Author Archives: Carol Merwin

Every walk along the Riverwalk is unique. Rapid shifts in weather, ships moving, minute-by-minute changes in the clouds and the quality of light, seasonal changes, water level changing with the ocean tides, birds and animals migrating – there is always … Continue reading →

Astoria has a story to tell about its history, given that it is the oldest American settlement  west of the Rocky Mountains. Before the American settlement there were Native Americans who lived sustainably in the area for hundreds of years … Continue reading →

When you walk into someone’s home, the things you see give an indication of their personality, interests, tastes, travels, etc. Likewise, walking around Astoria gives a sense of the unique personality of this place. I have come to love the … Continue reading →

The place to view maritime artifacts in Astoria is the Columbia River Maritime Museum. It is home to artifacts large and small, displayed in the outdoor courtyard and inside the museum. The outside artifacts are popular photo opportunities; people in … Continue reading →

There are beautiful tree-lined streets, steep inclines and staircases, and walking paths on city right-of-ways. There are a surprising number of paths that take you through beautiful, mature trees within a short walking distance from downtown. The Astoria Riverwalk is … Continue reading →

The intricacy and variety in the architecture of homes and businesses in Astoria is fantastic. These are some doorways and entryways that have captured my imagination during walks around town. Every building has a story, with the entrance its opening … Continue reading →

  Even a difficult day holds a moment of joy, as the sun sits low in the sky, lighting up the brilliant color of flower petals in the garden. The brief instant of magic sets things right. © 2024 Carol … Continue reading →

Poem 133: The Summer Day Who made the world? Who made the swan, and the black bear? Who made the grasshopper? This grasshopper, I mean— the one who has flung herself out of the grass, the one who is eating … Continue reading →

Friends laugh when we walk together and say things like, “Carol, did you just take a picture of a dumpster?” and I’ll laugh because my answer is “yes”. The weather created by the Columbia River meeting the Pacific Ocean can … Continue reading →

Why I look at the sky… There are days when Astoria has grey skies. Some days a color photograph looks like it was done in black and white. Some days you can’t tell where the water and land stop, and … Continue reading →