We cleaned things up, took showers (tepid) and headed 12 miles down the road to Seaside, a town on the coast that exists solely on the basis of tourism. We walked the main streets and looked in a few of the shops (Pam looked, I waited) and then headed back to our campsite for a late lunch. The afternoon was spent napping in the tent and reading in the car, both designed to avoid the rain. We came into Astoria and back up to the column so Pam could buy a mug at the gift shop. On the way back down we stopped at the Flavel House but it was already closed for the day.
If you visit Astoria you gotta tour this place. We did when we came here years ago and it's worth the few bucks they charge. It was built by Capt. Flavel who was a sea cap'n and made a small fortune at it. He built this house and it has been restored inside and out to match what it looked like back in 18-sumpin' or other.
This kind of day comes with tent camping along the OR coast. Last year we had nothing but sunshine and knew that was rare. This is more normal and accepted as part of the bargain. Hopefully we'll have warmer weather when we move down the coast tomorrow to Sunset Bay State Park, just south of Coos Bay. It's a 6-hour drive because most of it will be on twisty 2-lane with a Winnebago every 2 miles. Don't know if I'll be able to post tomorrow night, and there wouldn't be much to say. At least I'm hoping for an uneventful trip down.
Spent our down time today listening to NPR. I'm surprised no one is comparing the financial crises in Greece, and now Italy (never mind Portugal and Ireland) to ours. Those countries spent foolishly on programs they couldn't afford through loans they now can't pay back. The only recourse is severe austerity measures - at least austere by European standards - and a bailout by the EU. Can the folks in D.C. not see the inevitable outcome if we don't act now?
Today is my dad's 89th b'day. It's also my daughter's b'day (Michelle) and Josh & Aubri's anniversary. I am blessed beyond measure with a wonderful family. I wish we could all be together in one place. My dad cried as we hugged and said goodbye Sunday afternoon. That tugs at my heart.
As I type this we're having dinner at the Astoria Coffee House and Bistro. Forget the Flavel House. If you come to Astoria you MUST have dinner here! I'm having a hot turkey sandwich on mashed potatoes but do not think what I know you're picturing in your head. If that meal can be gourmet fare this is it. They make all their own prepared ingredients, right down to the catsup if you get that. I'm eating fresh baked bread, sauteed veggies, incl. green beans, fresh mashed potatoes, red peppers, squash.... I'm no food writer or I'd do this justice. And my black coffee is brewed one cup at a time. This is the. best. turkey. mashed potato. sandwich I have ever had, likely ever will have.
s'cuse me. I'm going to finish this meal with the focus it deserves.
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