We just returned from our third stay at this amazing hillside home, and loved to be there. The thoughtful owners provide so much: A welcoming loaf of bread and wine, and, on the more utilitarian side, laundry soap, cleaning supplies, a fine assortment of kitchen utensils. Lovely furniture, great bedding, binoculars, books, maps. Bus schedules. Everything. You could spend a day just locating all the extras put there for guest enjoyment.

After our first stay in 2014, I posted a review about the fabulous location, access to town, amazing views. That is all still true. We saw eagles, hawks, pilot boats going to freighters, (and one pilot being lifted by helicopter), fishing boats, deer, and lots of park activity. It’s an easy walk into town and just three blocks from the famous Fort George brewery.

This year, we also found the small path from the Clatsop College parking lot to the Astoria Column. The hike up that trail and then back on the Cathedral Tree was beautiful and doable for seniors. Speaking of seniors, all the facilities of the newly opened downtown Astoria Senior Center are provided to the 55+ folks for $20/year. That includes a variety of classes and social events, plus daily lunch at reasonable fees.

The owners say you must have a car. It makes things easier, but Astoria is served by a quirky looping bus system that runs very close to the house. It takes some skill to figure out Route 10 and Route 101 and some patience to go where the bus wants to go before it goes where you want to go. But if you have the time, it's great. The bus drivers are unfailingly polite and informative. and the taxis in town are available to fill in.

All this for rental rate far better than other offerings in the area. We already have our deposit in for summer 2017.