Sept. 9, 2008  Departed on our first real trip down river to Astoria, near the mouth of the Columbia river. We'd planned to make it there in two day down river, with 3 days allowed to come back. Since we got a late start, we made it a 3 day trip each way. It took me the best part of the day before getting the leaks out of the plumbing system. We now have refrigerator, stove, toilet, and all plumbing systems hooked up. Also wired a remote switch on a cable for the anchor windless so we can stand on the foredeck and raise and lower the anchor with the push of a button. Monika just finished sewing the upholstery covers for the first two bunk cushions yesterday, so we have a place to sleep. .    Most of the time we steered from the outside wheel, but during cold mornings its nice to have a warmer place inside.    The first afternoon, the river was very rough and choppy like the ocean. But most of the time it was like this. We passed several ships bound for the ports of Portland, or Vancouver, (or some to Kalama and Longview) each day. Rather I should say they pass us, as they are traveling much faster than we do.    Anchoring the first night, I forgot about towing the dingy, and tangled the tow rope around the propeller when backing down to set the anchor. Fortunately I had thrown in a swim mask and pair of fins (for no particular reason), and a utility knife that I'd brought for another chore, so was able to jump in and cut it free. The water wasn't too cold, but cold enough to make me remember to pull the dingy alongside on subsequent nights, when anchoring.

The second night we anchored near Cathlamet Washington near the picturesque view below.

We have and AC inverter on board, so we can run the coffee maker, and the vitamix blender from home, so I was able to make a fruit smoothie with frozen berries and yogurt. The variable speed control on the blender doesn't seem to run quite normally on the inverter though, it seems the power control electronics in the blender are at odds with those in the inverter.    Close to Astoria they seem to be laying a big pipeline across the river, I presume for a big LNG terminal being built somewhere near Astoria, about which many people along the river have signs.    Nearing Astoria. This ship put out much more of a wake than most passing us, and since it passed rather close to our side on the channel, we took some water over the bow which sprayed through the front hatch which was not completely closed. Mental note: Close front hatch tight when underway.    Here you can see the bridge at Astoria dead ahead. The river is four miles wide at the bridge. Below we are tide up in the west harbor at Astoria (along the far walkway). Front view of Sea Falcon below in the Port of Astoria west marina. (I rarely see this view of the boat).