The Mighty Columbia River - Tuesday, August 1, 2023

This morning's drive from Eugene, Oregon, to Woodland, Washington, was a quick transit. We passed through Portland at 10:00 am and the traffic was very light. 

We couldn't check in at Columbia Riverfront RV Resort until 1:30 pm. It's a good thing there was a rest area just north of Vancouver, Washington. 

We pulled in to the rest area and hung out there until 1 pm. Bob and I checked our emails and tried, in vain, to find a repair person to take a look at our hot water heater. It seems appointments with mobile RV repair people are about a month out.

We made deli turkey sandwiches for lunch. At 1 pm, we shopped for a few items at Walmart and then checked in at the RV park. 

We have a great pull-through site overlooking the Columbia River. So far, we haven't seen any barges or big freighters go by, only small motorboats and sailboats.

At 4:15, we drove 15 minutes to McMenamin's Kalama Harbor Lodge to have dinner with Kerry and Karen Steward. The afternoon was perfect to eat dinner out on the patio overlooking the river. There was a nice breeze. Our waitress was great. She made sure we didn't lack for anything.

After dinner, a walk was needed after sitting in the truck for hours. A nice walking path paralleled the Columbia River. The cruise ship American Spirit was tied up near the restaurant.

Karen and Kerry Steward.

The 140-foot-tall Lelooska Totem Pole below is being restored. When it is finished, it will be on display horizontally in the new Mountain Timber Marketplace being built next door to McMenamin's Kalama Harbor Lodge.

Kerry and Bob standing next to
the Lelooska Totem Pole.

The mighty Columbia River at Kalama, Washington.

The American Spirit cruise ship is here.

The New Public Market is being built.

Kerry, Karen, and Bob.

Kerry, me, and Bob.

The American Spirit.

Multiple freight trains rolled by in
both directions as we walked.

All in all, we relaxed today and enjoyed the company of good friends. We'll be coming through here twice more during our three-month trip so we'll probably have at least one more visit with Kerry and Karen.

JoJo keeping an eye on RV park 
happenings.

The sunset view overlooking the Columbia River from the picture window of our 5th wheel was delightful tonight. Tomorrow morning, we will head to Chimacum, Washington, to the Evergreen Coho SKP RV Park. 

Sunset from our back window.

Sunset from our back window.

Our cruise to Alaska leaves Saturday. We are so excited! It's time to start packing.