Astoria Oregon is a little town built overlooking the mouth of the Columbia River where she empties her waters into the wild Pacific Ocean.
Along the main road through town we often stop on the way to the beach to buy supplies and gas up at a grocery store at the beginning of town. When you step out of your car there are two things you notice...
First is the mouth of the Columbia just yards away directly in front of you, you can see all the way across to Washington and are awed by the view. Second is something you notice with your ears. A little ways up the river to the East is a strange barking sound, the sound that only a large number of animals gathered together could make. We often go down to the docks to take a look at these unique creatures...
Astoria's every present sea lions! The love to gather on the dock to nap, quarrel, and make a lot of noise!
Yes it is a hard life...being a sea lion!
As you stand watching the sea lions you can't help but notice much of Astoria's commercial fishing fleet anchored behind the sea wall. We usually wander down for a closer look...
As you walk down the sea wall towards the boats you are met by this stunning view. The Columbia, the amazing Astoria Bridge that connects Oregon and Washington. There are also alway ships passing up and down the river carrying their goods.
On the other side is the fishing fleet. It is always fun to see what the names of each ship is...
Vivian, Flamingo, and the Lady Rosemary
I always wonder how the fishermen come up with these names...my favorite of the day is
Delta Dawn
I could not help but wonder if this particular fisherman could not help but hum that very catchy tune every time he went aboard his boat.
Delta Dawn what's that flower you've got on...could it be a faded rose from days gone by?
I must admit that this song ran around in my brain for hours after this visit...and I'm sure it will again after this post!
Hard at work on the nets...
And there is always one more thing that you can't help but take notice of down here on the docks...
Any guesses?
Sea Lions stink!
And lots of sea lions stink...
A Lot!
So if you ever get to the lovely little town of Astoria Oregon and stop off to get gas or groceries at the new Safeway store...follow your ears...and your nose...down to the docks for some fun!
