Rented an apartment above the old hardward store in downtown Ilwaco back in the summer of 93, while working as a humble and happy fishchecker. Ah the memories of hearing the trailers squeek by every morning and the smell of the ocean air from my bedroom window. Only if one could survive on simple income, I would still be running the docks down there. I suppose we all have to grow up some time.

Anyway, the Colonial is a good bet. The hotel/motels in nearby Longbeach are probably already booked for the third and fourth weekends in August, and whatever rooms are left over are bumped up in price for the Kite Festival crowd. If Ilwaco doesn't work out there's numerous motels in Astoria that are more reasonable in price and not far from the launches.

Good luck, I'll be down there for some diver/chovie fishing the 24th - 27th. Can't wait.

BD