A few highlights

Whenever you go on an extended trip to so many beautiful places it is often difficult to pick a favorite spot or experience but I am going to give it a go anyway. Ever been to a place that was so magical/enchanting you didn't want to leave? Ever have an experience so intense you wish you had the power to suspend time and space? On this trip standing at the top of the Astoria Column over looking the Columbia River as she spilled her 18 million gallons a second into the Pacific Ocean was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Astoria Column is a one hundred and twenty five foot tall column decorated and dedicated to the history of Astoria and includes some 14 scenes, many, which include references to the Lewis and Clark expedition. The Astoria Column sits upon a hill located approxiately 600 feet above the town of Astoria. On the day we visited there was no fog or clouds to be seen anywhere and not only could I see the mighty Columbia but I could see several snow capped mountains of Washington in the distance, the Pacific Ocean and the town of Astoria below. By the way, Astoria is the oldest permanent settlement west of the Mississippi. The flowers were in full bloom and all the views were breathtaking, spellbinding, and full of life. I didn't want to leave but since I currently lack the ability to suspend time and space I finally made my way back down the hill to town and the next adventure.

Another highlight....One morning I took a quick jaunt over to the beach in the morning which was located near our campsite and I saw what must of been a hundred or so seagulls hangin out near where the ocean waves met the beach. As one young girl approched the seagulls they all in unison hovered above for ten seconds or so and than landed again a couple of feet away. It was a magnificent and rare site indeed, something I have never seen before. I quickly ran back to camp to get my camera and for the next 15 to 20 minutes proceeded to take one picture after another. It felt like something right out of National Geographic... Two days later we witnessed hundreds of Pelicans swarming and diving into the bay near our campground. I suspect some large quanties of small fish were in the area which must of precipated to seagull and pelican behavior during our stay.

Final highlight..... Each year the travel channel usually does a program on the top ten beaches in the world and Cannon Beach in Oregon often makes their top ten list and after spending the day in Cannon Beach I can see why. Cannon beach streches for miles and is littered with rocks and one really, really, big rock which is said to be the third largest in the world of it's kind. Cannon beach is also a beautiful tourist town which apparently draws tourist from all over the U.S. We spent the day walking around the town before finally heading down to the beach where I walked in the water for awhile. Again, the weather was perfect. Clear skies, and a gentle breeze. A bit on the crowded side but beauty has a way of always drawing attention to herself. ....Anyway....that's just some of the highlights. I would be remiss if I didn't mention that just spending time with my two sons and girlfriend was probably the top highlight of all. It's great to have family, friends, and people who love you and you love them........