It’s true what Heraclitus said about getting into a river. Every time, it’s not the same river and you aren’t the same person. I went to the Willamette river to update the settings of both the river and of me. Get a feel for what is currently happening in our current. What is the flow of right now?
There is a nice stretch of river between Peoria and Corvallis. It’s about a 10-mile paddle. It’s gentle and easy to navigate, no rapids. It’s gorgeous.
The best feeling is paddling hard with the current. It makes for such effortless forward momentum. This is what it feels like when you’ve found your center and give it permission, even happy encouragement. Things move fast in the direction you want to go.
This trip I didn’t have a 2-car pick-up system; instead I arranged for a taxi to take me back to my car. Thanks Beaver cab! My cab driver, Michelle, inspired me to sing “Michelle” by the Beatles. I love you I love you I looooovvvee yoouuuuu! floated over the top of the water melodiously. Later I asked her if she knew the song; she did not.
If you want to find the quiet inside channel of the river, from the boat launch, walk south along the edge for what took me 30-40 minutes. The water was knee to rib-cage deep, but on the edge, it’s not quite as forceful. Be strong and resolute like a salmon and stay on task, go upstream. Look to your right and you’ll see the opening for the way. Then continue walking up about 70 ft. or so to allow for you to drift down the river while you paddle across the river. It’s not highly technical but not the best beginner voyage.
Once there, it is still. There isn’t much movement in the water. Fish, all sizes, swim just below. Newts kiss the surface for air. Herons (great blues and greens) squawk and fly out ahead of intruders. Dragonflies buzz overhead.
I got off my board, held my breath, and went underwater. When I popped back up, it felt like it was 200 million years ago. No one else was there.
A nice pair of large flip-flops were on the grassy bank. It looked like someone just stepped out of them and then vanished.
An osprey dove in front of me. It was following its flow, all forces dropping into the direction of its target. They tip, flip, dip and turn before they make the decision. At that moment they are all in.
This land is where the Kalapuya tribe lived good lives. I look at the willow everywhere and imagine how many baskets they once made.
It took me about 2.15 hours to get to Corvallis.
On the landing site, a guy was setting up his electric guitar and amp, which were plugged into his Subaru just off the water. I wondered what he was up to so we talked. After a bit, he asked, “do you play an instrument? Do you sing?” Yes. Yes. “Do you want to be in a band?!” No. He said he mostly quit working and plays music and picks up cans.
“Do you find enough cans?”
“Naw!”
For this river trip, go to hwy. 99 E toward Corvallis. After passing through Peoria, take the left turn into the parking lot for Peoria park. This park is a pit toilet and a boat ramp. From the launch, just follow the river as it pushes you toward town. Get out after passing under bridges, on the left, you will see the bank and people hanging out (behind Michael’s Landing).
No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.
-Heraclitus
2oo million years ago! AND she did this ENTIRE TRIP as nekkid as the day is young! she doesn’t TELL the Mere Public THAT part! the cabbie didn’t know the Beatles’ song? How very odd. Love it, dear bear, just getting better and better. Nice pics too! Keep paddling, eventually you will make it to the Pleistocene, and oh, the animals you shall see!
This is great! Writing, pictures, herons, and everything!
Thanks, Charity! Glad you enjoyed it!