September Walking

"September mornings still can make me feel that way...". Parts of this old Neil Diamond song always run through my head this time of year. As a teenager, I had a little 75 of this song with "I'm a Believer" on the flip side. Haven't had it in years, but that song is still right there with me every September. The beginning of fall. The beginning of crispness, and wispy fireplace smoke in the air; apple harvests and warm sweaters.
September in Astoria has not been that way this far. Our average temperature, in the summertime, is in the high 60's, but so far, this September, we are having incredible blue sky days with the temps in the mid 70's and the water sparkling under the sunny skies. Days where you have to get out, take advantage of the blessings Mother Nature is bestowing on us. After work the other day, I grabbed my camera and took myself down to the waterfront. We have a wooden riverwalk that runs the length of our town (I think it's about 4 miles) all along the Columbia River. When you're walking you hear the sounds of footsteps, bike tires and the Trolley's steel tires clanking against the old wooden boardwalk and railroad tracks. Water splashing and sloshing under the piers and against the ancient wooden pilings in the river. Seagulls sqwauking, people talking, laughing, calling for children to keep up, to get away from the edge of the river. Dogs stroll along with us, people sit on the benches, waiting for the Trolley with it's clanging bell to pick them up and carry them farther down the tracks. Ships blast their horns at other ships, greeting them or warning them that they're coming through. The Pilot Boat guns his engine as he makes his way out to help a larger ship through the dangerous channel. The Coast Guard helicopters fly over, keeping our waters and our fisherman safe for another day. As you walk along, different delicious smells from the eateries and brew pubs along the way tantalize your senses. The sound of clinking silverware and music from these establishments tickle your ears. The barking of Sea Lions as they growl back and forth at each other is a source of entertainment, and the never-ending ocean breeze whispers through your hair. A better walk in all the world you will not find. Come along with me today. Open your senses and enjoy our town.














I hope you enjoyed your visit. Thanks so much for walking with me, it's always nice to have a friend or two along to soak in the sites of our little town.

Happy Glorious September All!