Drive-by Astoria #2: Bond Street Buildings

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 15, 2012

West Bond Street

I love Astoria's houses. Almost every one has some sort of unique architectural detail, whether it be windows such as these with the long panes at the top, or simply the way the elements are combined. It looks like a small Victorian to me. I know our Finnish houses here are more austere and flat. What I don't know is what happened when the two styles met. Maybe this is it. The top story is pretty plain.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Drive-by Astoria #1: The Corner at 8th and Commercial

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 16, 2012

Yesterday was sunny and beautiful, and for a change I was a passenger with her camera out. Some of the shots I got were kind of fun. The perspective was different, the angles unpredictable, and the composition could either be nice or insane. When I looked at the photos, I realized this is how many of us see our town. As of today, I think I'll do a short series of "Drive-by Astoria" photos. It might also be fun for those who haven't been here for awhile to feel like they're really back for a visit.

Here we are coming up 8th Street from Marine Drive, turning left onto Commercial. Looking west you can see the post office steps on the right and the Clatsop County Courthouse on the left.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

The Seagull Feeder

Astoria, Oregon ~ August 20, 2012

Someone is feeding seagulls along the River Walk on the bank of the Columbia River.

Do you think anyone is hungry?

We actually have seagull toys and pins at Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Cutting the Whitecaps

Taken from Dismal Nitch, Washington ~ August 24, 2012

Here's another photo from the afternoon at Dismal Nitch. It's not as blue as "Blue but Not Dismal," because I'm closer to the subject, although it's still quite a distance. This is the low part of the bridge as it approaches Washington. Where it passes under the bridge, the shipping channel hugs the Astoria side of the river, so this part of the bridge doesn't need great height.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Come on In

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 9, 2012

Here are a couple of signs you'll find inside the front door at 10th and Marine Drive seen in Tuesday's post. The white banister runs across the top of the wide stairway leading to the basement; stairs begin just to the right of the photo. Someone has created an indoor-outdoor feel around both the front and back entrances that I find very pleasant and inviting.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Antiques

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 12, 2012

I've always liked this antique building that sells antiques on Marine Drive. I'm not sure if it's open for business. I think it's been closed for a very long time, but if anyone knows, I'm interested. I could try to notice next time I go by. If I remember, it used to look closed even when it was open.

I like the details, like the odd-shaped windows and those things with the flowers. Deco decor, I would imagine. The front door, such as it is, is around to the right on Marine drive. What you see here is a paved alley.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Wellness and More

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 10, 2012

This building at the corner of Marine Drive and 10th Street holds many surprises: Waves of Change Wellness Center, Reiki, Reflexology, Tai Chi classes, a wine cellar, an art gallery, a quilt shop, a bakery, and downstairs is an old jail cell with a bunk - imported from some other building. I've missed some of the names, but it's a cool place. Go on down the old wooden stairs to the gift shop. It's nice down there!

To sign up for Tai Chi, just give Angela a call.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

A Couple of Classics

Astoria, Oregon ~ September 10, 2012

I'm not a classic car fan in the "fan" sense, but it was very cool to come out of a shop on 10th Street between Marine Drive and the river and see these brightly-colored throwbacks. One of the things that irks me about modern cars (besides their exorbitant prices) is that so many of them look alike to me. Where is originality of design? Where is nonconformity?

I think I recognize the aqua one as a Ford, but maybe someone will identify the yellow one for me. There must be a show of some sort nearby, because I saw three or four more classic cars coming off the bridge from Washington. I think those dumb-looking rims have to be modern. What's the deal here? As for the shapes and colors, what a nice way to brighten the day.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

End of Summer

Astoria, Oregon ~ August 27, 2012

I found this end-of-summer color blooming near the corner of 10th Street and Marine Drive. It was a beautiful day, just about right for me - balmy and not too hot. It sounds strange to say that one reason I moved to Astoria was for the weather, I am not good in the heat. But I've found a number of people here who feel the same way. I think all of us enjoy the sunny days, though, when we aren't having one of those rare Astoria heatwaves. I know that I do. A sunny day in Astoria can be absolutely glorious - and we appreciate them for sure. This year we are sympathizing with so much of the country and the world that is suffering from drought. In Astoria, the rains have come.

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.

Blue but Not Dismal

Dismal Nitch, Washington ~ August 24, 2012

Dismal Nitch, Washington, was dismal for Lewis and Clark, but not for most visitors, who enjoy glorious views east, west, and back across the river to Astoria. Everything looks blue here. My lens had to cope with four miles of reflective river between Astoria and the visitor turnout where I stood to take the photo. 

They're painting the bridge, which makes for interesting drapery. Christo could possibly be envious! 

This blog is sponsored by Tapir and Friends Animal Store.