Sam Drevo’s Photojournal: The Century Paddle Timeline
First, Don and I had to scout the route in our 12-foot APEX inflatable. This is where it all started on the Willamette.
Don was optimistic about our chances of making it all the way to Astoria on our first trip in the APEX.
After one gas stop, and over seven hours of hauling ass in the APEX we arrived at a fine establishment at the end of our journey- otherwise known as the “Graveyard of the Pacific”- Astoria’s Pier 39.
The Century Paddle route was established.
We assembled a test kayak crew in 2009, hoping to create a fundraiser for Team River Runner PDX.
Day 1 started early for our four test paddlers.
Some interesting watercraft at dry dock- this NAVY Sea Fighter catamaran behind Hayden travels at speeds up to 55 mph.
We learned quite a bit about salmon fishing in Ranier and salivated over the fresh catch.
The Lower Columbia River is an amazingly tranquil waterway at times...
...and a great place for a paddling workout.
Did I mention great weather and scenery? The river is over 70 degrees- too warm for salmon, just right for humans
Big bonfires!
Full moon
Camp 4 on the Lower Columbia River, about 20 miles from Astoria
After five days of paddling, camping and making like Lewis and Clark- our first annual Century Paddle was a success!