No riding today, just a chance to recharge our batteries and enjoy this terrific little town.
Astoria has a population of about 10,000. The town was founded in the late 1800's and largely has survived by fishing and cannery operations (now largely defunct) and by lumber. The town has some terrific old buildings and Victorian style homes. Situated right on the mouth of the Columbia River, everything in the area is dominated by the second largest river in North America.
Three of us, Doug, Ken, and I toured the town today. We visited some historic homes, a terrific maritime museum, and hiked to the top of the hills in town (you'd think that we'd had enough of exercise, but NO!) to see the "Astoria Column". The views from there were stunning and worth the hike.
One of the highlights of our trek today was having lunch at a crazy little restaurant called the Bowpicker (pictured). When you first see it, you say "no way would I eat there". Then you see the locals -- lining up -- then you smell the smells and you can't resist. Some of the tastiest and freshest fish and chips that I have ever had.
Later that day, I treated myself to the best 90 minute massage that I ever had. Just what the doctor ordered. The masseuse that I had was purely a muscle magician.
After a quick shower, it was on to happy hour (in a nearly trance-like state, I might add). The cycling crew surprised me with a birthday card, a chocolate cupcake and that song that everyone knows.
Merle, Susan, Ken, Doug and I then went on to a Bosnian restaurant that was superb. Nearly everything on the menu had never been tried by anyone in the group before. The appetizers, salad and gulash entree were terrific.
Tomorrow, it's the rolling coastal mountains on the way to Tillamook.
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