Saturday 4/27/2019
About noon we departed Salpare Bay Marina on the Columbia River, Portland headed 100 miles down river to Astoria to wait for a favorable weather window to run north bound in the Pacific to Neah Bay and on into the Straights of Juan de Fuca.
We were unable to see the river from the marina, and while we knew it was breezy, we did not expect the waves and chop that faced us on the river.
We encountered 3’waves with about 4-5 second period. The current was
running about 4 knots, against a 25mph wind from the northwest. Conditions were
less than desirable but doable. At times the river became flat calm, only to
rear its ugly head around the next bend or two.This is spray not rain.
Our overnight destination was Walker Island, the half way
point between Portland and Astoria. Walker Island is described as one of the
jewels of the Columbia River and one of our favorite spots.
The dock is owned
and maintained by the Columbia River Yacht Club who welcome other boaters when
not in use by club members. This windy evening, the dock was deserted. The
stiff breeze blowing against the strong current made docking a greater
challenge than normal, but mission was safely accomplished.
This moorage is sheltered from all but NW winds. Conditions were choppy until the sun set and the water and winds became calm.
We spent Happy Hour in our pilot house watching the local wildlife. Two ospreys were nesting on one of the pilings alongside of the boat.
They were very industrious, working furiously to build their nest. It was fascinating to watch them flying with twigs as large as themselves. One would bring the twigs and the other would push and pull it into a position that they were happy with and so the procedure continued.
A few geese were swimming around and as we tied up, we noticed a goose egg sitting precariously at the edge of the dock.
It appeared abandoned and although a goose might sit somewhat removed from the egg, none of the sat on the egg. No parent of the year award here!
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