This first picture is the US Army Corp of Engineer’s Hopper Dredge “Essayons.” It was delivered to the Portland District in 1983 and is a highly automated ship. It’s job is to clear sand bars and channels at river entrances up and down the entire West Coast.

This is PT658. It is stationed permanently in Portland, at the docks near Swan Island. She never saw any action, and barely dodged being sent to Russia as part of a “lend-lease” program. I’m not sure why she has the camouflage paint scheme now. Last time I saw her was still in traditional Navy Grey.

Behind the Burnside Bridge are the US Navy Ships. Visible are the USS Ingraham, USS McClusky, and behind them is the USS Lake Champlain.

In one of the original barns, are these three history signs.

This picture was taken on the same day as this one, but a couple of hours later.

Waterfront Park has always been a pretty busy transportation corridor. But near sunrise, in the fall, we had it almost all to ourselves.

In his venerable tome, “Oregon Geographic Names,” Lewis A. McArthur tends to lean towards this origin of the name, but also mentions that he was told it was named after a local young girl.

Outside of town is these two neat barns. One is obviously still used, the other looks long abandoned.

From the top of the nearby lookout, the mighty Columbia River. And then one of the area’s most distinct features. So much so that vintage post cards were created.

Of course any local school child knows that the Columbia River was formed via floods.

And last, but not least, downtown Rowena. A few houses hidden in the trees. Looks like it’s garbage day.

Twice a year they have the “Annual Steam-Up” which by itself is quite worth the visit. Coupled with all the other displays, and an entire weekend can easily be used up here.

Many of these old Russell Tractors barely look like they’ll move, much less do any work. Yet here they are parading around and showing off.

Chevy Convertible

So on a last minute whim, we headed to Seattle specifically to check out this yearly light display. It was better then I could imagine and well worth the admission fee.