So why, one might ask, is Astoria included in this travel journal.  The answer is simple, I lived there for a number of years.  Astoria is a wonderful place to visit with a wealth of opportunities for the photographer.

Astoria, Oregon: eleven miles from the mouth of the Columbia River, 92 miles from the populated Willamette Valley and the states most populated city, Portland.

The Metzler Bridge connects Oregon and Washington across the Columbia River at Astoria.

Vessels at anchorage off Astoria waiting for cargo in the up-river ports of Longview, Vancouver and Portland.

Other vessels steam by Astoria directly to up -river ports.

Vessels receive parts and supplies and sometimes crew whilst at anchor.

All types of vessels pass by the city such as this ocean going tug.

High about the city, is the Astoria Column commanding a view of Youngs Bay to the south, activity on the Columbia River on the north and the mouth of the river to the west.

In addition to the modern marine activity are reminders of years past when fishing played a major role in the area’s economy.

On the waterfront is Columbia River Maritime Museum, truly one of the worlds greatest.

Astoria is also a favorite cruise ship call for vessels transiting between Alaska in the summer and the Caribbean during the winter.

Sunday Market has become an additional attraction in recent years.

And the ever vigilant Astoria Column . . . .