Sunday, June 18, 2006
Day 0 - Astoria, Oregon - June 18th, 2006
Weather: Sunny with high clouds. Mid 60sF (21C)
Location: Astoria, Oregon
Miles per day: 24.44
Average miles per hour: 14.04
Today was official wheel dipping day at Fort Stevens, Warrenton,Oregon at the mouth of the Colombia River. Over 100 years ago, young soldiers dressed in Union blue stood watch over Fort Stevens at the mouth of the Columbia River. Originally commissioned as a Civil War fortification in 1863, Fort Stevens was deactivated as a military fort shortly after World War II. TRIVIA: Fort Stevens enjoys the distinction of being the only military installation in the continental United States to be fired on since the War of 1812. On the night of June 21, 1942, the Fort was the target of a Japanese submarine which fired 17 shells in the vicinity of the Fort. The shelling caused no damage and Fort Stevens did not return fire.
It has fabulous bike trails and provides the opportunity to get lost easily which I managed quite nicely. I wonder how I will find Portsmouth, NH at this rate.
Tomorrow begins the official trip - watch this space.
