OREGON RIVER RATS

Columbia River exploring in Falcon was amazing.  We anchored near Miller Sands twice and explored a sandy bluff, walked end to end along the beach, and wound our way to a hidden lagoon with lush marshlands covered with acres of pink spiky flowers. Another morning we took the dinghy along the perfectly curved Welcome Slough on Puget Island. Our ten days cruising the Columbia was heaven and confirmed how much we love the intimacy of rivers and their secluded anchorages.

Some house boats needed a little work....

Though on a river, there was still tidal flow to deal with.

Duck hunter's cabin called Paradise.

We saw a few falcon nests at the top of the channel markers.

Leisurely mornings spent puttering around exploring by dinghy and afternoons sailing downwind. Sigh!  We even picked and ate juicy blackberries by the handful and made blackberry banana smoothies back to Falcon. So good!  Are we allowed to enjoy ourselves this much?

Who knew!

Now how did that rock get there!  An old cannery sits behind.

A very happy river captain.

For our ten days cruising we had mostly mild temperatures with few bugs to bug us; sailing downwind three days in a row was relaxing with 22 knots apparent wind; the company was outstanding and the scenery was spectacular.  We have just one question…. Where are all the other boaters or cruisers?

Welcome Slough was full of boats and homes.

And even a church.

Maybe they should have propped up the floats before renovating.

Lots of old derelict boats of all types were hidden in Welcome Slough.

We saw lots of these massive sand beaches and bluffs.

Like the Sacramento, windsurfers love it.  But not near the crowds.

This tug is pushing three barges full of wood chips.

Lots of the sand bluffs had these river  barricades not far away
 built to prevent the sand from drifting into the channel.
There's another falcon next near the red triangle.

Mornings were often foggy, afternoons sunny and evenings cloudy.

Yes - that's clear cutting of lumber on the Washington side.

Busy highway!

We were stunned at this amazing hidden lagoon with all its foliage.

Apparently we weren't the only ones eating blackberries!

Now how did that freighter get there?

We returned to Astoria on Thursday, August 4th and had an early 24th anniversary dinner at the Bridgeway Bistro next to our marina.  Since we’ll be travelling on Monday, our actual anniversary, we thought we should celebrate while we had the chance. The menu was outstanding – we shared a variety of appies and three little sampler desserts including lavender cheesecake. Meanwhile, we’re sitting in an exquisitely renovated old converted waterfront warehouse with wrap around decks and floor to ceiling windows.  We’re watching the freighters motor by, bound for the Columbia River bar. We’ll be doing the same in a couple of days when we continue our voyage up the Washington coast to Westport in Grays Harbor.

Our home port of Victoria is getting closer. We can’t believe our cruise from Mexico is almost over. But rest assured we’ll make the best of it while we work our way home to family and friends.  Until then….

Jim and Tricia Bowen
S/V Falcon VII
email: tandjbowen13@gmail.com.