Astoria, and the end of our westbound odyssey! I went ahead and set up our campground on the Washington shore, just across the bridge from Oregon,

then returned to await Russ’s arrival at the Columbia River Maritime Museum, on the Riverwalk in Astoria. Of course, I let everyone know that he was arriving. I even approached one of the two Coast Guard cutters that were docked there, and asked the seaman on watch if they might blow their horn when Russ came in. He said that he would need to contact his commanding officer, but returned a couple of minutes later to say that they could do that. 

Russ had texted ahead to let me know when he was getting close, so by the time he came in sight, there were people all up and down the riverwalk that were clapping and cheering, and a good-sized crowd outside the museum. And as soon as they saw him, the Coast Guard horns went off! Russ was delighted, especially when many people came over to shake his hand, congratulate him, and ask about his trip. Even some of the Coast Guard crewmen came down to the dock to talk to him! (And let me tell you, these Coast Guard seamen were serious dudes! This particular ship was known along the west coast all the way down to Central America for its success in intercepting drugs.)

Russ celebrated with a “wee drop” of Redbreast, his favorite Irish whiskey, and then we walked into town for a nice dinner. 

A fine end to the Trans-America Bike Route!