Poppies and Baked Alaska

We've had the most stunningly gorgeous weather this week. It's been in the 70s and a little breezy. You can have it warm in the sun, cool in the shade, almost whatever you want. Mornings have been heavily overcast here on the Lower Columbia River, and then late morning through the rest of the day looks like this.

The building is "Doc's on 12th Street," and houses a number of offices and businesses. This is the back of the building, which is pretty cool, because it's as attractive as the front. Most of the bottom floor is taken up by the Baked Alaska Restaurant and Bar (a window-side restaurant and a separate and comfortable lounge with a view). I took Sue to Baked Alaska for her birthday dinner last night, and the food was as memorable and creative as it was when I first came to town. Mmmm. Baked Alaska is always a treat, and today we got poppies with the view, as well :) Summer flowers are looking good after a winter that lasted into early July.

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A ruby-colored fishing boat

On April 19th, I took this picture of the Capt. Raleigh, a commercial fishing boat docked along Astoria's waterfront. I was struck by the contrast of the red and the clean white paint set off beautifully with black trim and masts. This is a small harbor somewhere along the River Walk, and it was empty except for this one boat. The two large mooring basins are at the east and west ends of town (oddly enough, called East Mooring Basin and West Mooring Basin). Sometimes I'm compelled to try to create good shot just because the material doesn't suggest an obvious result, but this view was a picture begging to be taken. What can I say? I thought it would be perfect for Ruby Tuesday. The spot of red on the right-hand dock made a lucky counterpoint.

Have you ever been on a fishing boat?