August 31, 2023

We have been living at Fort Greenwood since July 1st. 

It is kinda funny, we have done a complete circle... started out here, and ending here!   

All is good, we are enjoying being here and have decided to stay until end of September. We did talk about flying off somewhere for September, but it is easier to just stay put and carry on with our lives as they are here in Greenwood. Monday night cards with Solange and Leo, Wednesday afternoon Bingo at the Seniors Center (Michel calls, I play) Friday night Bingo at the Community Centre (Michel calls, I play), then Saturday Meat Draw at the Legion. We walk the Canada Trail back towards our place and visit Doug and Diane, who live next door, Michel hikes up to his flag. We have met some very nice people here at the Fort, and of course we have our group that we enjoy being with.

the Tranquility

August 17th we drove to Kelso, WA on an invitation from Ken and Liz McAllister (friends from Rainbow Spa) to go cruising with them for a week. What a wonderful opportunity this was. We arrived at their place about 3:30 in the afternoon and by evening we were on their boat at the Longview Marina getting ready to set sail the next morning. We were 9 nights on their boat cruising for 7 of them.... on the Tranquility.. a 42 foot trawler. 

The first night we dropped anchor in a "slough" they call Steamboat. There were 16 boats of all sizes on this cruise. We met some wonderful people.....

The second night we pulled into a nice little port town called Cathlamet and stern tied to the pier. We walked into town, stopped for a root beer float at a cute little coffee shop on Main, then checked out the grocery store across the street.

the front few of the marina.

There is a wonderful little craft brewery just up from the marina where they also make root beer, so this was a great way to spend a couple of hours and visit with some of the others on the cruise. 

The next morning we all left for the next slough... Warren Slough. Here we tied to one another, only the larger boats dropping anchor. There are 3 sailboats along for the cruise as you can see on the right.

It took awhile to all get in and settled as you can imagine it takes organization... Pete and Kat were the ones who did this. Their boat is the middle one in the back row. Not to say there were no gliches, but there were no casualties...no boats were damaged in the process....

Once we were all in and settled we got out and did a little canoeing. Others got into their dinghys and went out exploring. 

Dinner on the skiff tonight.... Michel cooked the chicken on the BBQ. It was a great evening.. lovely weather, great company....thank you so much Ken and Liz for including us on this cruise.

Astoria is a great little port town to visit and spend some time.
No pictures of the marina this time, but we were here for two nights. 

Once we were all tied to the pier and settled in we walked into town in search of a restaurant for a fish dinner... no fish fresher than in a fishing village....Liz and Ken favor Astoria Brewing Company and they did not fall short. Had a wonderful lunch then carried on walking and exploring. 

A

Astoria has a cute little trolley that runs from one end of town to the other...about 4 miles.  We walked all the way to the end of the line and caught the trolley back to the marina. 

There was someone commentating the points of interest all along the way. It is a very old town and it is very well kept and organized. Many restaurants and art galleries. Quite an artsy little place... I like it!!

Michel enjoying himself at the helm....

Returning to the boat that afternoon, Michel went out sailing with a group that were practicing for a race. He quite enjoyed himself and he and Jeff (one of our group with a sailboat) made plans to go sailing the next morning. They set off about 10 and were gone for most of the day.  Liz, Ken and I went into Astoria again, this time riding the trolley both ways....

Michel loves to ride the rails!

Jeff at the helm

Jeff on his sailboat....

  Michel and Jeff had a great time. 

The last night led us to West Port... very small port town, but a beautiful new pier!

Visiting with Steve and Melinda aboard their fast boat....

Liz and Ken trying to stay cool in the river.... there is quite a current so they had to tie themselves to the boat for security..f

Pot Luck dinner on the dock.... clean out your fridge!! 

So much food!!  Everyone in attendance.

Breakfast at the Berry Patch before we cruised away! 

(Pictured l to r clockwise:  Jeff, Michel, Melinda, myself, Liz and Ken)

A final shot of the Tranquility before we cruise off for the last time......

It was a short cruise home, (August 25) but by the time we pulled into the Yacht club in Longview, dumped the tanks, and put the Tranquility to bed in her boat house is was afternoon. 

We had a lovely visit upon our return from Jeff and Cathy (also friends from Rainbow Spa) who drove up from Oregon to see us.

What an ending to our week. 

We are very blessed to have such wonderful people in our lives!!

Thank you once again to Liz and Ken for the invitation, and for showing us such a grand time!  You are certainly the hostests with the mostest... 

Left for home the next morning, fairly early... and were home by 5:00... in time for burgers at the Legion! But we did have to phone ahead and order ...haha