to Oregon

Okay so we actually left last night but have arrived in Astoria, Oregon.  Happy Thanksgiving . . . sure doesn't feel like Thanksgiving but hopefully tonight when we eat our traditional meal we will not be in a turkey coma!  So the view from our hotel was nice . . .

. . . and when we went to the car there was ice!

When I checked the weather it wasn't suppose to be this cold and well I did not pack very well but we made do with what we had!  We had a busy day with our first stop being Fort Clatsop . .

. . . we were the first to arrive to a very empty parking lot but the park was open!  It was briskly cold outside so we headed indoors to watch the overview film of the park and background of Lewis and Clark.  It was and excellent film and learned a lot about the expedition that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark explored.  I was amazed and honestly had forgotten pretty much everything about their expedition.  I also did not realize how much history was in this area too.  So with every piece of somewhat cold weather gear we had, we set outdoors to explore . . .

. . . thankfully it was sunny so a bit warmer but still so cold.  Back on the road with our next stop being Fort Stevens . . . Colin loved the battery and exploring running wild and free . . .

. . . I loved this sign!

. . . stopped by the wreck of the Peter Iredale; tide was in so couldn't see much of the wreckage . . .

. . . and back on the road we went just like Lewis and Clark . . .

Well, okay so in a car is so much easier!  Our next stop was Cannon Beach . . .

. . . by this time it was nice outside especially in the sun.  I was surprised at how many people were out walking the beach on Thanksgiving.  Colin loved running free . . .

. . . I wanted a photo by myself but someone insisted they were hidden . . .

I guess it will be one of those photos we look back on and laugh.  What a stinker!  So take 2 . . .

Isn't the sun so bright!  I just loved this place and having watched The Goonies was fun to see the area.  Our day was coming to an end so we headed back to Astoria.  We made quick stops at The Goonies house . . .

. . . no matter where you turned you saw sign after sign saying this . . .

. . . and climbed to the top of the Astoria Column.

Now you might find it surprising to know, but I am extremely scared of heights . . . like my knees shake, I have a death grip on all the hand railings, and my heart beats so loudly you could probably hear it if you stood next to me.  I managed to make it to the top and the views were beautiful . . .

It was about time for our Thanksgiving Dinner.  Thankfully, at the recommendation of a poster on Trip Advisor a few weeks ago, I made a reservation for the special Thanksgiving dinner at a local restaurant, Baked Alaska.

So the menu said it was served family style which in my mind meant each item would be served in small bowls and we would each fill our plate with what we wanted.  Well not exactly . . . I sure wish I would have taken a photo but the shock of what was delivered to us at our table had us stabbing our forks and spoons in each item to stake our claim.  They brought out one plate . . . one normal size dinner plate with all the items on the single plate . . . for three people!  No joke . . . I looked at Colin who was so ready for turkey and there were literally four slices.  He was very vocal at claiming the white turkey.  I just wanted the sides . . . it was so funny and as we wiped the plate clean, the waiter came and asked if we would like seconds of any item . . . seriously dude?  We asked for more turkey and mashed potatoes and as he walked off we had a good laugh.  At least all the food was wonderful and worth the price . . . it was different to eat Thanksgiving at a restaurant but so nice to not cook or clean . . . so with a full belly it was back to the hotel!