Day 42 - Warrenton, Oregon

Day 42. Last time I wrote these pages I was full of wonder. Now all I wonder about is where the Tour Guides get all their words???

Today's bus tour started with our last Seat Lottery.  Gerald is drawing his usual high number. But later he and Lula snuck closer to the front of the bus.

Drawing for seats

Our first stop was the objective of our trip. Fort Clatsop. 

This is where the Discovery Corps spent their second winter after reaching their goal, the Pacific Ocean, in late November 1805. It was a miserable 4 months. Rain all but a few days and poor food. At the replica fort, a re-enactor, gave us a lesson about the flag that Lewis and Clark flew and presented to the Indian Tribes.

Learning about the 15 stripe flag

It was the 15 star and 15 stripe flag approved after Vermont and Kentucky entered the Union. He reminded us--it was the flag that flew over Fort Mc Henry during the bombardment of Baltimore during the War of 1812. It was the "Star Spangled Banner". 

The Interpretive Center had great displays, including a typical Northwest dugout canoe. They used this on the river and ocean, for travel, fishing, and whaling. This example was made more than 100 years ago.

Dugout canoe

The next stop was the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Fine displays about the treacherous waters where the river and ocean meet, called the Bar. 

After a stellar lunch at the Baked Alaska Resturant, in Astoria we headed to Cape Disappiontment. This predated Lewis and Clark. The British Navy was exploring the west coast, again for that elusive Northwest Passage. The Captain that arrived at the mouth of the Columbia River decided it was not a river, did not attempt to enter, and named the Promentory on the North side, Cape Disappointment. I guess because it was not the Passage. 

Lil and Dick Barrett Rig #3