Jillian A. Brown Photography

Day 13 - May 10, 2018

4/20/2024

Rest day. We sleep in and opt for jerky for breakfast. I walk down to the dam to see if we could charge everything as the solar panels were blowing away. No luck, so we fascine the panels to two poles to get a charge. We both bath and wash clothes in the river. I do some writing and posts. Evening comes and an RV shows up. Ed Mater is kind enough to allow us to charge up everything that night. I chat and him and i share stories for a while.
A good rest day but looking forward to being back on the water.
Goodnight Neverland

Day 13 Stories Highlights

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Day 12 - May 9, 2018

4/19/2024

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Up early we break camp and set out. Everything wet from the few showers over night. Spotting a marmot or something that was big and fluffy early in our paddle. It turned into a gorgeous day and was relatively easy. That is until we come into the current. A few kilometres down from the next dam the wind picked up and so to the river. We fought the current, but then came the fishing lines. We quickly pulled to shore. The currents far to strong to go around the lines that we can barely see. We begin lining the boat in the difficult current. The first fishermen we come to yells at us. M calls back “the currents are too strong.” It flusters us as I pant and strain to hold canoe. We wade out into the water around a tree and under a native platform. I’m up to my chest trying to balance on the roots/ trunk of the tree and pull the canoe through. As we come around the corner of the tree another beach full of lines. These few people, very friendly and answer questions and pose funny. We watch as the bring in a beautiful salmon. This went on for a couple kilometres and by the time we reach the take out I was exhausted. Every part of me. The wind was now ferocious as we throw the packs and canoe up the bank. The canoe begins to blow away and we must tuck it into the tall, thick grass and flip it. We use the barrels to build a little wall to cook some lunch and we both end up falling asleep on the rocks. Once awake we haul the gear to the road and porridge up past the dam. Carrying most of the gear up a steep hill to avoid bringing it all for the portage around. We are up at the campground and it looks to be windier tomorrow. The spot we have has a bathroom and a boat ramp and dock and will do. Plans are to have a rest day tomorrow with many kilometres of cliffs ahead and huge winds it will be too dangerous.
                               Rest is needed.
                               Goodnight Neverland
                                       Xxo

Day 12 Stories Highlights

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Day 11 - May 8, 2018

4/18/2024

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Waking we get organised fast and soon begin our portage. A bit on a gravel road to start and then onto a beautiful road with little traffic. I set up the camera on the ground to get a video and look up to a cop car stopped. We both worry he will say something but with a big smile, he drives by. This portage is going really well and quick. Which makes us feel good that it is the last of the long, hard portages. Soon turning off the highway we reach the gravel road. I run to a steel mill to fill up our water and they are amazingly kind filling up our jugs with their bottled water. The men shares history of the nuclear plant just ahead of us. Supposedly the most radioactive place in the USA. We begin down the road again and before heading up and over the bridge I run ahead and scout it out. Finding we can carry some gear just over the tracks and then portage the canoe around. We reach the put in. a small bay off the river. Steep again but will do. We head back out and its another gorgeous day. We pass under a unique train bridge with the rails curving in from different directions on one side. The current too strong for a photo. M finally mentions, we should stop at the next spot, those clouds are catching up. I look back and see the storm clouds. We quickly pull in to what looks like the most remote place we’ve stayed, when two boys climb over the hill to fish and gun fire begins behind us. We hesitate, but can’t any longer with the clouds. We build the tent and just as we finish tying barrels on for weight the wind picks up. We both take shelter as the rain starts and soon the thunder and lightening. The storm lasts a little over an hour and as the rain dies off i climb out to brush my teeth and pee. As I’m walking to the shore a small rainbow peeks out across the river. As i head to pee, it grows and becomes increasingly more beautiful. “M! You have to see this!” I run abc and grab my camera. The sky turns every few seconds more and more beautiful. It may be the most incredible sky i have ever seen. Two rainbows on the one side and soon the one jumps to the outside of the river. The sun is setting and the clouds grow orange. Amidst the clouds a vibrant blue radiates outwards. We are both at a lose for words. The Columbia River has shown us many beautiful sights, but this has most certainly been the best!
Goodnight Neverland
Xxo

Day 11 Stories Highlights

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Day 10 - May 7, 2018

4/17/2024

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Waking up before the sun as we received word the winds would be bad again today. Quick oatmeal and coffee and M takes the first load across the highway and tracks to the edge of the river. Then I head off. We manage down the slick steep embankment. Dragging the canoe back out into the waters we awkwardly load it back up. Wind is light still at the moment as we set out. A back wind again and still current but we move well along. The cliffs are big and rough, reminding us of both the canadian shield and coast blended together. Come lunch and the wind was complete died off and it is hot. 30 degrees and we’ve already paddled 25 kms. We find a nice sandy beach next to a river and bath to cool down. Lunch and a nice break. Back on the water we decide to push on to the next dam so we can wake and do the portage first thing before the heat. Passing the first boat ramp we squeeze between an old barge and the shore. M climbs up just missing stepping on a bunch of frogs and a lizard. The road just up the hill with the gear, but many loads later and we are there. An old abandoned gravel pit will be our camp tonight. Laying out the solar panels to soak up the last of the sun. 47 kms and my arms are tired.
Goodnight Neverland
Xxo

Paddled 47kms

Day 10 Stories Highlights

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Day 9 - May 6, 2018

4/16/2024

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Woke to the rising sun beaming onto the tent. I opened the fly to its rays cast across the canoe. The cliffs we had missed spotting in our exhausted state the night before now glowed with the new morning light. A few distant clouds and a brief rain shower before the sky cleared.

