August 7th: It was pretty hot today, so we made a couple trips to the river where the cooling breeze was very welcome.
On our morning trip, as we were parked and enjoying the breeze, I looked across the river - and saw what I thought was a raft, and said, "What on earth is a raft doing cruising down the Columbia River dangerously close to the shipping channel?" Holland followed my gaze and said it was a mini tug.
I've never heard of … or seen … a mini tug before; they are little.
Turning my eyes from the mini tug as it rounded the river's bend, I saw two large tug boats making their way speedily upriver from Portland-OR. They passed right in front of us, cruising through the fishing boats gathered to angle for salmon.
I started laughing as they cruised by, saying they look like giant house slippers - I know: I am a weirdo, and I own that ;-)
Following in the wake waves, were two older cabin cruisers with dinghy's.
Leaving Austin Point, we noticed that the osprey nest was still empty (there had been no youngster activity when we drove in, either): the fledglings have flown on sun-warmed wings.
This is the third day we have noticed that the nest is empty most of the day; I am happy for the maturing birds, even though I am missing seeing them there everyday.
Life moves forward - theirs, as well as ours :-)
Driving the back dike homeward, we passed a 'honey for sale' sign; so, Holland backtracked and we carried honey jars and honey samples back to the motel room, with us.
We have been trying for months to buy local honey, in various locations: I am glad we were able to make purchase this afternoon.
Relaxing and trying to stay cool, in the motel room, I went online to check out some more things to do in the general area - a Park in La Center came up … and I think I will do that tomorrow.
It looks interesting ;-)
It was still stifling warm, so we drove back down to the river just before sunset; and spent about an hour there.
Though the sky told us there was smoke in the air, it did not hurt our lungs.
Thank You, Yeshua ;-)
