Needing to be near water

As Labor Day approached, there were murmurs around the house - that some sort of last minute getaway might be in the mix. A few calls later and a little strategy - and we were rumbling out of town Sunday morning toward Astoria - and the Lamplighter Motel. Upon arrival, we settled into the motel, grabbed our usual burger fix at the Custard King, and rediscovered the cool seasonal Sunday market that is held downtown. As we walked around, Greer pulled down on our arms and pointed out every last thing that he desired - the greatest of which was a day-glo painted "marshmallow gun" - which predictably met the parental wall. Alex foraged for unique Christmas gifts amongst crafts, photos, paintings and fresh produce - as did I - and we ended up with a few winners for December.

Greer was dead set on getting out to the beach after that. Although the sun was waning, we set out for a little time near the water, and managed to catch a breeze as well. The wind was gusty enough for Greer to wrangle his 20 ft long dragon kite, which flew as far as we could let it out.
Dinner was the capper....some great homemade clam chower, and a little fried cod at the nearby Ship Inn.

Monday dawned early as Greer decided to amble into our bed in his usual way. I sat at our laptop browsing the internet until the draw to escape outside was too much. One of my favorite things to do while we're visiting the coast is to get out early in the morning. Even if it's only to drive through the vacant streets of Astoria to get a cup of coffee and a paper. Something about the quiet of the morning - and the nearby ocean.

Back with two cups of joe and the morning fishwrap, we relaxed in our room. Greer got sucked into Cartoon Network while we freshened up and prepared to enjoy Day Two. Giant breakfast at the Pig and Pancake got the day going on a delicious note. A healthy dose of razor clams, pancakes and fruit was just the ticket. A coastal visit without fresh clams or oysters isn't complete in my book.

More art fare shopping - this time on the Washington side near Chinook. A glass bauble here, a handmade kaleidoscope there....doesn't take much time before the Christmas money evaporates. After we'd busted the bank, we headed north out of Long Beach for another attempt at kite flying. Unfortunately, the wind was fickle and we spent more time running to keep the thing aloft, that sitting back against the wind.

In lieu of flight, we picked up a couple of plastic buckets and quested to build a formidable sandcastle....the type that pushes back the sea...for a while, at least. Back in my earlier days at Neskowin and Rockaway Beach, a would spend the better part of the day digging moats and building a mini-sand metropolis - fortified by wall after wall. Watching the ocean take it's toll was always the payoff....guessing where the tsunami would break through first....and occasionally stepping in for a quick repair.

Greer relished this exercise and quickly became a seasoned foreman on sandcastle construction team. We watched as the first wave soaked way the outside wall and melted the moat. Greer flapped his arms, pointing at the destruction with boyish satisfaction....and then we left it to the sea.

On our way back, we were compelled to stop in Astoria at the Custard King - once again. Wizard burgers, fries and a chocolate milkshake to go. Much like Super King back at home....the King is the Thing.

Another Labor Day, come and gone.