Paddling under the covers in Portland

One benefit of this winter is that some of the small rivers and creeks that become murky in the summer are now flowing with fresh water.  I lived in Portland for 5 years before moving to Bend but I had not paddled the Columbia Slough near Whitaker Ponds until this weekend. Given the huge truck and trailer, I arrived at the meet up location a couple hours early. Did a bit of computer work in the new camper to the sounds of a territorial rooster in the park. He walked around the grounds of Whitaker natural area like he owned it. His morning wake up call rustled some of the folks that make their homes in the bushes and banks of the Columbia Slough. Homeless in Portland is no easy task. Wet, muddy and cold is how I described the look of a few individuals that I saw leaving their makeshift shelters hidden in the forest. Yet, they may be closer to the nature of this town than most. A lot has changed in Portland since I lived there. As with any urban area, the waterways are a good indicator of the health of a city. We saw beauty but also a lot of bruises on the Columbia Slough. Thanks to the crew at Next Adventure in Portland OR for setting up this outing.

I met some great new paddling friends. Here is Steve paddling a 1999 Falcon 18 from Eddyline that he picked up as a 3rd user for the great deal of $1000. Eighteen years later, I'd say this kayak is aging with Beauty!

Sad to say that some of this Slough did not share the same beauty. I've heard there are resources and clean-ups in motion and that is great. I'l like to think that each new paddler brought to the Columbia Slough will feel a deeper connection to the watershed. They might push back at some of the less harmonious industrial practices (not all) or think a bit more when purchasing products that create waste. Like bottled water as seen below.

Not exactly what you want to see at the far end of your route.

Still, there was plenty of wildlife and beauty to see. There was a turtle coming out on a log to enjoy the almost forgotten Portland sunshine. We saw beaver and nutria. A Heron watched our progress through their hunting grounds:

Paddling along a golf course brought forth my memories of forestry education where one of my professors said that despite golf courses using too many fertilizers, they were a perfect place for open-canopy trees to represent themselves:

But, don't let this manicured golf course fool you! There were a few other intrusions:

Not sure what was coming out of here but it certainly
was flowing fast! 

Some storage totes and tents wrapped up in the logs

It was a wonderful 1/2 day paddle deep under the covers of Portland. We were near the airport, homes and industry. Yet, for a couple hours, we witnessed some vibrant nature and also some sorrowful sights. Just like in life, you have to choose your attitude when you see ugliness out on the water. I was inspired to appreciate the strength of nature and try to do my bit to help her succeed. Never again will I paddle without garbage bags on sections like this. Assuming they don't fill up right outside my truck: