Category Archives: vacation

Astoria-Megler Bridge

Leaving the cruise ship dock area takes you right by a marina with the Astoria-Megler Bridge as a backdrop:

Columbia River Panorama

The Astoria Riverwalk runs along the water parallel to Marine Drive, which also goes by the name East Columbia River Highway/U.S. Route 30.  Stay on the Riverwalk to get the best shots.  Here’s a view looking back toward Cannery Pier, with the Crown Princess docked behind:

Crown Princess and Cannery Pier

Astoria’s trolley also runs along the Astoria Riverwalk, as you can see here:

Trolley

Stay on the Astoria Riverwalk to arrive at the back of the Sears Roebuck and Company building, which faces onto Marine Drive.  But it’s definitely the back of the building you’ll want to see as you come across the fading murals of what was once the Mason, Ehrman & Company:

Sears, Roebuck & Company

Mason, Ehrman & Company Mural

Mason, Ehrman & Company Mural

As you continue on the Astoria Riverwalk you’ll peer into town at the crossing streets, which makes for some fun shots:

Astoria side street

You’ll also find some interesting pier buildings, as well:

Astoria pier

Crown Princess docked in Astoria

Two days after departing San Francisco the Crown Princess docked in Astoria, Oregon.  We’ve been to Astoria several times now, and this small town of under 10,000 people never disappoints in presenting lots of photo opportunities.  To take full advantage of such chance encounters with color and composition, Ursula and I opted to walk into town from the dock.  Almost immediately we stumbled upon a fun excuse to take a portrait.  Here’s Ursula posing for me:

Ursula up to Something Fishy

If we had chosen the trolley we would have also missed the Maritime Memorial Park:

Maritime Memorial

Maritime Memorial

Maritime Memorial

Even though the day was overcast and gloomy, the stroll along the water’s edge offered some intriguing shots of the Cannery Pier, the Astoria-Megler Bridge, and other fun images:

Astoria-Megler Bridge

Along the Astoria Riverwalk

No Idea What This Is

And, of course, you’ll also find splashes of color along the way:

Flowers at Maritime Memorial Park