Fort Stevens and Astoria

This morning I was up early but Thomas was a little tired and slept in a little. I worked on the computer and organized the day. I wasn't in any hurry so I didn't push Thomas to get up mostly because it was cold this morning and there was a heavy fog. So we took our time getting ready and has some breakfast and got things ready for the day. We left the hotel around 9:00am and headed for Fort Stevens State Park. Once we arrived at the park we headed to the very end - the South Jetty and Area C. When we arrived there wasn't anyone there but no longer than 5 minutes had passed when a small tour bus pulled up with about 20 people. I had to put off looking for the letterbox until they left. So I took pictures and enjoyed the observation deck. We couldn't see very far because of the fog but I liked watching the waves crash against the rocks. Finally the group left and we were able to find Northwest Oregon by Don and Gwen. A great box and the location was nice. After stamping in we headed for our next box. We found the parking area for Battery Russell and ascended the stairs. We walked around the Battery for a few minutes and then continued on our search for the letterbox. After a short walk up a hill we found the box and stamped in - this box was called Fort Stevens M1900. By this time the weather had changed - the fog had lifted, the sun was shining and the temperatures had risen (still cool enough for a jacket).

We both wanted to see the remains of the Peter Iredale on the beach so we headed in that direction when we finished at Battery Russell. We parked, read the clues and headed for a dune just near the parking lot. It didn't take long to find the box (Treasure of the Iredale) and stamp in. Once we were done we walked down to the beach and checked out the Peter Iredale. We didn't actually get close enough to touch the ship because the tide was up past the ship and the water was cold and I didn't want my feet wet and then have cold toes the rest of the day. We walked the beach for about half an hour and then decided to head back to Astoria.

Once back in Astoria the first order of business was finding something to eat. We opted for The Wet Dog Cafe for two reasons: one - someone recommended it and two - there is a letterbox there. We got a table, ordered lunch and then I went in search of the box. Found it and took it back to the table to stamp in. While I was stamping in we ordered our food. I replaced the box when I was done and then enjoyed my crab cake burger. It was a delicious lunch and I also got a nice stamp. After eating we decided to walk the area and letterbox. We found The Flavel House, Astoria Waterfront: CRMM (all 3 fabulous boxes by "X Marks the Spot") and then Wheelhouse Coffee. All this was done on foot and we enjoyed walking around Astoria for a bit. Next it was going up and then working our way down - we drove up to the Astoria Column and climbed the 164 steps for an incredible view of the area. You could see all of Astoria, across the river to Washington and all the surrounding area - it was well worth the time and effort to go up there. Once back on the ground we attempted a box but didn't find it - not sure if did something wrong or if it wasn't there - not sure but we decided to abandon that search and go for another box. We quickly found Astoria Column letterbox - a really nice stamp. After stamping in and rehiding the box we headed for the next one. Next we decided to take a short hike down to see the Cathedral Tree and find its namesake box. It wasn't a very long hike but it was pretty much all downhill. It took a little effort to find the box, because I was having trouble with my directions but I eventually worked it out with Thomas' help and we found it. Now it was time to make the climb back up to the Column and our car. It was a moderate hike to get back to the top but we enjoyed the work out because seeing that tree was worth it. We drove down the hill to the lower trailhead of the Cathedral Tree Trail to find Camp Fire Lady's City by the Sea. A very short walk to find a beautiful stamp. It was starting to get late but I wanted to try for two more boxes, but first we passed by Astor Elementary School (it was the school in Kindergarten Cop). So we made a drive by and I snapped a picture then we headed for the Goonie House. There is a letterbox near the house but unfortunately we weren't able to find it. So after a quick look at the house we headed to our last destination. We made our way to Pier 39 to Rogue Ales Public House to find another of X Marks the Spot's boxes. It took a little while and some snooping to find this 'hidden in plain site' box. A perfect letterbox to end the day with. We were both getting tired so we headed back to the hotel to relax for the evening. Tomorrow we leave Astoria and head south - our destination for tomorrow night is Lincoln City.