Estrella and I met up with Dan and Olivia at Saint Helens fuel dock Saturday
afternoon.

We took a spin around Sand island and docked at the Saint Helens public
dock for the afternoon drinking wine and beer!

Sunday morning we headed out in the rain for a long run to Cathlamet.

Approaching Cathlamet, we encounter a large windy squal with 25 knot tail
winds, fortunately it passed before getting to the narrow marina channel.

We met Al at the transient doc and enjoyed some late afternoon drying out,
a walk around Cathlamet and a draught  at the local brew pub.

Dinner Sunday was beany weenies!

Monday morning we watched blue herring walking the docs and an eagle being
driven off by seagulls.

We arrived in Astoria early afternoon and rode the trolley to the marine
museum.

There is an outstanding taco truck behind the filling station across from
museum where we snacked before spending a couple of hours learning the
history of the Columbia River bar.

After a nice meal at Buoy beer we headed back to the boat for an easy night.

Tuesday we put the sails out and tacked out towards the bar. Finally
turning, pulling the sails down and heading back upstream to Cathlamet.

We arrived at Cathlamet and dropped off Al then headed upstream against
strong current to reach Walker Island.

Daylight is short this time of year and we arrived at a very dark Walker
Island channel following ups bread crumbs and a flashlight to locate the
dock. Fortunately the spreader lite lit up the dock when we got to within
15 feet and had a drama free docking. Being pretty tired we all crashed
out early.

Wednesday we headed out on the tide change and made good time back to Saint
Helens where Estrella and I dropped off Dan and Olivia. We pushed on to
Rocky Pointe and had a drama free docking.

Returning back to Al’s house we had an impromptu party to celebrate the
trip and send off Dan and Olivia.