First! Greg treated us to dinner. I chose a place close to the dock, and that’s what led me to Bamboo Grove Hawaiian Grille. That place is great!! Authentic Hawaiian food, lots of it, and good prices. Go check it out. After we ate, we drove to the public parking area at the dock, five minutes away, and got ready for our sunset cruise.
Years ago, I gifted a sailboat cruise from Scovare Expeditions to Kellen for their Eighth Grade Graduation. When our friends Greg and Connor were planning a visit, I mentioned this to Greg and he was eager to try it. He graciously bought our spots on the sailboat as well.
Capt. Shane remembered us from years ago because I had posted about his tour on my blog and he had seen it. He is great with people and was happy to make us as comfortable as possible. He learned that Connor likes history, and was able to talk about explorers and scientific discovery with him. He learned that Pedro and I were locals, and kept us intrigued with all kinds of local lore. He learned that Greg likes sailboats, and talked about his history here on the water, and about his boat.
We began north, as our Captain assured us that the winds were unusual and would allow us to go all the way into the city. The wind picked up a little bit, and I put on my extra shirt.
I took a whole bunch of photos with Dragon Boats in them. Dragon Boats are big here. That evening the teams seemed cranky about sharing the river with us, and kept looking over to glare at us the whole time. Not sure what that was about. It’s a pretty big river; I think there is enough room for everyone. I was my usual dorky self, yelling, “Go! Go! Looking good, you guys!” And they just turned away from me.
It was time to turn around and leave the Dragon Boats and the skyscrapers. We headed south on a different stretch of the river. In this area there is a large island called Ross Island, and most of the vehicle traffic stays to the West side, the part we just traveled, but the slower, narrower part on the East side is also interesting. We went there next.
We saw a number of broken down boats moored in this stretch, clearly the homes of people who couldn’t afford – or weren’t interested in – land-based homes. The island is absolutely off limits, but people found a way onto it for their own purposes. For the most part though, it’s unoccupied by humans, which encourages the wildlife.
Capt. Shane said he saw deer swim the calm channel often. We saw birds.
There is a section (several in the area) where the occupants are certainly not down on their luck, but rather live in extravagant house boats. It was fun to see the creative designs.
The sun was gone by the time we reached the dock, but there was enough light to climb safely back onto shore. We said goodbye to our Captain and wished him well. It had been a great evening with friends, old and new.
Conscious Engagement 
Beautiful cruise! A great post!
Oh Crystal, I was purely worried about those people inhabiting an island with an abandoned quarry. Around here there are lots, and every year there are tragedies about people using them -p and not only swimmers and divers. they are so incredibly dangerous. The companies just close, disappear and a hundred yers later the big holes in the ground are still there with decrepit equipment.
Thanks Lou! Your concern is shared and its on the minds of city managers. Eyes are actively on the island and plans are underway to clean up this superfund site. https://www.oregonlive.com/environment/2026/05/ross-island-reveals-its-secrets-in-exclusive-tour.html?gift=b14be04e-73b7-4cbb-87f2-83a7e511cb2e This is an interesting article and I think the link will allow you to read without a subscription.
Thanks for that link. I walk past Ross Island on the shoreline and drive past it on bridges, but hadn’t yet looked into the work they’re doing (or not doing) to restore the island. So interesting to see prime land in the middle of the city so neglected and abused for so long.
I’m glad you were able to use the link. There is a newer story in the Oregonian about Ross Island, but I like this story better because it’s longer and provides more perspectives. I am astonished that the island has been neglected so long, as you point out.
The sailboats did look like a race just as they do here. Racing dragon boats is fun, I have done that a few times but those peoples attitude stank IMHO. Just get on with paddling and let the caller and person steering do their jobs to keep you safe.
It’s great to see cities from the water. Such a different view.
Houseboats 🤔 More like floating houses. I bet none of those actually have motors and go anywhere 😂
Glad you had a great time
Brian, that’s so cool that you’ve raced dragon boats! I’ve met several people here who have done it, but I never have. There are competitions in Portland a couple times a year and it’s exciting to watch. Yeah, like I said, I do not know what the showdown was about between Capt. Shane/sailboat and the dragon boats, but there was some kind of unspoken messages flying across the water.
