As we eat lunch, a ship comes up the Columbia River.
Columbia River Paddle Continued
On the third day we paddled the Columbia
River using a shuttle to make it a one way
trip down river. Along the way we saw
several waterfalls.
On our first day, our self proclaimed scout (seated on the log) selected a "sandy spot" with promises that mud was not a
problem for getting out of our kayaks and going to his selected picnic spot.
The trees on the Columbia River were just beginning to leaf. It should be much prettier in a couple weeks.
There were old buildings and old ships along the river. This is not a heavily populated area.
Getting in and out of a kayak without falling in is a challenge. Below, Felix is assisted by Rene and Michael.
Saved from an embarrassing photo op, Felix
returned the favor for Peggy (right) and Claudia
(below).
After a challenging
exit, Lydia's prince
charming made her
exit look like an
acrobatic display.
Michael's pleasant
smile might have
something to do with
the fact that Lydia
added ten inches to
her bust line on this
paddle trip.
Our thanks to Cecil and Peggy for the many hours they spent organizing this event. They arranged for
accommodations, food, and all the paddles and every aspect of the trip was first rate.
Generally, we could not see all the way across the river because of the many islands in the river. One of our crossings
from one island to another island was a mile long. On the way back, the wind picked up and we paddled through some
white caps. So why do my pictures always show calm water? Is it a cover up? No way. When the going gets
tough, the camera sits on the spray skirt and we paddle like crazy.
Below, we stop for lunch. Jackie is over joyed to be off the water for a few minutes. (Photo by Ravel.)