The Astoria Column Oregon

The Astoria Column is an art-covered pillar made of concrete that reaches 125 feet skyward from Coxcomb Hill, overlooking Astoria and the Columbia River. Its observation platform offers a panoramic view for the many visitors who climb the 164 steps of its winding staircase. At its dedication on July 22, 1926, the Astoria Column was described as the “greatest of western monuments.” Over the years, the Column has become an Oregon icon and a source of identity and pride for Astorians. It was listed on the National Register for Historic Places in 1974.

The tower was built in 1926 with financing by the Great Northern Railway and Vincent Astor, the great-grandson of John Jacob Astor, in commemoration of the city's role in the family's business history.

Patterned after the Trajan Column in Rome (and Place Vendôme Column in Paris), the Astoria Column was dedicated on July 22, 1926. The column was one of a series of monuments erected by Great Northern Railway.

The Astoria Column monument tower is located atop Coxcomb Hill. Building and maintaining the Column has been an endeavor requiring the efforts and resources of many over the years. It stands today as one of the finest tributes in America to those who built the West.

• Location          Coxcomb Hill in Astoria, Oregon U.S.
• Built                 1926
• Height             125 Foot Tall
• Added to NRHP          May 2, 1974  

Fees : Visiting the park or climbing the Column is free. Parking is $5 per vehicle, which is good for one year.

Park Hours : Open Daily from 5am – 10pm

Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls Seattle Washington

Snoqualmie Falls is a 268-foot  waterfall in the northwest United States, located east of Seattle on the Snoqualmie River between Snoqualmie and Fall City, Washington. It is one of Washington's most popular scenic attractions, but is perhaps best known internationally for its appearance in the cult television series Twin Peaks.

Snoqualmie Falls is the most famous waterfall in Washington state for sightseeing, hiking, and wedding functions. It is 268 feet high with the width ranging from 50 to 150 feet, depending on water levels.

The top of the waterfall is less than 100 yards (90 m) from the parking lot, which has a gift shop and rest rooms. The main views are from the side of the falls, with a fence separating visitors from the edge of a cliff. More than 1.5 million visitors come to the Falls every year, where there is a two-acre  park, an observation deck, , the Salish Lodge and a gift shop.

Also, The short trail to the base of Snoqualmie Falls during high water levels is really more of an experience than a true hike. The trail is a tourist stroll on a nice day, but the falls often are at their most dramatic during bad weather.

The nature trail to the river begins a few yards from the observation platform and it is well-signed. Though very short, the trail is scenic as it descends through old trees to the powerhouse and views from below. The trail continues behind the powerhouse (this section is enclosed with fencing) to a boardwalk that leads toward the base of the falls. At the powerhouse, look through the windows to view the turbines generating power.

Veyyalur Mariamman Koil

 Vazhakollai Mariamman Kovil

Vayalur / Veyyalore is a Village in Keerapalayam Block in Cuddalore District of Tamil Nadu State, India. It is located 51 KM towards South from District headquarters Cuddalore.

There is a small temple which is very beautiful surrounded by paddy fields.

Veyyalore Mariamman Kovil - Village Temple  ( மாரியம்மன் கோயில் )

This village can be reached by road which is very near to Chidambaram

Veyyalore Bus Stop - Sethiyathope-Maduranthaganallur-Chidambaram Road; Veyyalur.

0.7 KM distance     

Vazhaikollai Bus Stop- Sethiyathopu-Kattumannarkudi Rd; Vazhakollai.

0.9 KM distance