Portland - Willamette Jet Boat Excursions

Here is an activity that I definitely recommend for visitors.

You board at the dock behind OMSI.

We started worrying about dehydration, so bought some bottled water at OMSI's cafe. The jet boats sell water, and cheaper. We didn't know, but now you do.

One other thing to keep in mind...

This is not a great picture, but in addition to warning about quick stops and things, "You will get wet" and "You may get soaked" -- these are true statements.

It was a warm day and there were many other people enjoying the water. It was the day of the Big Float.

At first you head North up the river, passing under bridges and getting to see some of the working functions of our river, like ships loading grain. Our guide was very informative on Portland industry and history. That kept up as we turned around and headed South.

It gives you a better sense of where things are in relation to each other. We passed Clackamette Park, and places in Lake Oswego, and ended up in Oregon City.

It was interesting learning about the mills on each side, but the best part was seeing the falls. It can be hard to get a good view of them from land.

There were interesting and beautiful things to see all along the way.

Yes, there are times when you are going along really fast, and then do sudden turns (those are the moments you are most likely to get soaked, especially if you are not sitting in the middle of the boat), but there are also times when it is slower and you are being informed.

Six years ago I took a Portland Spirit cruise with some coworkers, and we were captivated by this house, but knew nothing about it. Going back with a guide, now I know that it has never been occupied, though there is a caretaker. Other facts were interesting, but there was a mystery solved too and that was very helpful.

My recommendation of this activity as perfect for visitors is the combination of information at fun.

Jet boat riders will get to see a lot of scenery, they will learn interesting things about the area, and also they will have a lot of fun.

They will get wet.

http://www.willamettejet.com/

The Dalles - Columbia Gorge Discovery Center & Museum

As you enter, the wall on your left says Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and on the right it says Wasco County Historical Museum.

That second title is not referred to as often, but it makes a certain sense because once you are in the center the displays are primarily on the prehistory and the flora and fauna on the left, and the human history on the right.

Before that you find a wide open space with a large log canoe, a depiction of the river along the floor, and a large window that reminds us of the scenic beauty of the surrounding gorge.

Displays include skeletons...

artwork...

taxidermy and belts...

and reconstructions if that is all that is available.

There is also more artistic work.

Windows to the outdoors invite you to take advantage of the hiking trails.

That is all interesting, but it is amazing how much is packed in on the other side. It is easy to forget how vital rivers were before other means of travel became more common. This was an important area for indigenous people and settlers.

Exhibits include artifacts, like an early butterfly collection, displays, and videos to help bring the area's history to life.

This includes the history of The Dalles' Chinatown, its cowboys, its merchants, and the Lewis & Clark expedition.

There was plenty to see and do for adults and children.

https://www.gorgediscovery.org/

The Dalles - Klindt's Booksellers

Our primary purpose that day was to see the Discovery Center (the subject of next week's post), but as long as we were in the area we wanted to make sure and stop by Klindt's, the oldest continually operated bookstore in Oregon. This is a reasonable point of pride for the store.

That being said, once you are inside it is largely a normal bookstore. Things inside are pretty modern. There may be more historic photos inside than you would find in another bookstore, but on some level it is just the trivia of knowing that they have been there since 1870. Of course, bookstores can be pretty wonderful regardless of age.

For evaluating them as a bookstore, there were a few things that stood out for me.

 They have a pretty good stationary selection and trinkets, so if you want to purchase something and are not sure what, there are plenty of options. There is also a pretty extensive children's selection that is nice to browse.

What was most impressive was the variety of books. The space is not huge, but they manage to fit in many different sections. I was drawn to the Native American section, because every year I am looking for more books on that subject. Their section contained some pretty good books, including titles I have read and titles that I have not gotten to yet but that I have seen recommended.

The historical aspects are nice, but as a bookstore Klindt's holds up pretty well too.

http://www.klindtsbooks.com/welcome

Washington County Fair

The Washington County Fair takes place at the Washington County Fairgrounds at the end of July.

In many ways it is a typical fair, with rids and midway games.

It is also a great place to find a lot of different fried foods.

One nice thing about it is that they do not charge an entrance fee. That leaves you more money to spend on rides, games, and food, which admittedly can be kind of pricey.

Some of the quilts were simply amazing. Some of the art looks only okay, and then you see the age of the artist and think "Wow!" The fair gives a wide variety of people a chance to show what they can do.

It is also a great reminder that for all the emphasis on Intel and Nike, that this is a great agricultural area too. You can learn more about the many people who work the land professionally and see what they do, and you can learn more about starting your own garden from the Master Gardeners.

And you can see reptile displays, and dog shows, and concerts, depending on when you go. There are a lot of options.

If you go via MAX, there is a free shuttle from the station to the fair entrance and back. The distance is walkable, but this way you can save your walking for inside.

The fair will be back in 278 days!

http://www.bigfairfun.com/