Astoria, Oregon

Went to Fort Clapsop this morning to tour the fort built by Lewis and Clark expedition.  Really interesting for history buffs.  Then we went to Astoria, Oregon to tour the city.  We went through the Maritime Museum.  We were able to learn about the Coast Guard that works the Columbia River Bar and how dangerous it is in the winter time for ships approaching the Columbia from the Pacific Ocean.   There were many canneries here in Astoria that processed Salmon until the salmon runs became very slim.  Some of the canneries dried and smoked the salmon and shipped them to the soldiers during WWII.  The USS Astoria also had an important role during the war.  During the tour of the museum we came accross a scrimshaw display of how whale bones were used.  Lo and behold there was a yarn swift made entirely from whale bones.  I can't even imagine how long it took to carve each piece and fit them together.  There was also a net bobbin winder that I would have liked to see how it worked.  The trolley ride was very interesting as it traveled along the Columbia River and the two volunteers gave a informative history of Astoria.  All in all it was a great day.  Tomorrow we leave the Astoria area and travel to Cascade Locks for a few days to marvel at the Columbia River Gorge.  Talked to my Bro and glad that everyone in Amellia Island Florida are OK after Hurrican Andrea passed through.  Hope the Concord people don't float away with the floods they are predicting.  Stay safe everyone.

Love ya'll