“To move, to breathe, to fly, to float. To roam the roads of lands remote, to travel is to live.”
—Hans Christian Anderson
Astoria is located at the mouth of the Columbia River within a few miles of the Pacific Ocean beaches. It is the oldest American settlement west of the Rocky Mountains. It has close historical ties to the Lewis & Clark Trail. It was named American business tycoon John Jacob Astor. His American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1811. An American Queen tour bus took Susan, Nelson, Cecile and I to visit the 125 feet high Astoria Column, a historical landmark containing fascinating pieces of American Indian, US and Oregon history. It sits on a wooded area on Astoria’s highest point with sweeping views. Italian immigrant artist, Attilo Pusterla was retained for his expertise in Bas relief technique called sgraffito, and Italian Renaissance art form that combines paint and plaster carvings to decorate the Column exterior with a free of 22 significant events that occurred in the region.
Afterwards, we had lunch outdoors at the Astoria Brewery downtown, strolled along the shops, cafes and other breweries of the Riverwalk and visited the barking sea lions under the pier that make their way here from California. The Riverwalk stretches across the entire length of the waterfront. After resting in the afternoon we attended an excellent presentation called “Welcome to the River” in the show lounge about the boat, the region, and facts about the Columbia and Snake rivers.
We had a 5:15 PM early dinner in The Astoria Dining Room enjoying everything from baked salmon, steamed lobster claw, penne pasta marinara, Stuffed Sweet Bell Peppers, great wines and dessert. Showtime was at 8:30 PM and featured Lindy Pendzick in what was billed as a celebration of Life, Love, and Music that incorporated show tunes and some opera. She was accompanied by the Empress Quartet of seasoned musicians.
At 9:30 PM we attended Rockin’ with Ryan for “Beatles Night” where he played favorites from the fab four and we were encouraged to sing along. It was very nostalgic, romantic and fun.
Postscript: We have been impressed with the safety protocols. All guests had to be double vaccinated (Cecile and I and the Byes have had our booster shots). We had our temperature checked at the hotel and Covid-19 nasal swab test. Anyone who didn’t pass these tests were required to make other arrangements.
