Fall Coastal Cruise -
October 18th - Port Stop Astoria, Oregon
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Throwing out the lines.
Astoria, Oregon
October 18th 10:46 AM |
The whole process of docking a large floating vessel is pretty fascinating. Watching the entire procedure can give you a good idea about the Captain’s experience. Astoria, Oregon, does not see many cruise ships visit and part of that may be due to the challenge of getting securely tied up here. When we get close enough the crew in the photo above throws out a lightweight line to stevedores on the dock. That line gives them a way to pull the heavy ropes to the cleats that will hold the ship in place.
We are docked in front of another fascination … the
Astoria-Megler Bridge. The Astoria–Megler Bridge (for US Highway 101) is a steel cantilever through truss bridge that spans the lower Columbia River, between Astoria, Oregon, and Point Ellice near Megler, Washington. Opened 52 years ago in 1966, it is the longest continuous truss bridge in North America.
The photo below (by Bob Heims, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) gives some perspective on the bridge. In the distance the Columbia River flows into the Pacific Ocean. There is a famous sand bar known as the Columbia Bar. Wiki says, "The bar is where the river's current dissipates into the Pacific Ocean, often as large standing waves. The waves are partially caused by the deposition of sediment as the river slows, as well as mixing with ocean waves. The waves, wind, and current are hazardous for vessels of all sizes." As we approached the Bar --- both on arrival and departure --- our Captain made official announcements to be prepared for significant motion which might be enough to cause a fall.
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Overview -- Port of Astoria, Oregon
and the Astoria-Megler Bridge
(Photo by Bob Heims - Wiki - Public Domain) |
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Holland America's Eurodam
Docked in Astoria, Oregon, October 18, 2018 |
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Good Golly, Miss Molly?
Yes, she is here. |
Next:
San Diego Sunday
