This is a FullTime-Life Friday Flashback for Gemma's SCENIC WEEKENDS. By this time of year, here on the flatlands, I start to miss elevation a little bit. So I went searching the archives for some hills and mountains. I spied them on the horizon in this photo of floathouses moored along the Willamette Slough. When I took it we were on our way to go camping on Oregon's Sauvie Island.
Sauvie Island in the Columbia River near Portland was one of our favorite summer and fall getaway places when we lived in Oregon. This large island (over 25,000 acres) lies only about 10 miles from downtown Portland, but always seemed like an entirely different world. (Click on the blue link for more information from Wiki.)
Portland, Oregon's largest city, is about 100 miles away from where we used to live.
We watched Columbia River barge traffic from our camper window.
When we used to visit, there was only the one campground and I think there might be some B&B type lodging, but no chain hotels, restaurants, or grocery stores. It's mostly rural and, especially since it's so close, very popular with outdoor recreation enthusiasts from the City.
The Island is one of many favorite spots that we haven't visited for several years. Maybe next summer. (So many scenic places.....)
Love the moody colours in these scenes! Wonderful tones of blue in the first photo and magical reflections in the second.
Posted by: Gemma Wiseman | March 01, 2013 at 02:59 PM
I can relate fully to what you said about flatlands. When i visit our Central Plains here in Luzon, our rice granary, i fell impatient when hills are not on sight even in the horizons. I realized i can't live in those areas, i have to be in mountainous or undulating landscapes. I agree, your photos are lovely and can be missed.
Posted by: Kalantikan | March 01, 2013 at 03:10 PM
Doh just wrote a comment and forgot to post it. The float houses look quite grand and picturesque. Photos are a great way to relive vacations.
Posted by: diane | March 01, 2013 at 06:12 PM
It's a beautiful place. My brother once lived on a boathouse in BC.
Posted by: Karen | March 01, 2013 at 06:24 PM
the house boats are so cool! if that's the right name for them.
Posted by: TexWisGirl | March 01, 2013 at 07:04 PM
okay - floathouses. :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | March 01, 2013 at 07:04 PM
Looks delightful-I've not seen any float houses in this region before!
Posted by: HAZEL | March 01, 2013 at 11:42 PM
Wow! It looks like a different world indeed. The first picture looks like a painting, complete with hills and reflections and I love the shades in the second. I hope you get to visit this beautiful and scenic spot sometime soon!
Posted by: Arti | March 02, 2013 at 01:13 AM
wonderful reflections! :)
Posted by: Tina´s PicStory | March 02, 2013 at 03:54 AM
Super reflections!
Posted by: EG CameraGirl , Canada | March 02, 2013 at 03:55 AM
Pretty shots, Sallie! The colors and reflections are pretty. Happy Weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | March 02, 2013 at 04:12 AM
Ooh,I am so sending my daughter this link since she lives in Portland! Maybe when I go visit in May we can take a trip to this place. The shot of the floathouses is so beautiful and charming. That shot of the barge reminds me of the Mississippi River here. Simply lovely!
Posted by: Gail | March 02, 2013 at 06:24 AM
A full time traveller.
And forever enjoying.
Posted by: Rainfield | March 02, 2013 at 06:41 AM
Such serene scenes with lovely hues.
Definitely frame and hang able Sallie.
Nicely done my friend ~:)
Posted by: Pam | March 02, 2013 at 07:10 AM
Sallie I live in a region called "The Fylde", from the original Scandinavian meaning of "field" so I know where you're coming from in missing elevation sometimes. Your pictures show tranquil scenes of water and light - very nice and relaxing.
Posted by: Phil | March 02, 2013 at 08:31 AM
Nice photos! I do understand you have a lot of places to visit, you live in a big country with lots of opportunities! :)/Pia
Posted by: Pia, Sweden | March 02, 2013 at 09:46 AM
These are gorgeous shots. They have a magical feel to them.
Posted by: Carver | March 02, 2013 at 10:06 AM
Beautiful shots. Those boats look just like houses. Wonderful!
Posted by: ladyfi | March 02, 2013 at 10:26 AM
These pictures look like postcards. Beautiful!
Have a wonderful weekend. ☺
Posted by: Dana | March 02, 2013 at 10:28 AM
the floating buildings and misty mountains are awesome - and the reflections!
Posted by: joannemo@comcast.net | March 02, 2013 at 12:21 PM
Being from the mountains and living on flat land for over 30 years I know what you're saying. Nowadays I like driving through a flat valley but having those mountains on either side. :)
These photos are lovely! The light/tone in both is delightful and so are the reflections.
Posted by: Carletta's Captures | March 02, 2013 at 06:25 PM
That flat terrain of Florida would be hard for this girl of the west to take for very long. I do like the Florida beaches, though.
Posted by: Martha Z | March 02, 2013 at 07:24 PM
pas marrante cette inondation....
Posted by: l'Angevine | March 03, 2013 at 12:40 AM
I love the first shot. Love the blue, a bit, cold tone in it. :)
But, for todays world I´m not sure the location so close to the water is a good idéa.
Posted by: NatureFootstep Photo | March 03, 2013 at 07:02 AM
I want to be here!
Posted by: Penny | March 03, 2013 at 07:10 AM
I love the houses with the colorful roofs ! I have never seen a house with a blue or green roof !
Posted by: Gattina | March 03, 2013 at 07:45 AM
The top one is amazing. You ought to enter it into a contest of some sort!
WOW!!!!
Posted by: Jenn Jilks | March 03, 2013 at 03:13 PM
Both photos have perfect lighting! One of my wish list to visit Oregon. My friend just retired (under age) and have put a down payment for an RV pending sale of her house. Oregon is one of her stops, and I might be able to visit....
Posted by: Ebie | March 03, 2013 at 08:19 PM
looks a lovely place for a wee break!
Posted by: craftygreenpoet | March 04, 2013 at 12:27 AM
postcard pretty views from a beautiful part of the country
Posted by: Pearl Maple | March 04, 2013 at 01:51 AM
I wish to visit Portland where my niece resides. Someday and I will have to remember this place you're telling now.
Posted by: Prem | March 04, 2013 at 03:11 PM
Sigh.. I'd love to visit this quaint seaside town- its like stepping back in time. Great snapshots Sallie.
Posted by: Pam :) | March 06, 2013 at 02:09 AM
Come here, Sallie ! Mountains are all around ! I like your first shot of Sauvie Island.
Posted by: Annie | March 06, 2013 at 05:01 AM
What a beautiful place! Nice photos of it also!
Posted by: pat | March 09, 2013 at 08:56 PM