The Queen of the West sternwheeler is 240 feet long and three stories high. Wouldn’t it be great to take an eight day cruise up the Columbia and Snake Rivers to Clarkston, WA? Lewis and Clark never had it this good but it would certainly be interesting to retrace their route. Photo: Rainier, OR 8/29/2010
Lewis and Clark Bridge spanning the Columbia between Rainier, OR and Longview WA.. The Chinook salmon are running and there are lots of fishermen in little boats trying to catch them. This nice looking fish weighs 26 pounds and occasionally they catch them weighing over 40 pounds. Photo 8/27/2010
The annual Greek Festival in Portland is held on the first weekend in October adjacent to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral. I went specifically to enjoy the Greek Folk Dancing. There are about 150 different authentic Greek dances and if I can trust Zorba, they are danced in the public squares. The dancers wore gorgeous authentic hand stitched costumes. I also managed to eat my share of the food that was available. I enjoyed a gyro, spanakopita (spinach and spices in a pita pocket), Greek pastries and coffee. There is a small museum and also some items for sale. This is an event that is already on my calendar for next year. Photo: At the Greek Festival 10/03/2009
Cattle drive near Haines, Oregon. Everything about the cattle drives have changed over the years but the cowboys still have the same view. Photo: Near Haines, Or. just West of Baker City, Or 6/12/2006
The annual Polish Festival in Portland, Oregon takes place every year on the last weekend in September. This is the largest Polish Festival West of the Mississippi and last year approximately 12,000 people attended. It is located in the parking lot adjacent to the St. Stanislaus Roman Catholic Church and the Polish Library Hall on Intersate Ave in historic North Portland.
They have traditional food, costumes and entertainment. I had Kielbasa (Polish sausage), golabki (cabbage rolls), pierogi (dumplings filled with rice and meat or cheese) and bigos (hunters stew made from cabbage and meat) and it was very tasty. Fine deserts and a wide variety of libations were also available.
On stage while I was there, were several groups of youngsters in ornate costumes performing traditional ethnic dances. The were very entertaining and I particularly enjoyed the pride and enthusiasm of the children that were performing. There were older groups scheduled for later in the day.
If you weren’t there, you missed it, but you can put it on your calendar for next year. It is not too late however, to attend the Greek Festival that will be held the first weekend in October at the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Portland. If you don’t live nearby, check to see what is going on in your area. I am not apt to travel to Poland or Greece but they were kind enough to come to Oregon and share some of their culture with us. Photos: Polish Festival, Portland, Or 9/26/2009
Eastern Face of Mt Hood from Parkdale, Or. Photo: 4/20/2009
Mt Hood Railroad trips are available from Wednesday through Sunday in season. Regular trains from Hood River to Parkdale are $30, Brunch Trains are $60 and Murder Mystery Trains are $80. Check the computer at www.mthoodrr.com/ for other options and call 1-800-872-4661 for reservations. Photo: Hood River 4/20/2009
Cherry Blossoms in the Gorge. I was there early in the bloom cycle and I would like to have gone back a few days later. Photo: Mosier, OR 4/20/2009
Cherry Blossom in the Gorge. The farmers set out lots of hives of honey bees to pollinate the flowers. Photo: Mosier, OR 4/20/2009
Cherry Blossoms in the Gorge. Row after row of cherry trees. Maybe I can go back when they are ripe. Photo: Mosier, OR 4/20/2009