To Astoria ~

Leaving the east side...  I didn't sleep much - already missing Courtney, David & the kids, then excited to see Jentry, Joe, Ben, Skyla & Josie!  David had us loaded for the drive to Redmond to pick up the rental car right on time.  It was as hard as it's routinely become, to say goodbye to Mason, Cassidy & their parents :-(  The gold lining - is knowing that they plan to come visit us again next summer.

Traffic was light~

We'd planned to meet-up with the most elusive of friends... Joyce.  She'd been one of the topics we'd discussed in length with Scott & Barb - once we'd decided that yes - we did indeed still know her!  None of us;  who call ourselves her;  "very long time friends", were happy to find out that she had married without even consulting us?  :-)  After all, isn't that what friends are for?  Well, anyway - rant over - we've met Jim, he has our approval - it's nice to see those smiles of happiness!  Joyce & I hadn't seen each other since Mt. Adams in 2016 - way too long.

Joyce & Jim

As we discussed, treasure the moments - you never know when they will be over & life has moved on...  Joyce & I rode some amazing miles together - over more years than we will admit to.  Making memories that we'll both cherish for the rest of our lives.

Longview

On to Longview & over the bridge at the Columbia.  I have Not missed seeing the acres of logs - cut trees - that cover the ground here - most waiting for shipment overseas.

At the top~

The weather deteriorated as the day progressed.  Rain was falling & the sky was rapidly becoming the color of the water.

Looking back at Longview~

We pulled off on at the overlook, a place I'd always said I'd get a photo & never had.  Much easier to get off quickly with a car rather than a loaded truck, camper & pulling a horse trailer!  It didn't seem like much longer until we arrived in Astoria.  

Our view~

Jentry had helped set up our accommodations - very nice & the view was grand.  We've made occasional visit through Astoria over the years, so it was nice to feel somewhat familiar with the town.  We called to let the kids know that we'd arrived, then headed out to Mo's for some hot chowder.  Good to be here & great to smell the unmistakable scent of the Ocean~