The Astoria-Megler Bridge spans the Columbia River, joining the states of Oregon and Washington. It soars 196 feet above the water (at high tide) and stretches just over four miles from shore to shore. It’s quite a thrill for anyone with a fear of heights.
We arrived at Washington’s Bay Center KOA Saturday afternoon in plenty of time to get our chores finished. Clean sheets, clean towels and clean clothes. Our Sunday schedule was completely free.
What should we do? Reg had a thought. “Let’s go to the hardware store. We can look for that new toilet brush you’ve been wanting.” Off we went to the nearby town of Raymond where we found an ACE Hardware Store with exactly what I wanted.
Hoping for something more entertaining, I suggested we check out the Northwest Carriage Museum. This nonprofit museum opened in 2002 with a donation of 21 horse-drawn vehicles from a local couple. The front of the building, “The Barn,” was added in 2015. Currently there are over 60 vehicles and related artifacts.
Inside is a treasure trove of beautifully restored carriages, wagons, buggies and sleighs from bygone days. I’ve got to say, we were completely surprised at the quality and variety of this collection.
Our day was saved. We loved wandering through this totally unexpected exhibit of history. I found the period clothing almost as much fun to look at as the carriages.
If you ever find yourself traveling up Highway 101 through Washington, plan to stop at the Northwest Carriage Museum…and pop in for a snack and a look around at the cute little coffee/gift shop next door.
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