AN OLD TROLLEY

We decided to drive back across the big bridge over the Columbia River, to do some shopping at a Costco & Fred Meyer. We stopped briefly at Fort Columbia on the WA side, and I was surprised at how well all of the WWII buildings have been maintained. Fort Columbia was the 2nd military installation on the WA side, that protected the mouth of the Columbia River, and is now a State Park.

After leaving a few bucks at the above mentioned stores, we found a viewing platform on the Astoria waterfront. Just as we arrived, this large ocean going vessel passed under the bridge as I took a picture. In the early 1900's, there were multiple canneries in Astoria that were all built out over the water. In fact, most all of early Astoria was built out over the river, until a major fire destroyed most of the town. When the city rebuilt, they began to use fill, and the shelf of land where most of Astoria sits today, was once part of the Columbia River.

Running along the waterfront is about 4 miles of track that once belonged to the railroad that connected Astoria to Portland. That rail line is no longer used, but an old trolley, built in 1914, runs along this 4 mile stretch. Of course, the railroad fanatic had to ride it, so, Patty and I climbed on board at the maritime museum, and made a round trip of almost an hour. Best 2 bucks we've spent on the whole trip.

Today, we leave the Long Beach Thousand Trails (TT), and drive north to our last TT on the coast at Oceano. After our week stay there, we'll be heading east toward the New England States.