesa until mid-December, before moving on to our next adventure.

Thanks for visiting our blog. More to follow for sure!