Possible summary:
The Lower Columbia River is a challenging and diverse waterway that can offer a unique and rewarding experience for small boat enthusiasts. One such adventurer is Paul Lutus, who has sailed and rowed his 12-foot sailboat called “LUNA” along hundreds of miles of this river delta, encountering wildlife, weather, history, and personal growth along the way.
Lutus, a retired software engineer and writer, began his nautical journey on LUNA in 2013, after building her from a kit designed by John Welsford and featured in Small Craft Advisor magazine. The SCAMP is a versatile hybrid vessel that can be propelled by oars, sail, or motor, and can handle various conditions from calm lakes to choppy seas. Lutus chose this design because it suited his solo voyaging style and his desire for simplicity, economy, and exploration.
Lutus launched LUNA from Portland, Oregon, and headed down the Columbia River, passing under bridges, past ports, and through shipping lanes. He soon encountered the first of many challenges: the tide. The Lower Columbia has a strong tidal range that can affect the depth, speed, and direction of the water, as well as create turbulence and eddies. Lutus had to learn how to plan his trips accordingly, using tide tables, charts, and observations to navigate safely and efficiently. He also had to adapt to the changing river environment, which included sandbars, channels, islands, and various types of flora and fauna.
As Lutus progressed down the river, he discovered several interesting and inspiring places that he visited or explored on foot. Some of these sites were natural wonders, such as Beacon Rock, a towering basalt monolith that rises 848 feet above the water and offers a panoramic view of the gorge. Other places were historical or cultural landmarks, such as Fort Clatsop, a replica of the winter quarters of the Lewis and Clark expedition, or the Cathlamet Museum, which showcases the Native and European heritage of the region. Lutus also met some friendly and helpful locals, including fishermen, kayakers, and boaters, who offered advice, company, or shelter in case of need.
Lutus not only enjoyed the physical and sensory aspects of his river voyages, but also reflected on the philosophical and psychological implications of his experience. He wrote in his blog and in his book, “Cruising in Seraffyn’s Oriental Adventure” (which he recommends as a classic guide for small boat cruising), about how his boat and the river helped him reconnect with nature, challenge himself, simplify his life, and appreciate the present moment. He also admitted that his voyages were not always comfortable or pleasant, as he had to cope with bugs, heat, cold, rain, wind, and fatigue, and as he had to face his fears and doubts about his abilities, his safety, and his motives.
Overall, Lutus considers his Lower Columbia River expeditions on LUNA as some of the most rewarding and transformative experiences of his life. He hopes that his example and his writing will inspire other small boat enthusiasts to explore their local waters with curiosity, respect, and joy. He also hopes that his adventures will contribute to the preservation and awareness of the natural and cultural treasures of the Lower Columbia River and its surroundings.
Posted by Dale Simonson on 2017-09-06 23:16:44
