Today we took a "Lewis & Clark Expedition" train to Astoria with my family - Dad, stepmom Lisa, stepsiblings Brad and Vanessa, aunt Janice, David and I. We left the house at the insane hour of 6:45 AM, as the train departed at 7:50 from somewhere near St. Helens. The trip had been planned months ago as a celebration of Dad and Lisa's anniversary (Sept. 16) and ours (Sept. 18).
The train went about 30 mph, so it took over four hours to get there. It was a comfy train, with good leg room and food service at our seats. When we arrived, lunch was the first item on the agenda, and we walked down to a great place called the Cannery Cafe. It was de-lish.
Then we went our separate ways, and David and I just walked around for several hours. We saw the historical sights, the boats, and - most importantly - the Goonies house and the school where Kindergarten Cop was filmed. Towards the end we spent some time with a group of barking sea lions lazing around on the dock.
And it was just about that time that the sky opened up. There was thunder and lightning such as is not often seen around these parts, and buckets of rain (we do see that). We made it to Safeway, where we bought a box of Hefty trash bags. While we were in line there was a thunder clap so loud it shook the building and everyone went, "Ooooh!"
Using his trusty pocketknife and finely-tuned survival skills, David fashioned me a lovely raincoat. Then we just walked as fast as possible back to the depot, getting mighty soaked in the process (though my upper half remained perfectly dry!).
On the way home we had dinner on the train (quite tasty), read, chatted, and napped a little. It was a great time with the family and fun to see some of Oregon before we leave it for awhile.