Photo Contest Winners

First Place

By Kim Taylor

I think this photo is just stunning, and I could not take my eyes off of the image. It has a beautiful balance of elements. It also has that late afternoon feel along the River Walk. I don't think I even need to mention the clouds! I could not have produced this photo, and that was one of the attractions for me. Congratulations, Kim!

Following are the three runners-up, in no particular order.

Runner-up

By Robbie Mattson

I thought the subject matter was unusual, and the photo also felt desolate, quiet, and maybe cold, which is one of the moods I love about Astoria.

Runner-up

By Sara Absher

This photo of flowers in front of the Liberty Theatre at Sunday Market shows beautiful color in the flowers and the liveliness that people add to a picture. It carries a great spark of life in contrast to the first-posted runner-up photo. Both are such strong features of our area that I wanted to include the contrast among the winners. Also, for those who know Astoria, any image of the Liberty in recent years probably reminds us of what can be accomplished when people work together to restore one of our pieces of heritage - which is again about bringing life to something that could easily have crumbled away. And it's such an outstanding building.

Runner-up

Debbie Loyd

I find this also a stunning picture of something we see every day, but not always "in this light" or from this angle. So many times I've been across the Young's Bay Bridge to Warrenton at this time of day and have seen outstanding colors in the sky and on the water. Most times I've been driving and couldn't get the photo. I love the way the water reflects the gorgous colors in the sky. I also love the peaceful balance in this image.

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These are some of the reasons I selected the photos I did, but there were many that I wanted to add to the Winners' Circle. I'm a sucker for a nice sunset picture, especially around here, and I could have chosen a full roster of sunsets. There were others that I loved immediately, or that grew on me as the contest progressed. I want to thank you all for your participation and your comments throughout October and early November.

To see all of the posts of contest entries, click here and keep scrolling.

How to claim your prizes  :)

First Prize is (approximately) $30.00 worth of toys and gifts from Tapir and Friends Animal Store, and the Runner-up prizes are approximately $10.00 each in toys and gifts from Tapir and Friends. I say "approximately," because if your choice is $29.00 or $11.00, that's probably close enough. These are animal-themed items, and hopefully either you or someone you know likes animals. There's a variety to choose from, from stuffed animals to realistic plastic replicas, to model dinosaur skeletons to beautiful hand-painted or handmade jewelry. Pick out what you like and send me an e-mail. I will pay for mailing to you or to someone else if it's a gift. If you want to pick it up in Astoria, just let me know, although I don't keep store hours and there is no longer a storefront. Let me know what you want and we'll arrange a pick-up or delivery time. If what you want is listed as out of stock, let me know, because it may be coming in very soon. If you want to wait until closer to Christmas or Hanukkah, that's fine, too. Contratulations, all of you. This has been fun!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Under the Bridge - A Different Perspective" by John Nordquist

Guest Photographer: John Nordquist

This striking image by John Nordquist is the last of the official contest photos to be posted. Several of you sent in additional pix, which I'll post sometime in November. However, tomorrow I'll go back to posting mostly my own photos. I'm always open to guest shots, so send them any time. I may work on a different theme for the rest of November, so stay tuned! I also have the difficult task of chosing our First Prize and three additional prizes. I'll do that over the next day or two and you'll be the first to know  :)

Thanks to all of you for making this contest both fun and successful!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: Four more from Debbie Loyd

Guest Photographer: Debbie Loyd

Fortunately, Debbie mentioned that this is "the trail or bike bath that cuts off of the river walk east of town." I would not have known that because I still have not gotten down that way. I hope to soon. It's really pretty. 

(Note, I've been out of town for the weekend, so my posting schedule is a bit off. I'm posting this on Sunday night, but I'll leave it up all of Monday. ~ Sheryl)

This sunset view will be familiar to Astorians, but since we have readers who have not been here, it's a wonderfully-timed shot of the Young's Bay Bridge crossing between Astoria (this side) and Warrenton. The bridge spans the mouth of Young's Bay where it flows into the Colombia River, on the right. It looks like it was taken from the vicinity of Alameda Street.

The photo above is called, "December Snow." It was taken December 22, 2008. We don't get snow every year, but there have been a couple of spectacular snow days in the past few years. This was certainly one of them. It's a nice overview of downtown Astoria as well.

The pilot boat dock at the end of 14th Street is a popular place to view the river. If you're lucky you get to see the boat charging in or out of the dock on its way to meet or return home from the big ships in the river. The river is not always this muddy, so it must have rained somewhere fairly recently.

. Debbie's Web Site

. Debbie's Blog

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: Three images of the Column from Carrie

Guest Photographer: Carrie Schwartzenberger

The first photo was taken inside the Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill. I love what happens with the light and shapes!

