The Astoria Column stands on the highest hill above Astoria, OR, and is 125 feet tall. Last year when Patty and I visited Astoria, we drove up the hill and admired the column, but didn't climb to the top, because it was closed for maintenance. Well, this time, we climbed all 164 steps, then had no choice but to unclimb those same 164 steps. The view of Astoria, the Columbia River and the bridge, was nothing short of spectacular.
This remarkable, one of a kind structure was built in 1926 by the Great Northern Railway that arrived in Astoria in 1893. The column's 14, twenty five foot long scenes represent the triumphs, conflicts, and turning points of the Pacific Northwest. The artwork is known as Sgraffito, an Italian art form, that combines carving and painting into the concrete structure.
When Patty and I reached the top, we stepped out onto a small platform that gives you a 125 foot high, 360 degree view of the area. I must admit that my mostly latent fear of heights, was kicking into overdrive, as the metal railing just wasn't quite enough of a barrier to stop my acrophobia from dominating the otherwise beautiful panorama. I snapped a couple of pictures and told Patty, "that's enough", I could have sworn that this solid piece of concrete was swaying in the wind like a spindly tree in a hurricane. Once inside the door, and on the steps back down, my anxiety rapidly disappeared, and despite some stressed leg muscles, it was good to back on solid ground.
After watching the kites in Long Beach, and checking out the Astoria Column, we headed back to the motor home, and our two anxiously waiting, 4 legged kids. Patty prepared a delicious shrimp stir fry for dinner, and it was an end to an enjoyable day. (except for the swaying in the wind)
The Astoria Column stands on the highest hill above Astoria, OR, and is 125 feet tall. Last year when Patty and I visited Astoria, we drove up the hill and admired the column, but didn't climb to the top, because it was closed for maintenance. Well, this time, we climbed all 164 steps, then had no choice but to unclimb those same 164 steps. The view of Astoria, the Columbia River and the bridge, was nothing short of spectacular.
This remarkable, one of a kind structure was built in 1926 by the Great Northern Railway that arrived in Astoria in 1893. The column's 14, twenty five foot long scenes represent the triumphs, conflicts, and turning points of the Pacific Northwest. The artwork is known as Sgraffito, an Italian art form, that combines carving and painting into the concrete structure.
When Patty and I reached the top, we stepped out onto a small platform that gives you a 125 foot high, 360 degree view of the area. I must admit that my mostly latent fear of heights, was kicking into overdrive, as the metal railing just wasn't quite enough of a barrier to stop my acrophobia from dominating the otherwise beautiful panorama. I snapped a couple of pictures and told Patty, "that's enough", I could have sworn that this solid piece of concrete was swaying in the wind like a spindly tree in a hurricane. Once inside the door, and on the steps back down, my anxiety rapidly disappeared, and despite some stressed leg muscles, it was good to back on solid ground.
After watching the kites in Long Beach, and checking out the Astoria Column, we headed back to the motor home, and our two anxiously waiting, 4 legged kids. Patty prepared a delicious shrimp stir fry for dinner, and it was an end to an enjoyable day. (except for the swaying in the wind)
No comments:
Post a Comment