Aren’t those houseboats a trip?! I am sure you are right: they must not be designed to move.
The feeling of being in sync with a boat load of people and speeding along is fabulous. I am right handed but paddled better on the left side.
You should just go down and ask if you can have a paddle, you would love it I’m sure.
Hey girl! We took my sister and brother-in-law on the same sailboat about ten years ago. Loved it! Glad to hear they are still afloat!
Aloha, Deb-B
Hey Deb-B, great to hear from you. BTW, have you tried the food at Bamboo Grove? It was great and the staff were awesome.
Yes, it’s the same Captain and same company. You must have been out with your sister and brother-in-law about the time that I went out the first time with Kellen at their graduation. I, too, am glad he’s still on the water.
I hope you and your family are all well.
A fine set of pictures, especially the ducks. That disused quarry would have drawn me. Pedro’s Zapata is coming along
I was also intrigued by the quarry, Derrick. We spotted the equipment through a break in the trees, but were not allowed to go over there. It’s pretty amazing to see. I am drawn to abandoned ruins, especially these huge skeletal structures.
P.S. I sent a screen shot of Martin’s find in your garden to my friend Margaret. She was astonished. She asks for updates on you and Jackie every so often. 🙂
Thank you so much, Crystal. Give her our regards XX
Oh, I will, Derrick. We just talked the other day and next time we do, I will let her know. ❤
Dragon Boats and Bridges, Oh My! I confess, most of this is new to me … but there are so many reasons to love Portland!
I love Portland, so it’s no wonder the stuff I highlight in my blog is more stuff to love, ha ha!!
Always fun to get a perspective from the water, Crystal. We were able to just do that on ferries in Scotland, particularly on the island of Orkney. Were the dragon boats competing with each other? That might explain their rudeness. Love house boats. The first I ever saw were in Sausalito just outside of SF. Have you ever been there? And you are absolutely right on the creativity. Looks like you had a great time.
It seemed as though the boats were training. There were four of them and they were going all over the place. Who knows though; it’s not my world and I’m sure they had their reasons.
I was in Sausalito many years ago. Exactly 40 to be exact, because I was there when I was 16. I don’t remember anything except it was a way to get away from the fog in SF. But I DO remember a great houseboat community in Victoria, on Vancouver Island.
Over the years, I’ve been to Sausilito several times. Even did a blog on it a few years ago. And yes, the houseboats in Victoria are beautifully done. They made it into one of my posts. Grin. Stayed at a fascinating Air B&B near there.
The narrow boats on the canals of Northern England are similar but much smaller and mobile (10 feet wide and 60 feet long).
You just reminded me how much I miss Portland. Your photos are always stunning. Not sure how you manage that. I wonder if there are just some people that have to be cranky all the time. That river is a very large one so no reason not to share. I do remember seeing the dragon boats. You just won’t get me on any boat. 🙂
Thanks for the compliments on my photos. It’s easier with the digital than it used to be with film, for sure. I take hundreds of photos, then pick out the twenty that are good. No need for you to get on a boat when Pedro and I will, and take photos for you to see! Love you, Marlene. Glad you received my card. ❤
Thanks for the cruise…
I’d never have thought there would be dragon(boats) over there yonder. 😉
Thanks for joining us on the water!! Dragon boats are big here. I know a couple of people who have started here, and now do international competitions. I had no idea what a widespread sport it is.
Those house boats look amazing, Crystal. What a lovely outing. The view from the water is always an interesting one, and so different from the usual views one get of a place from the land.
Ps. Gwen left a long response to one of your comments on last month’s blog post regarding the post office they helped to clear out . . . Definitely worth checking out, as it could give you some inpiration for your novel.
Thank you for the heads up about Gwen’s comment, Jolandi! I haven’t checked back or checked my emails for alerts, so I will make sure to do that.
I agree that the view from the water changes perspective enough to make things extra interesting.
What a fun evening! I love those 2 group sailboat shots. Beautiful!
Thanks for coming along on the sailboat with us, Laurie. ❤