We left Florence and headed north on U.S. 101. It was another sunny day, which made us wonder if we’re really in the Pacific Northwest. Stops included Seal Rock, where we saw nary a seal…
…and Devil’s Punchbowl, where we saw nary a devil.
What we did see there were several dozen surfers paddling and riding the waves. All were well clad in wetsuits.
From there, it was up the coast to the town of Astoria near the mouth of the Columbia River. We had reservations for a night at the Cannery Pier Hotel & Spa. It was built on a pier jutting 600 feet into the Columbia River.
We had a corner, one-bedroom suite…
…with a fireplace…
…and excellent views of the 4.1-mile-long Astoria-Megler Bridge spanning the river.
As a well published travel writer, I’ve stayed in many hotels like this when traveling on O.P.M. (Other People’s Money). It’s not as much fun when the room charge comes out of our personal credit card account. Still, it’s nice to splurge occasionally.
After settling into our room, we hopped into the hotel’s British sedan…
…for a short tour of the town.
For dinner, our driver dropped us off at the appropriately named Red Building…
…where we dined in the Bridgewater Bistro.
We walked back to the hotel in the dark.
I really like this place. I just wish we could better afford it.
Sorry, kids, there goes your inheritance.
Oops. We don’t have any kids, yet.