Longview, WA

(Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

This morning I "flew a mission" on the Beemer to Longview, WA, the northern-most city in my sales territory. Longview is situated on the Columbia River about halfway between Portland and the ocean. It's on the confluence of the Columbia and Cowlitz Rivers. Mt. St. Helens is about 40 miles to the east. I hope to do a post after riding to Mt. St. Helens but that will have to wait until the spring.

(Marquam Bridge. Photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Thick cloud cover was on order for the first half of the day and the temperature was in the mid 50's this morning for the 60 mile trip north on I-5. There was a brief sun-break while crossing the upper deck of the Marquam Bridge in Portland, but the sun wouldn't make it's full appearance until after 2 pm.

 

This photo was taken of Longview later in the afternoon from the Oregon side of the Columbia looking northeast. In the distance you can see the plume coming from the wood mill. As with many towns in the Northwest, the wood mill was the reason Longview was founded. The Lewis & Clark Bridge connects the two states.

The Columbia winding out to sea. I wonder what it looked like for Lewis & Clark.

Here's the library which has a an old park with large trees in the square across the street. If you look closely you'll see a small rectangular sign hanging almost directly over the bike. It says, "Nutty Narrows Bridge". This is the street crossing for the park's squirrels. I forgot to get a closer shot of it.

In the early 20's when Longview was built, it had the distinction of being the only planned city built entirely with private funds. Located on the south side of town this is Lake Sacajawea which was a former slough.

Back home in Oregon here's a lake along Hwy 30 which runs along the Columbia. This is a natural habitat with interesting wildlife. Should've had the 30D and long lens. Next time.

Almost home and realizing that the Beemer will probably spend tomorrow in the garage. Rain is in the forecast all day.

Stay tuned for a visit to the Northwest section of Portland.