At the top of the column, a door opens onto a spectacular view. Carrie sent two versions - as with the Cannery Pier Hotel and the old car, she's given us a tweaked version and the original.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: Seven More from Robbie

Guest Photographer: Robbie Mattson

Each photo deserves its own day, but if I'm ever going to get all the photos from the contest posted, I need to group them! Enjoy every one of them.

Pier 39

Notice the seagull is exposed nicely - i.e., not burned out in the white areas. Nice job, Robbie!

Another of our amazing sunsets.

Robbie wrote: "Who stacks the rocks up under the bridge??" I think I recently read a similar question about cairns along the coast further south.

This is the inside of the Urban Cafe. When I posted about the Urban, I mentioned the positive slogans to be found. This is one of them, and I find that they really add to the ambience, as I know they are from the heart.

Something interesting anywhere you look.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: Five from Robbie Mattson

Guest Photographer: Robbie Mattson

The first two photos continue the Halloween theme. The first is the window of a new venue in town: Pier Pressure. I hadn't heard of it, but it sounds like a great new artistic addition to our community, so you might want to check it out here.

Next comes a close-up of one of the windows of our Halloween house from October 31. By the way, this house is owned by town founders, the Flavel family. They don't keep up or rent out most of their commercial properties, either, but those don't have the spooky charm of this place. All I know about those properties is, they are downtown, they are a mess, and I tried to rent one one time. Mrs. Flavel said she would show it to me "in the Spring" of whatever year that was. Someone else told me, "That will never happen," and of course it didn't. Long story, won't go into it now, but I know that many, many Astorians would like to see good tenants or new owners. The buildings beg to have someone care about them. Pigeons, rain, you get the picture. Someone said, "Every town has a family like that." I'm not sure if that's true, but Astoria sure does. Onward. . . .

Robbie said, "I couldn't let the contest pass by without my pictures of what feels like the real Astoria to those who grew up there. . . ." I have put the two photos in reverse order, so . . . "The second......A visit to Astoria is not complete without the Custard King. People think that it sells custard, but those that grew up in Astoria know it's just the best ice cream spot in town. A football game, and a stop at the Custard King to meet your friends in the parking lot, made a cold fall night complete."

Since we're in reverse order: "The first.....The Fisherman. Those that are my age (gradulate of the class of 1969) will remember the infamous cheer: "Lutefisk, Lutefisk, Lefse, Lefse - - - We are the Fishermen, Sure ya all, You Betcha". Unique cheer for Astoria!

"We can even recall The Fisherman being painted on the walls of the old Junior High gym (upper, not lower gym) where Kindergarten Cop was filmed, and the struggle each of us had trying to climb those darn ropes hanging from the ceiling of the old gym!"

Thanks so much for those bits of Astoria culture, Robbie! The photo above was taken in the town of Jewell, not too far away, where Robbie's "Jewell Garage" photo was also taken.

These were great. Thanks, Robbie! For the next few days, I'll continue posting contest photos that were sent in during October.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Crab Pots and Train Station"

Guest Photographer: Jean B

Hi All! Thanks for your wonderful submissions throughout October. This was fun for me and I know from your comments that many people enjoyed the different views of Astoria. Although the contest is closed now, I will continue to post entries for (I think) the next seven days, which means that everything sent in will have its day of fame. Several of you sent in more than the one or two photos I had time to post during the month, so I'll be finishing up by posting all of one person's today, all of another person's tomorrow, etc. For one of you, I think it will take two days to post your pix. If I've counted right, this will add up to seven days, at which I'm I'll post the winning pictures. This also gives me a week's reprieve to make the the difficult decisions!

Today we have two photos by Jean B: "Colorful Crab Pots," above, and the "Astoria Train Station," sadly, not a very busy place these days, but picturesque.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Memorial and Bridge"

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 25, 2009

Guest Photographer: Robbie Mattson

Weekend Reflections

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "The Old Ice House/Cold Storage"

Guest Photographer: Jean B

This is one of my favorite buildings in Astoria. It is totally unique, and I've never posted a photo of it because there are so many cool things to take pictures of around here, and I didn't know what to call the building. So, thanks, Jean, for sending this in for the contest and mentioning what it is! It's intriguing for sure. Located between the River Walk and the water, it's also between 3rd and 4th Streets.

To reply to a comment, the outside of the building is plaster or stucco. It's solid enough, its just ripply from being applied by hand (at least, that's my guess). I'd love to hear more. I think it's totally charming. I have some close-ups that I'll post one of these days after the contest is finished. ~ S.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Under the Bridge"

Astoria, Oregon ~ June 17, 2010

Guest Photographer: John Nordquist

This photo is eye-catching, and it's a vew of Astoria's bridge we don't see every day. For a breathtaking experience, a person should really go and stand under the bridge in real life. It feels so monumental and awesome, and it's impossible to get the full effect in any photo. If you do, come on back and post a comment, OK?  :) 

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Parallel Lines"

Astoria, Oregon ~ June 26, 2009

Guest Photographer: Debbie Loyd

I believe this is the section between Astoria proper and Alderbrook. Someone please let me know if that's not so.

