We’ve been in the midst of a heatwave here in Portland so yesterday we gathered 2 friends and headed out for a boat ride on the Columbia River in search of some relief.
The Columbia River Gorge has a special wind factory all its own so we knew that even though the temperatures were only slightly cooler, all of our sweat would be blown away!
Taking a ride on the Sternwheeler up and down the Columbia river is one of my favorite warm-weather treats. All year I spend time on either side of the river but to be actually on it, out in the middle of this wide and mighty river is a complete joy for me.
The sternwheeler is a triple deck paddle wheeler with a non-steam powered paddle that was built in the 1980s. This ride is a 2 hour afternoon cruise tracing a path of history that includes Lewis and Clark’s expedition, seeing traditional and still active First Nation salmon fishing platforms, the Bonneville Dam and the graceful Bridge of the Gods where Lindbergh flew his dramatic loop in 1927 as he completed his trans-Atlantic flight flying the Spirit of St. Louis.
Bridge of the Gods
fishing platforms
Another highlight for me is watching the world class windsurfers, parachute surfers and water-sporting athletes in action. Because Hood River is one of the top windsurfing destinations of the world, there are always scores of these talented surfers and often races to watch. They are so much fun to watch practicing their jumps and various other impressive collaborations with nature.
below is an 8 second film of a small jump. You can hear the wind and see the speed at which these athletes are moving
IMG_7131 from Ruth Greenberg on Vimeo.
the south portion of the Bonneville Dam
Throughout the ride, there are stunning views all around at all times, eagles and osprey in flight and catching fish and sometimes a nest can be viewed as well and of course always a steady diet of wind!
Knowing I am traveling a path where so many significant happenings have occurred gives me a sense of my place in history as well as a longer perspective of time. Over time, life for humans has changed so much yet in certain fundamental ways humans haven’t changed a whole lot. We still have a wanderlust, seek adventure, have the drive to innovate, we still need each other deeply and regularly and we crave meaningful engagement in our lives.
pulling into dock the ship
I hope you’re having a gentle Sunday and that these beautiful views and cooling vibes make it even better! I went a little crazy with the quantity of photos, thanks for indulging me.
this whimsical gem of a rendering of the Sternwheeler in metal was hidden away but I saw it on the way to the restroom
Looks like a great way to stay cool. We were hit by the heat as well but faired ok.
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So cool
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Amazing...I am in love with your all these lovely photos
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so glad to hear it!
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Nice, looks fun. I have been working on the Sauvie Island Farms u-pick farm the last few days, and it was way too hot. We even closed early some days because no one was coming to pick in that heat.
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oh yes, far too hot to be out in the fields!! I'd melt.
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Looks like it was a great trip and some amazing views! Thanks for sharing! 😃
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Thanks for sharing these stunning photos (Sternwheeler whoa) and coolest vibes. The immensity of those landscapes. I can see and feel that heatwave with you all, heading to the river for cooling breezes.
I can see and feel AND hear as if I was there with you guys. Upvoted and resteemed.
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thanks so very much @healingherb, so great to know the intent reached you and so grateful for your support!
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Amazing views and love the boat! I've been on exactly like that but in New Orleans, going around Mississippi River :D (it was SO hot though in August I remember....!)
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WOW! Columbia seems beautiful, if only I cout visit it someday. I like nature, as you do. :) Look my new a story https://steemit.com/nature/@edith1990/exhibition-of-water-pictures-my-visit
Greeting from Croatia
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Awesome! And what a great coincidence :-) I am holidaying in Devon at the mo, and about 10 minutes ago a steam paddle boat went by and we were talking about how pretty it was.
Maybe we'll all go and have a go on it now :-)
Cryptogee
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I certainly enjoyed the paddle boat ride but will admit that it's not quiet! The scenery is so gorgeous that I find the experience transcendent regardless however. Enjoy your holiday!
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"Over time, life for humans has changed so much yet in certain fundamental ways humans haven’t changed a whole lot. We still have a wanderlust, seek adventure, have the drive to innovate, we still need each other deeply and regularly and we crave meaningful engagement in our lives." -- Ain't that the truth!
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Hi @macksby, so nice to see you here!!
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Nice, is beautifull
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Genial. Vivo el eterno verano del caribe. Sería buena experiencia. Bien por ti. Y gracias por refrescarnos la vista.
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my pleasure, thank you!
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This is damn beautiful
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I have a grandson living in that area. The next time I visit I may have to try an excursion on the Sternwheeler
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you are lucky, there is beautiful. have nice day
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From a few of these shots, the Columbia River almost looks like the Pacific Ocean! Gorgeous day to be out on the water, thanks for sharing. :)
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you're right, and honestly it feels oceanic at times to me because it's one of the widest rivers I've come to know. Thanks for your support!
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There's something to be said for evaporative cooling . Hot with wind is one thing, without wind is another story. The humidity also plays a role in how the heat actually feels. A sauna is a perfect example.
Looks like a nice respite from the heat, and a Sternwheeler nonetheless. Visions of Mark Twain and such come to mind as soon as I saw the picture. The churning of the wheel must have been something. I'm guessing the ionization directly around the churning water would be noticeably higher and promote a general feeling of well being. Waterfalls, Surf, Rain and rapids cause the same effect. The views from the top deck must have been wonderful. I can only imagine but your tour does the next best thing to being there.
That bridge is quite impressive and I had never heard about the celebratory loop to signify completion of Lindbergh's trans-Atlantic flight. That history and the feeling of living in an area so very much a direct part of those happenings must be nice. To know the first nations still fish as they always have there is fantastic. I'm glad to hear that.
Kiteboarders and Windsurfers really like my area of the world as well (Uber windy), so I know just how fun they can be to watch.
We have Ospreys but that's the only eagle. To be able to see the other eagles must be mighty fine.
I like the idea that even though our paths and choices are as diverse and ever changing as they are...some integral things stay very much the same. Thanks for the day-trip.
Great post.
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I forgot what it's called but there is a cool waterfall that you can hike from a rest stop off of the highway that runs down the Columbia River. Do you think the trees were effeced by the heatwave?
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Yes there are beautiful waterfalls with hikes along the columbia...in fact there are many and I've done most of them. I'm sure the trees are affected but will be fine since we had such a wet spring.
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