Sunday, 2 October 2016
Although Allan had planned to go boating, instead he went shopping across the river and scouted about for a future paddle. In his words:
After picking some groceries I went to check out a future boat trip maybe. It’s about an hour away which is a similar distance as Deep River or Raymond. Google Maps show a network of waterways along the Columbia River in Brownsmead but guide sites have little to say about where to launch. I read about their system of dikes and tide gates that allow farming and a dairy industry.
One guide suggested the Knappa dock.
I went further east and found a small community by the railroad crossing on Blind Slough. The old railroad ran again recently carrying passengers from 2002 to 2005 but landslides have since closed it.
Todd asked if it it was the same line as the one in Clatskanie as they both have open swing bridges. I traced it back and it is.
The riverbank is steep, the dock is high but it would work for a lightweight boat, maybe.
The countryside was quiet except for the cows. A rainbow appeared as I headed for the center of Brownsmead.
Here is their Grange.
All the launches so far looked like a boot full of water as the banks are near vertical. After a few more trips down dead end roads (such as the GPS showing Bug Hole Road going through, but it didn’t) I came across a private boat ramp that the owner will share.
Since it was private I edited the owner’s name off the sign.
It looks like a good one for the future, when the weather and tides are good, and the motivation is there.
Monday, 3 October 2016
Allan began the project of readying the diagonal arbor that is near our west side neighbour’s garage and parking area to receive the two remaining metal fence panels.
And, as you know from yesterday’s post, he installed the new Clinton sign up in what we hope is a vandal proof way.
Tomorrow: Our great big three day work week commences, depending on the weather.
Good scouting from the potential paddler.
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