Astoria arrival

Finally here in Astoria, Oregon. Astoria was a dream of John Jacob Astor and Thomas Jefferson in 1811 to establish a West Coast outpost. It was going to be the center of new trading center for the fur trade between the Chinese market and the eastern part of the fledging country. Although the post was established at the mouth of the Columbia through enormous efforts of the early pioneers, the post fell, unable to defend itself from the indigenous tribes. Years after the fall of the original post, the British rebuilt the fort, renamed it Ft George, which was the beginnings of the current city if Astoria.

I had set out from Springfield, 6:00 AM EST, Thursday morning, I didn't arrive in Portland until 2:45 AM EST Friday. Yes. 20 hours in transit. Big delay was at Baltimore where mechanical issues due to lightening strike, waiting for parts, ultimately changing planes and then having to wait out severe weather front to pass sucked up my day. Luckily, rental car counter still open and hotel reservations in Portland were held for me when I finally arrived. Nothing like the hardships the early pioneers went through.

Friday was a sleep in morning, but I did manage a walk about through a bohemian section of town before heading back to airport to pick up Matt, at 2:30 PM. The 2 hour ride from Portland airport west to Astoria was beautiful. Matt observes that the terrains were were traveling was probably the rout we'll be taking by bike in a few more days. We noted the climbs and chuckled to ourselves.

It's now Saturday and I'm heading to lobby for early registration and to get my bike. Want to get it decked out for ride tomorrow out to Pacific. Weather is beautiful but cool.  The wind will be a factor

as we start our ride.  Bring it on!

Pictures from hotel room and around Astoria commercial district. Original fort is nothing more than a plaque and grassy lot.