Ft. Stevens and Astoria

So we were excited to travel to Ft. Stevens as I'd read much about the Oregon Coast and was anxious to explore.  We arrived to our assigned spot on loop O site 44....last loop of 8 towards the South.  Driving through we saw some really pretty sites tucked into woodsy settings and really private.  That would be loop M, now I know.  I guess I don't do my research well enough, all loops look the same on the map, but it turns out loop O is the family tent camping loop.  Translate to lots of kids on bikes, very crowded rest rooms and not so private.  Sigh.....but we enjoyed it.  We walked around the lake which we clocked at 2.8 miles instead of the 2 mile loop on the signage, but it was a nice amount of exercise.

We also visited the beach and took a drive to Cannon beach.  A huge downside was NO internet or cell service, none.  Yes I am a tad dependent on my internet.  I would do it again however, but I would do it on the M loop for sure.

Highlights in Cannon Beach were a yarn store and a gift and home decorator store called Sesame + Lilies.  I enjoyed both and purchased some soft new squishy hand dyed yarn which I immediately cast on.  Mark's vest is still on the needles but I just couldn't resist casting this version of the Hitchhiker.

On the way to Cannon beach I spotted Rudy's Roadside Grill in Seaside which seemed to have an expansive view off the back so I kept it in mind for a lunch stop.  It was brilliant.  Best brussel sprout crisps I've ever had and the view was extraordinary!

We decided to cancel our plans to go to Portland and stay near Astoria and I'm glad we did.  We got lucky and were able to return to the Lewis and Clark Golf and RV resort where we celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary on the 4th of July.  It was grey and rainy all day so we hunkered down, shared a bottle of wine and made a beautiful meal together.

The fifth was cool but bright and sunny and we went off to Astoria for the day.  We wandered around a couple of shops including the Vintage Hardware shop which was very intriguing.  I found floor mats out of vintage linoleum prints and I do believe this one will be purchased before we leave.  It will make a great low profile bedroom 'rug' for the airstream.

We had lunch at Baked Alaska.  We tried sitting on the outside patio but it was just too cold!  The views were spectacular and the food was excellent.   They also had designer cocktails so I was forced into trying a Holen Old Fashioned.  I now must search for NW Aquavit, Scrappy's cardamon bitters and AO Whiskey.  The final touch a sprig of rosemary set fire at the table and when it goes out you stir the drink with it to impart a smoky flavor.  Todays outing will be to the distillery where I understand they have the Aquavit.

Mark had to try the Baked Alaska which followed his menu choice of fish and chips and he never gains weight, it's annoying!  But the one bite I had I can report the meringue was perfection.

Next up the Astoria trolley, so fun!  Totally enamored with every bit of it.  It's a charming old trolley, staffed by volunteers who give you a bit of history to go along with the views.  I'm not one who likes to ride backwards on a train, so I wondered what might happen at the end of the line with only one trolley track.  Well, you're given instruction to stand up, lift the handle and push the back of the seat to the other side, facing front for the ride back!

Today I will visit the Touch of Whimsy museum because how could you not?  Plus visit the distillery for supplies and then prepare for tomorrows journey.

As of right now we're planning to take the long bridge over to the Washington side and travel the 101, heading East through Olympia and joining the 5, ending up at a friends in Enumclaw.

I'm a chicken so a road unknown is always a challenge but the good folks of an airstream Facebook group have assured me it's a piece of cake so wish me luck (You'd think I was driving or something, I'm not, I just have to survive my own nerves).  I'll report next week.  I'm expecting a weekend full of fun and laughter and not much time for blogging!