We chatted with an older gentleman as he walked by. As we got gear all ready. Chris showed up to shoot some video footage for us. Loading and interviewing us before we headed out to meet him at the train bridge. A few takes of us going under both bridges and we headed off.

A perfect morning, not a breath of wind, good temperature. As we soaked in the scenery we realized we were being stalked. Chris was hiding in the bushes up cliffs, down rocks, to get the shot.
Coming upon a park we meet up for lunch and watch the fishermen catching salmon.
We say our goodbyes and are on our way into the next treacherous area.

As we head out the wind begins to build and build and build. We laugh and work hard. Riding the big rolls that scope us from behind, paddling by the 100 or so fishermen tucked in the cove seeking shelter from the swells and wind their jaws on the ground.
Soon though, things change and squalls begin to blow from the side. Spraying the white topped crests of each wave. The boat is tossed about and sunglasses are lost and we fight to paddle back into some sort of shelter.
We pull into the closest kind of beach and stand holding the canoe out from the rocks. We look at each other, what should we do?
We try to walk the boat along the shore, but only make it a few steps before it drops off. We decide we can’t stay.
Hoping in the boat we paddle hard around the point, tucking in right away. It’s no beach. Bush, floating logs and a steep incline, but if we don’t stop here, it’s a long straight rock way to any possible campsite.

I climb up and find there is a lake and flat spots to camp. We haul essentials from the boat and stash the rest and the canoe into the bushes.
It’s a sketchy hike up, over the tracks and highway to the lake. Done twice for the gear.
We are both shaken and don’t say much as we munch on our peanut butter stuffed pretzels.
Camp is up and we curl in for the night.
Wind blows continuously throughout the night. Restless sleep.
Goodnight Neverland
Xxo

Paddled 27.5kms

Day 9 Stories Highlights

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Day 8 - May 5, 2018

4/14/2024

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Waking up a little later today with the exhaustion of yesterday.
M heads out of the tent and I hear a splash and huff of a sealion “WOW Jill! There is a sealion right here!” A fun and great start to the day.
We make breakfast and coffee as usual and talk of the plan for the portage.

Loading up we decide to reset our arms and line the canoe up the beach of the island as far as we can and then cut across to the other side (washington). An almost perfect ferry across, we are just tired and feel it. Once across the current is strong and we decide to once again line the boat. Too tired to fight the current any longer.
This side, however, was not like the nice easy beach. Bushes, trees and loose large rocks were as far as we could see. When the brush got too thick or too far to pass the boat around we would hop back in and paddle hard around. Scraps and bruises soon coat our shines and ankles.
Finally seeing a couple small docks. M scrambles up the bank to see about where to go.
We decide right there will work for unloading and beginning. A number of scrambles up the rocky embankment to the flat area above.
Relaxing with some sour patch candies and letting our feet dry before switching to our boots. We get the cart ready and load the gear with most weight at the middle and back.
We begin and M is already finding it difficult. We move gear around a bit. Stopping for lunch on the lawn of the Bonneville Dam, the whole reason for the portage.
We receive advice on where to go to put back in. it’s going to be a long walk. We push on little goals for M. I am surprised at my endurance and tolerance. Feeling fine to press on.
We switch back and fourth from front to back. Hit a stick on the shoulder and the canoe bounces wrong. Precariously on the narrow shoulder we work to correct it and look at the tire.
M is almost stumbling from tiredness now and we stop. I go to look at a potential put in and when I return someone has finally stopped and offered us help. Returning with a longer truck we load up we load up the gear and canoe and hop into the truck. They drive us to the local county fair grounds where we have an easy put in and great camp spot.
I work away on photos into the night while M sleeps. I now feel more accomplished.
Goodnight Neverland
Xxo

11 km portage with the last kilometre to a campsite thanks to a strangers lift.

Day 8 Stories Highlights

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Day 7 - May 4, 2018

4/14/2024

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Day 7 - May 4, 2018                                47 kms

Woke up to the sounds of traffic and trains.
Beautiful island beach camp spot though.
We hit the water and ferry back to the Oregon side.

As we paddle M asks me “how I am doing? On a scale of 1 to 10 how happy are you right now?” I think for a moment and answer “9”. “WOW! You must be at like an 11 when there isn’t all this noise!”

