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September News Letter |
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| Our first pleasant surprise was that one did
not have to do some kind of risky ballet performance to get into the boat.
The boats were up on shore, we climbed in and sat down, and Ranger Kevin
gently pushed the kayaks into the water! With that wonderful introduction
to the lake, and a few practice strokes with the paddle, we were off and
skimming across the water.
Our next surprise was a wet one: the kayaks could not sink because they were light and floated like a cork AND because they have holes in the bottom so they won't fill up with water. But that also meant we were sitting in the water! We worried about that for about ten seconds and then were too busy paddling under the bridge, through the reeds, around the island, and in and out of all the little bays and inlets around the lake. We reveled in the peace and quiet, the beautiful day, the cool, clear water, the bird songs we heard, the fish and frogs we spotted, and most of all, at what great kayakers we were. "This is easy!" was Happy's surprised comment early on in our adventure. We were a bit clumsy though. Sky managed to lose her sunglasses. ("They're not exactly lost. I know where they are - sort of - in the lake.") see Kayak Krew page 4 from page 1... Vancouver Visit Portland and Vancouver are in the tidal part of the Columbia between the Cascades and the Coastal range. The climate is wonderful and the scenic beauty makes everyone feel slightly delirious. No wonder people love the Northwest! Jim is an engineer for the Bonneville Power Authority and we went to see the Bonneville Dam this visit. The dam is one of FDR's projects of the 1930's and arouses awe, for the structure itself, for the power it generates and for the care taken to limit environmental damage. We spent some time beneath the level of the river surface, gazing through aquareum-like windows, watching salmon and steelhead swim up the river to their spawning grounds. Although the physical demands of travel get more onerous as I age, I never tire of flying to Jim's home. Even if no special sight-seeing is planned, simply sitting on his balcony with him and his family and looking across the river to the mountains is a balm to the spirit.
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The Chess Game
Michael T and Michael H match wits in the RE room Guess who won! FANS There now wafts a gentle breeze, stirred by fan and hand, but only on demand. No longer do earnest folks sit sweating in their seats. There's relief at hand; one must only lift and wave and sweaty drops do disappear. Kudos must go to our great guru, Ellen. She walked into an ad hoc meeting with cardboard and sticks. JoAnn traced, cut and pasted, as did Erika. And, voilá, uniquely Unitarian fans! A brilliant utilitarian response to machines that don't work. There were gasps of delight the next Sunday when members and friends came into the Fellowship Hall and found the fans waiting for them on each chair. Waves of gratitude will persist for a long time to come. from page 3 ... Kayak Krew
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