The Relief of Cooling Winds and Beautiful Views on the Mighty Columbia

in #nature8 years ago

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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!

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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.

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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
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fishing platforms
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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.

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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!

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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
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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.

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this whimsical gem of a rendering of the Sternwheeler in metal was hidden away but I saw it on the way to the restroom
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Looks like a great way to stay cool. We were hit by the heat as well but faired ok.

So cool

Amazing...I am in love with your all these lovely photos

so glad to hear it!

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.

oh yes, far too hot to be out in the fields!! I'd melt.

Looks like it was a great trip and some amazing views! Thanks for sharing! 😃

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.

thanks so very much @healingherb, so great to know the intent reached you and so grateful for your support!

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....!)

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

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

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!

"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!

Hi @macksby, so nice to see you here!!