Jim and Babette in Astoria, Oregon

Jim and Babette in Astoria with the Astoria Column in the background.

The Astoria Column overlooks the mouth of the Columbia River on Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon. Built in 1926, the concrete and steel structure is part of a 30-acre city park. 

The column has a 164-step spiral staircase ascending to an observation deck at the top and was added to the National Register of Historic Places May 2, 1974.

From: Wikipedia

 The Astoria Column is an artful summary of the triumphs, conflicts, and turning points of the frontier – pieces of American Indian, U.S. and Oregon history.

Standing at the top of the Astoria Column, you can envision the hardships, bravery, and awe experienced by the first people to live in this corner of the world. 

From: Astoriacolumn.org

Babette refused to "go out on the ledge!"