Wednesday, August 6, 2008

Down By The Riverside

While my out-of-state family was here we tried to share bits and pieces of our community with them. There wasn't enough time to do all of the things we wanted to do together. We already have a list for next time. One evening my sweetheart decided to take my cousin and I to a nearby state park on the banks of the Willamette River. This river meanders through western Oregon, heading north until it empties into the Columbia River that flows into the Pacific Ocean.

We live on a main street that runs through our town from the south, ending on the north at the river. At the end of our street is a beautiful state park that provides a relaxing place for picnics, walks along trails through beautiful trees and a boat ramp that is used by many boaters. One evening after work my sweetheart wanted to check out the boat ramp for future launches on the river. My cousin and I decided to tag along. And we were glad we did. It was a beautiful day and the temperature was perfect!The banks of the river near the ramp have been stabilized with very big tires. Some of them provide a viewing spot that was perfect for our inspection.From our vantage point we could see the vintage-style ferry downriver a bit. Many years ago ferries transported travellers all along the river. Bridges have replaced nearly all of the old ferries. This is one of two ferries that still operate on the river.Just across from where we stood it appeared that all was still and quiet on the river. But sometimes appearances are deceiving. The river was buzzing with activity. Ski boats and skiers.And jet skis.Upriver the water reflected the sun in the west. It wouldn't be long until sunset.On the way back to the car we paused for a few minutes to enjoy the beauty along the river a bit longer. Delicate little wildflowers were in bloom.A trail along the riverbank, through the big trees, captured our imaginations. Daylight would soon slip away. Time didn't allow us to explore along the trail.High overhead blue sky and fascinating cloud formations showed through the trees. A reminder that we were surrounded by beauty. Down by the riverside.A few days later we returned to this spot with my sweetheart's little fishing boat for a 'cruise' on the river. What an adventure we had! But that's another story. For another day.

11 comments:

  1. oh, such a lovely spot...great photos ! So glad you had such fun with your family....
    love, bj

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  2. What a beautiful place to walk and explore. We feel so blessed to live on a lake - it's such a feeling of serenity sitting by the water. Blessings, marlene

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  3. Beautiful pics, Adrianne... I specially enjoyed the one with that lovely trail along the riverbank.... just so peaceful and beautiful! Thanks for sharing...

    Hugs

    cielo

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  4. What a beautiful and peaceful place to visit! It looks nice and cool, too.
    ~Kelli

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  5. Hi there NW Friend!
    Loved your post this morning, the rivers here in our blessed part of the nation are so beautiful! We were just up at Lake Cushman, and now we are going to take the boat out in the sound, I love being any where near the water! It is a calming experience, close to God, close to his creation!

    Hope your having a beautiful Wed. with your dear hubby!
    XO,
    DL

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  6. I have a little award for you on my blog today.

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  7. Morning Adrienne. Thanks for popping in this morning to share in my joyful finds. I love any old siler/silver plate utensils. You can always use them somewhere.
    Be a sweetie,
    shelia ;)

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  8. Beautiful post and a lovely river! Even through the city, it retains much of it's wildness and charm. We took the jet boat excursion from OMSI a few years ago and enjoyed it very much.

    LaTeaDah

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  9. Gorgeous! Thank you for taking us along with you to the river!

    hugs,
    Becky

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  10. Amazing photograpy, it looks so beautiful and peaceful, sounds like a wonder trip :)

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  11. What a beautiful spot of earth! There is nothing more soothing to me than being by water and I enjoyed your pictures so much, Adrienne. Thank you for sharing!

    Hugs,
    Lallee

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