Hot Springs and Serendipity

Hello my friends!  My friend Gracie and I headed off for lunch on Wednesday and then to the hot springs for our lap swimming.. we dined at Big T's in Stevenson and Gracie spotted the American Empress in the distance from the restaurant.  So, after lunch we took a detour down to the dock so we could get a better look.  First a shot of the stern of the boat.  All the cruisers had boarded a tour bus to go adventuring, while the hard working crew unloaded refuse and cleaned the boat and began preparing for the evening meal.  

Such a big paddle wheel!

We then drove to Bob's Beach, the neat little park downstream a bit where all the windsurfers launch their craft to ply the river having fun.  I love seeing this big boat on the river!

Then we saw the much smaller Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge heading towards the big boat.. I envisioned a fabulous photo of the two of them together...

Awww.. dang.. it turned before it posed for the perfect photo for me.. and headed back downstream.

I was pleased to see how clean and clear the river is looking.

The park has several oak trees and we picked up a handful of acorns.

I thought it was neat to see a peek of the big ship behind the charming log cabin.. what a juxtaposition of images!  Can you imagine if you were staying in the cabin and had that pretty ship looming off your front deck?

We then drove to Bonneville Hot Springs for a wonderful swim.. the day was hot, in the 90s, the pool was cool and perfect and we even had it mostly to ourselves for our hourlong lap swim!  I must say, the day was a balm to my spirit.  We then drove back over the Bridge of the Gods, picked up a refreshment at the East Wind Drive-In and drove to the Cascade Locks Marine Park to enjoy watching the river.. talk about good timing, the big boat pulled away from it's dock and headed downriver towards Bonneville Locks to go through the locks and head on west to Portland.

I zoomed in to snap a shot of the paddlewheel as it went by.

It was time to head home so we drove down to my little park under the Bridge of the Gods just in time to see the boat go by heading to the dam.

I got home just in time for a lovely dinner prepared by my wonderful DIL Kristi.  Sesame Ginger Salmon, Jasmine Rice and perfectly cooked asparagus.  For the recipe for the marinade and sauce, click here.

I had to share a surprise that arrived the other day -- a gift from Tammy from Kuwait.

What a dear person she is!  She sent me a crocheted washcloth and a darling crocheted coffee cup coaster!  The best part was the heartfelt note she wrote to me.. she always inspires me how she works in the community garden in her city, teaching children different crafts, meeting with friends to crochet and knit and leaving little crocheted gifts in public places for people to find and take home.  Thank you, Tammy!

I am off to swim soon.  Back to LA Fitness - I hope it's not too crowded!  Tomorrow will be an event at Portland Women's Forum.. shall I take some photos to share?  OK, I will!  :-)  A 10 piece band will be playing, that should be fun!  Enjoy your weekend.. make the most of it!  ((hugs)), Teresa :-)