Suislaw River Run

Today Randy and I launched the boat for it's maiden voyage on the Suislaw River out of Florence. We took a ride to the mouth of the Suislaw at the ocean, then headed up stream all the way to Mapleton. A very pretty ride.

Leaving the Port of Suislaw dock. This is where I backed our boat down a ramp for the first time. I didn't do too bad, just a little readjustment.

Typical for Florence in the summer, the day started off overcast and cool. We could see that the clouds might burn off, but no idea when. I wore my winter coat and it was needed when we hit full speed. Pilot Randy assuming his natural position while I provided nagivation advice from the forward lounge.

The highway 101 bridge, as we are heading west bound.

Our condo building as seen from the river.

Our condo, top floor very right unit. We didn't stay there because it was rented. We stayed at the Casino instead.

Heading westward still....

Straight ahead (the dark colored land) is the north jetty and the "beach" of Harbor Vista Park, where we like to camp.

This is as far west as we went. The Coast Guard was doing some sort of exercise around the bend and we wanted to stay away from that.

This is a railroad crossing over the river, east of Florence at Cushman. We have come all the way back up river past our starting point and are headed east towards Mapleton. The river channel is very difficult to see as you boating east near the casino. Luckily another boat had just come from upstream and we headed in the direction they came from.

The upstream Siuslaw River has a whole different feel, as if the ocean was hours away.






A cute boat in Mapleton


HWY 36 bridge over the Siuslaw River, Mapleton.



The scenery upstream from the HWY 36 bridge.

I drove the boat all the way back to the port, because it was fun. Who's CAPTAIN now, huh?!

The "pirate boat" in Cushman...

The wharf at Old Town Florence. Gee look at that sky, pretty blue! Of course this was when we were getting ready to take out. All done with the Siuslaw for now.

The next day we took the boat out on Woahink Lake, no pictures of that. We circumnavigated the lake and browsed our dream lake houses. We saw a couple of jet skiiers, otherwise the lake was empty. I wish I had thought to get fishing licenses, it would have been enjoyable. The weather did the same thing to us again, cold and cloudy until we loaded up. We'll be back.

Summer is here!

Little man Devan, we loved your recent blog update, but I've got to tell you a few things that you've missed. First off, we miss you, but you probably already know that. Secondly when you come back next I expect you to bring your swimming diapers, arm floaties and sunglasses. We'll show you what fun you can have in the water. It will be good training for you, 'cause your Mom and Dad like to play with water toys too. Let me give you a little of taste of what the big boys and girls do at the lake.





Wednesday July 15th: This Gr Grandpa Carl, Grammy Candi and Uncle Derek trying out the new toy. This puppy is bomb proof, I'm convinced you could be riding it in a couple of years.









Grammy Candi calls it her "Cadillac", it's very safe. It doesn't go over the waves, it goes through them. This puppy has some speed too. You ought to see Gr Grandma drive it, zoom zoom!


Saturday July 18th: It's hot again in the valley, time to head for the lake! Today all of your Oregon Harrison/Mote/Jurosky family, plus Annie, Joey R. and his Dad, went to Foster Lake and played in the water. However, Great Grandpa, Grammy, Uncle Derek and Annie all headed to the Lake EARLY, they get special kudo's. We wanted to try a new park, Lewis Creek Park on the NE corner of Foster Lake, with first come first serve picnicing and mooring. This park is across the lake from where we launch the watercrafts, and is accessible by car.

The early crew secured us a nice spot with a dock and a picnic table in the shade. We skied, wakeboarded and tubed. Others just rode the jet skis. We ate good snack foods and enjoyed the company.

I think Foster has better waves than Detriot, and I've found a spot that has huge waves if you follow a boat through it. Today I was in the bottom of a wave trough that put the wave at face height, it washed my hat right off my head. Woohoo, fun!!!



I was slow with the camera, these pictures were of our spot as everyone was taking the watercraft back to the boat landing. They are tiny specks in the far distance.




This is the row of moorings at the Lewis Creek park. The end of the dock meets up with the open sandy beach, swimming and picnic area. It was crowded today.



These people took over "our" dock after we left.



I hope we've got you interested in playing at the lake. We miss having your Mom and Dad here too. I'm still working on my wakeboarding, I didn't get to lake early enough today to practice, but I will soon. Love, from all in Oregon.