A couple last ducks under walk ways and we begin to enter the gorge. A park perched up atop the banks we realize how high the water is as all the staircases that normally lead to the beach are covered numerous feet up.
Around a corner we find the perfect beach for lunch, under a gorgeous tree. Sun is out and its hot.
Finishing up lunch we notive a man walk by a distance away. As we paddle a number of nudists in the tall grass. One stands tall and proud, as he should (he was well hung). We laugh hysterically after passing discussing the size of mans “shlong”.
We are now in the gorge and we watch waterfalls cascading through the charred rocks. Stopping to run up to snap a photo of the famous falls.
Carrying on the current picks up and up and up. We watch sealions playing within it, catching salmon and tossing them about. We come to an out crop into the river and realize we feel we can't paddle up.
Chatting with some locals we decide to do the hard ferry across the large, huge current. 5 minutes and we are on the other side.
Exhausted we must ferry another channel to make the camp ground. This one seemed harder, or we were just so much more tire. We make it and big high fives are shared.
Setting up the tent we both go shower off before we begin to boil water for dinner, when along comes a camp ranger. We must move and paddle another kilometer with two ferries to a small island we can camp on.
We are so exhausted. A frustrating ferry but we make it. Throw everything on shore, set up the tent and beds, grab a handful of gummy bears each and now, sleep.
                                Goodnight Neverland!
                                            Xxo
Paddled 47kms today

Day 7 Stories Highlights

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Day 6 - May 3, 2018

4/13/2024

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Waking up cozy in the floating house was a treat. Restful morning editing photos, cleaning up, coffee and granola. Emails off to sponsors, left over pizza consumed and we are soon back on the water.
And who is close by but Chris Bensch and his SUP. We whip across the river and meet him. He gives us advice on the best route through the houses and docks. Winding in and out of them, cutting across the river a few times and a couple hours later we are through and looking across at the end of Hayden Island.

We say our last goodbyes to Chris until we see him in the gorge. Our paddle continues like this for awhile until we reach the big highway bridge.

We take shelter from the intense sun to reapply sunscreen, drink water and have a bite of snack.
Back into the sun, for another big push. We paddle through lunch and finally stop at the next available bit of shade. Around 430 by this time and we cook up some lunch/ dinner in the boat. Relaxing we then paddle a few more miles.

Soon across from, passed Government island we spot a tiny island with beautiful beaches. Not much in front of us so we make the call to ferry across.
Pulling in and camp is gorgeous. A park open to camping. It’s perfection and we celebrate with candy and pretzels.
Now in bed catching up on my writing. Tomorrow we will be close by the gorge!!! Can’t wait!
Paddled 23kms Goodnight Neverland!
Xxo

Day 6 Stories Highlights

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Day 5 - May 2, 2018

4/12/2024

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A cold morning wake up, with sunrising and mist lifting off the field behind us. We snuggled back into our sleeping bags for a few more cozy minutes.

Sticking with oatmeal again for breakfast for the added warmth, we are soon back on the water.

It’s clear and we can tell it’s going to be a hot day. As we paddle we get word we have a place to stay tonight. A floating house on Hayden Island!
A couple hours into our paddle and we reach the confluence of a river flowing into the Columbia. It gives us a little push and we are quick to make it across the channel.
Soon we are already a quarter ways down Hayden Island. Receiving a photo of the house we will be staying at our pace quicken. We scour the houses and soon “I see it!”
Ferrying across we reach its docks and sheer excitement. M is dancing and singing at the beauty of this place.
Unloading, we head into town for resupplies, candy and pizza. Water jugs are found thanks to Chris Bensch driving us around. He plans to paddle with us tomorrow for a bit.
Showered and we head for a fresh meal at Crisp, a salad joint with Jim. A park ranger and amazingly kind man.
On route home we make a quick stop to see Dan and Ashley (Dan Messing) to pick up our package. Laptop case is here! Fits perfect!
A little editing but I can hardly keep my eyes open.
Goodnight Neverland!
Xxo

Paddled 24kms today

Day 5 Stories Highlights

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Day 4 - May 1, 2018

4/10/2024

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Exhausted and sore bellies tonight.
I can’t remember which camp was last night. I think beach with nearby factory.
Slept so solid last night.

A huge day of paddling today. The weather was perfection.

Entering a small channel we ran into tons of boats full of men fishing salmon. They lined the river.

Stopped on the side of a tall grass field we enjoy our lunch over looking the steady stream of boats, an abandoned vessel and the distant moos of cows.

As we paddle on we come to the floating cities. Communities of houses built on floating docks. It’s a beautiful and unique sight. Everyone we pass seems calm, happy and very friendly. (One even finding me on instagram with only having said we came from Astoria and headed to florida, no names or anything.)

We fight current again all day and have to jut out into the main flow around trees and blocked off docks. It’s exhausting. Our muscles seem to be adjusting but our bodies are acting up. Both with sore stomachs tonight, not finishing our meals.

We are camped on the edge of a farm and a strange girl shows up to awkwardly talk. Leaving me curled up in bed and realize we put in 41 kms going up stream, no wonder we are exhausted.
                                Goodnight Neverland!
                                  Until tomorrow!
                                        Xxo