Fort Stevens is an Oregon State Park at the northernmost part of the state’s coastline, near Astoria. Although my parents have lived in the Pacific Northwest for more than a decade now, I only recently heard about it – specifically its beach with the remains of a shipwreck from 1906.

The Peter Iredale ran aground in 1906
So, here are a few things I love to photograph: beaches, ships and old, rusty beat-up things.

The more rust the better, as far as I’m concerned… at least in photographs!
Since this beach featured all three in one handy package, I decided this was a place I needed to go – and being so near to my parents’ house, I figured it would be a great place for Pumpkin to see the Pacific Ocean for the first time.

Due to the region’s unpredictable weather, this region is known as the Graveyard of the Pacific – it’s beautiful on a clear day though!
However, with our next planned trip to the States being in the winter, I figured the excursion would have to wait a while. This area of coastline is no place for a baby in the winter!

My dad says the shipwreck looks pretty much the same as it did when he came here when he was younger
Of course, that all changed with my recent, unplanned visit to the US. So today, my parents and I decided to get away from it all for a few hours and take Baby to the beach for the first time.

Family selfie
Unfortunately, the only camera I have on this trip is the one on my phone – so the pictures aren’t as great as I’d like… but that just means we’ll have to come back some day!

The view on the way to the State Park – looking West from Hwy 1010

I’ve rediscovered my love for my Hana wrap. Also, look at that cheeky little smile!

Apparently, much of the ship was sold for scrap in the 60s, which is why there isn’t more of it left

The ship’s captain made this final toast to the vessel: “May God bless you, and may your bones bleach in the sands.”
On our way home, we headed to the Pig ‘n’ Pancake in Astoria for dinner. Hubby and I always try to plan our trips to Astoria so we can have a meal there. So, even though he’s not with us this time, I figured we’d better stop there anyway.

She’s really beginning to figure out this whole high chair thing.
Love the photos of you and Pumpkin and G’ma and G’pa at the beach! I had to call them that at least once in a public forum. I’m hoping it goes viral!
Ha! I’m pretty sure it won’t stick – Mum’s pretty convinced that it won’t!