For the past 16 years, Astoria, Warrenton, Seaside and Cannon Beach have been our second home for a week during the month of May. It is a wonderful getaway for mother and daughter. Our annual stay in Cannon Beach at Schooners Cove is lovely. We have enjoyed, year after year, exploring new stores, restaurants and destinations, and enjoy revisiting our favorite places.

This year, while savoring treats and tea at the Danish Maid in Astoria, we learned of the Youngs River Falls. It was a mission we could not ignore. Two adult women seeking adventure is in itself adventurous. We stopped at the Olney Store for a refreshing soda pop and made our way through the beautiful woods to the falls.

Unfortunately, a quick misstep on the trail turned into a frightening situation. Mother fell and a rescue was definitely in order. Thank you to the kind people who stopped to help me as I desperately flagged down the first vehicle I saw. You have no idea how relieved I was that someone was near to help us.

Thank you so sincerely to the fire departments of Astoria and Lewis and Clark. Your arrival to the trail at Youngs River was like seeing angels descend from above. The staff members at Columbia Memorial Hospital were wonderful. Thank you for providing such good care to my mom. Mother was stabilized, and I transported her back home to Washington. She underwent surgery at St. Peter’s Hospital in Olympia, Wash., and will be walking again soon.

We will return next May to greet your community with open arms, as we do every year. We will stroll along your sidewalks, taste the Danishes, shop the shops and feel the warm welcome we always do. As for Youngs River Falls, well, we’ll trust they keep falling without us.

Thank you again. See you next May.

LORI MAKI

Aberdeen, Wash.