Thursday, June 20, 2013

Rollin' On the River

We went on a cruise on the Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge today - out of Cascade Locks.  I made the arrangements for the familiarization trip nearly 30 years ago and our volunteers for Vista House and Multnomah Falls are able to do this every year.  Last year we took our older grandsons and this year we took the littlest ones and their mom, Kristi.  We've have better weather, it was cloudy and coolish today, but what the heck, we had a great day!
Our DIL Kristi and Caleb, 4 and Hayden, 5 in the bow of the boat on the 2nd level, there are 3. 
The boys had a faboo time!  That is the Bridge of the Gods beyond. 
A shot of the Captain in the Wheelhouse. 
It's fun to stand above the moving paddle wheel and know it's moving us along the river. 
The Bridge of the Gods is really quite beautiful.  There is a legend that in ancient times there was a natural rock bridge over the river that the native peoples used.  There is a lot of skepticism on that legend. :-) 
Behind the little island covered with Cormorants is the back of Bonneville Dam. 
We passed rather closely to an Indian fishing platform - some guys were pulling up some big salmon.  Fishing rights were granted under treaties between the US Government and the local tribes. 
The weather was fair enough that a lot of people enjoyed being outside most of the 3 hours we were cruising along. 
:-) 
We bought the boys and Kristi each a hotdog - Caleb was yumming on his! 
Dayle and I took the boys up to the wheelhouse and the nice lady Captain let them steer. :-)  They wanted to blow the whistle but that didn't fly. :-) 
5 of the Vista House Volunteers dressed in period outfits - Hazel on the left and my old friend Diane on the right.  She and I were dairy goat 4-H leaders together for 5 years. 
Rollin' on the river.. my 2 little skippers. 

They have a photographer take photos as you board the ship and then she comes around with them for sale.  DIL and 2 kidlets. 
Our Multnomah Falls group.
We drove around the marina to where we like to park and enjoy the river - Dayle snapped this photo and the next one for me. 
When we bought our sailboat, Stargazer, we moored her here for 2 years.  We'd sail to a large protected cove upriver about a mile and drop anchor and enjoy the peace and quiet for days.  We'd have the hatch open over the bed and watch the stars and the moon out of the back companionway "door". 
We're home now and relaxing.  This having fun stuff is sure a lot of work. :-)  Have a great weekend!!  ((hugs)), Teresa :-) 

20 comments:

  1. Your photos always make me want to go to Oregon! Such beautiful country where you live!! We took a paddle wheel boat trip when we were in New Orleans. Looks like the kidlets really had a good time!!!
    Such wonderful pics!!
    xo Kris

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  2. What a fun filled day. I just love hearing all about your trips around Oregon....it's so pretty there. Looks like the weather was on the chilly side....I so wish we were having cooler spells like that....it is so HOT here!
    Hugs, Shari

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  3. Looks like a fun day was had by all. Thanks for the photographic tour! Beautiful area! :)

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  4. Your pictures are like post cards, many could be made into puzzles, they are that beautiful. Your grandchildren will have many wonderful memories of grandparents who included them in so many great outings. You make my head swim with all that you do. Seems like all I do around here anymore is mow the grass and trim with the weed eater. I did manage to babysit 2 days for my grandson, which was a complete joy. It was such a nice change of pace and he is walking now, all over the place and I am wore out in the first half hour, lol.
    As always,
    Susanne :)

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  5. Between you great photos and interesting travelogue I felt like I was right there with you, Teresa! Thanks for sharing the trip with us! It is much hotter and dryer here in Sonoma, CA, ...a different kind of beautiful, but even though I am enjoying my stay here, your report reminds me how good it will be to drive home in two weeks :-)
    xx,
    Gracie

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  6. What a fun trip Teresa. That is a really great boat and the boys must have felt like little captains being allowed to steer. Enjoy the upcoming weekend, Jane x

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  7. Hi Teresa,That boat looks straight out of a movie or something!!!It's just beautiful!!!What a beautiful place you live in!!!Hope you have a fun filled weekend with your family!!!
    Love
    AMarie

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  8. Beautiful photos Teresa, I love the ones of your Grandsons, and the one of all of you together and you with your beautiful shawl on. It looks like it was a wonderful day.
    Happy Weekend,
    Meredith

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  9. It looks like you had a very fun trip. Lovely photos. Hugs Judy

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  10. Such a fun post Teresa! The boys look like they were having a wonderful time-especially steering the boat! Many times on my drive to Portland through the gorge I see this beautiful boat plying the water of the Mighty Columbia. We're having the cool and rain too but that's supposed to improve today.

    Blessings,
    Betsy

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  11. Teresa,

    I love the boat. Too much fun. Found you through Kris at Simplify.

    Hugs,

    Valerie
    Cottage Making Mommy
    www.lovingmyheartandhome.blogspot.com

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  12. Whaha I would totally want to blow the wistle as well!

    x

    Marielle

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  13. That was SO neat of the captain to let the boys take a turn at the wheel--what an unforgettable experience for them! I love this area of the Columbia River - it is so beautiful. I always imagine what my pioneer ancestors would have been thinking as they came out of the drier, brown sections of the river and into the western part of the Gorge...
    BTW, it was awesome to see things from the river for a change--loved it:)
    Blessings,
    Aimee
    PS: Did you hear the rumor about us getting some sunshine later today? Crossing my fingers that it is true:)

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  14. That looks like such a great cruise!

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  15. I have always rather wanted to sail on a paddle steamer, I'm sure it comes from when I read Huckleberry Finn as a child!

    Those boys of yours look like they are having a great time steering the boat, and the photo of you all together is lovely.

    Have a relaxing weekend Teresa!

    Helenxx

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  16. What a wonderful family day out! I love all your photos, the paddle steamer is so fascinating to see, love that it's painted red, white and blue too. Hope you're having a nice easy weekend, Teresa, with plenty of time to relax!
    Helen x

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  17. What a great adventure, Teresa! Beautiful photos.

    xo
    Claudia

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  18. Your photos and descriptions continue to be so very entertaining Teresa. What a wonderful time you all had. You're right about having fun being tiring. We are just back from a few days with family. Had a wonderful few days (it was Harry's eighth birthday today ) but boy am I tired and should have gone to bed but trying to catch up!!! Hugs Anne x

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  19. This looks like such a fun day! The boys were having a blast, I can tell. How nice that you were all able to do this together, I am sure that the boys will always remember it!

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  20. I do love paddle boats. On a hot day, it's great to stand near the paddle and let the water spray you. I'm sure the boys were in heaven!

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