Debbie Loyd can be found on the web via the links below:

. Web site

. Blog

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Car at the Cannery Pier Hotel"

Guest Photographer: Carrie Schwartzenberger

Today's entry comes in two styles: tweaked and original. Which is your favorite?

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Fire in the Sky"

Astoria, Oregon ~ July 1, 2010

Guest Photographer: Mike Duncan, aka "Midnite Mike"

Mike wrote,

Here's one of my favorite pictures that I've ever taken. It was taken behind Astoria Warehousing on the 1st of July this year. For obvious reasons, I call it "Fire in the Sky".

This is another reason we love Astoria! Thanks, Mike!

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Kids at the Peter Iredale"

Warrenton, Oregon/Ft. Stevens State Park

Guest Photographer: Merri Padgett

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "A Sunset View from the Maritime Museum"

Guest Photographer: John Nordquist

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "A Room with a Very Affordable View"

Astoria, Oregon, Upstairs in Pier 11

Guest Photographer: Riki

Riki calls this place "A Little Piece of Heaven on Pier 11." One might also call it, "A Little Bit of Hawaii in Astoria," although it doesn't sound as poetic. I've always wondered what it looked like from the top of the Pier 11 Building. Here's the view across the river to Washington and to the fishing operation on the next pier. And the inside looks sooooo inviting! Has anyone noticed the weather report? It seems our beautiful fall weather is coming to an end very soon. This would certainly be a comfy place to watch one of our winter storms!

I learned that Malama Day Spa is one of Astoria's newest businesses - if not THE newest, having opened on October 8th. I have not been to visit yet, but I expect to soon! Riki and her mom (who still lives in Hawaii) spent hours at the beginning of the month getting the place ready to open. Here are a few particulars. Check out the links:

"Malama Day Spa is on Pier 11, in Astoria and is currently offering 20% off your first service. See their blog at http://riki-malamadayspa.blogspot.com/ or visit their website at http://www.malamadayspa.qwestoffice.net/. Phone: 503-325-8233. This is not your average spa. Prepare to RELAX and be pampered affordably. Mahalo!"

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Sunday Market in front of the Liberty Theatre"

Astoria, Oregon ~ May 18, 2008

Guest Photo: Sara Absher

Hello again! I'm sorry, I needed to be out of town for a few days. Everything is OK, and I'm back at the computer. Our interrupted contest postings are back on track with this lovely photo filled with flowers from a beautiful day in May in front of Astoria's historic and accoustically-acclaimed refurbished Liberty Theatre.

Up tomorrow is a brand new business in Astoria with a great view and services many of you will want to know about! Stay tuned. . . .

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Maverick"

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 19, 2009

Guest Photographer: Danielle Ruegg

Danielle wrote, "The F/V Maverick (made famous by "Deadliest Catch"), in it's home port of Astoria. I took this photo last year at the Fisherman's Festival. (Far better weather than what we had this year.)

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Overview"

Astoria, Oregon ~ July 14, 2005

Guest Photographer: Debbie Loyd

This gorgeous view from the bridge (you can see its shadow on the water) gives about as good an overview of the Astoria waterfront as you're going to get. For those who know the town, I don't need to point out the landmarks, but this blog has readers from around the world and across the country, so . . . here are just a few of them. (I've left the photo large, so when you click on the image and then click on it again in a new window, you'll be able to "walk through" the picture.)

At the top of the hill is the Astoria Column. The teeny little bit of red along the water at the far left is Pier 39, with Coffee Girl, kayak rentals, Rogue Ales Pub, and much more (it used to be the Bumblebee Cannery). Just to the right out of the picture is the Holiday Inn Express, where I took a number of pictures last June. The white buildings in front are warehouses, and The River Walk and Riverfront Trolley run right along the water. The cluster of buildings in the middle of the photo is downtown Astoria.

Thanks to Debbie Loyd for this grand submission. She can be found at the following links, where you can also learn about one of the businesses (or services) that helps make Astoria about its special people:

. Web site

. Blog

Thanks to Jan for the following comment:

FYI, Pier 39 used to be Bumble Bee Cold Storage. The Cannery was much farther west, across the street from the Pig ‘n Pancake. In the 1950s and 1960s, you used to see trucks driving from the cold storage plant through town to the canary with these huge “things” sticking straight up in the beds of the trucks. Those “things” were yellow fin tuna that had been kept frozen at the cold storage plant until the canary was ready for them. I was one of the first two guides hired by Bumble Bee to take visitors on tours of the canary, and I worked there the summers of 1960 and 1961. Tourists often asked me about the strange looking “trees” they saw on trucks around town.

Jan

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Photo Contest: "Keeper of the Dock"

Astoria, Oregon

Guest Photographer: Carrie Schwartzenberger

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.