Photo of the Week - June 6

Holland America Line's Oosterdam towers over buildings

near the pier in Astoria, Oregon.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Our Photo of the Week for this first week of June shows Holland America Line's Oosterdam tied up in the beautiful town of Astoria, Oregon.

Nestled near the mouth of the Columbia River, this charming town of just over 10,000 people is a regular port of call for many cruise lines during the Pacific Coastal cruises that reposition ships from Los Angeles and San Diego up to Vancouver and Seattle for the Alaska cruise season.  Ships also call here in the fall months of September and October as ships transition back down to warmer climates for the winter.

What to do if you find yourself in Astoria?  Why not ride the waterfront trolley into downtown Astoria and check out the many shops, or wander around the beautifully preserved Liberty Theatre?  Built in 1925, the theatre has recently undergone a massive renovation project that has restored this building to its original Art Deco splendor.

A little farther up the hill, and accessible by shuttle bus, is the Astoria Column. Built in 1926 by Vincent Astor, the column is wrapped with murals showcasing fourteen of the most significant events in the history of the town - including the discovery of the Columbia River in 1792, as well as the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and is well worth the trip up the hill.

Haystack Rock near Cannon Beach, Oregon.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Or, head out on an excursion to nearby Seaside or Cannon Beach to take in the ocean and the magnificent views, including that of famous Haystack Rock, a 235-foot tall monolith rising from the beach.

From the Deck Chair will return tomorrow with a new series of articles for the first full week of June.