Sternwheeler "Columbia Gorge" Cruise to Cascade Locks

Yesterday I cruised the Willamette River and Columbia River with a little over 100 passengers and crew on the Sternwheeler “Columbia Gorge”, an authentic triple-deck paddle wheeler, providing 360 degrees of breathtaking vistas. The Sternwheeler "Columbia Gorge" was built by the Nichols Boat Works of Hood River, Oregon and launched on the Columbia River in 1983. There were three Captains on board. We traveled through the Columbia River Gorge on its return trip to Cascade Locks for the summer trips. Captain Tom Cramblett narrated highlight points of interest including Bonneville Dam Lock and Multnomah Falls. We saw a double rainbow at Bonneville Lock. We saw sea lions gorging themselves on spring Chinook, bald headed eagles, red tailed hawks, and blue herons. We traveled back to Portland on RAZ buses. It was a great trip!

The Enchanted Tea Room, Vancouver, Washington

I had Earl Grey cream tea with bergamot and a large savory scone with clotted cream this noon at The Enchanted Tea Room at 5th & Washington in downtown Vancouver. They have discontinued the Afternoon Teas & Special Teas until Fall to concentrate on Farmers Markets. The savory scone was absolutely delicious. It had sundried tomato and pepper jack cheese with thyme, rosemary and basil seasonings. The tea room was quite cosy and beautifully decorated.