Hi again!
We put the kayak in at Scapoose Bay Marine Park. The staff at the Kayak Center were super helpful with suggestions for paddle trips and they had a good map for sale (one used by fishermen that included tips on where to catch fish). We started out on a slack tide moving to a flood tide. We hadn't figured on the stiff wind that we ran into as we left the bay and moved into the Multnomah Channel. We took a break on a little beach to renew our strength. Lots of osprey along the way. They take advantage of dead trees, pilings, abandoned cranes and towers that offer safe nest sites and river view-points. It seemed they'd bought up all the waterfront we passed. Good fishing, I bet. I noticed that they used whatever was handy to build their aeries: rushes, branches, even old plastic bags. We got used to their high pitched complaining cry: cri-cri-cri-cri-cri!
Finally the town of St Helen's came into view. Opposite the town there is an island built from dredging the river and channel over the years. It's name is as you might suspect, Sand Island. Over time a forest of cotton-woods has grown up. St. Helens has built a park there and there are several campsites for travelers. After pulling the kayak up on the beach, I ventured a short ways up the beach until I encountered a wicked burr which I have named Harpoon Hooks. It was the fiercest name I could come up with for this weed that won't let go without tearing holes in your skin. They seem to have taken a foothold with all the other plant colonists on the west side of the island.
The paddle from St Helens is very short and it seems that homeless camp here, too. It is a well built camp ground with a dock, tables, metal fire-pits, and vault toilets. No water, but that's something you have to expect when you visit islands and we always carry several gallons when we're paddling. Tomorrow our plan is to paddle to St Helens for our morning coffee. Good Night All!
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