“The Columbia River is not a river, we do paddle a kayak downstream—The sea wind blowing always from the Pacific Ocean to the continent is blocked by the Cascade Range running north-south along coast of western North America. And then, the wind gathers and blows in through the Columba River gorge which cuts open the Cascade Range. At there, the wind is accelerated its speed by funnel effect. So, on the Columbia River, usually strong winds blow from downstream to upstream, and occasionally an interaction between that wind and the water current in the opposite direction makes waves 9 feet in height. Once, even my yacht was not able to cruise and turned back—The Columbia River is a mecca for windsurfers coming from around the world—I sought information about somebody who kayaked downstream on the Columbia River ever, but only one parson has come up in conversation—There are four dams down the river. Because designers didn’t consider about kayak when they made old dams, of which oldest one is designed 80 years ago, you may not be able to pass through or make a detour.”
Phillip gave me varied information, while he was reading a well-used nautical chart spread on the table in the cabin, and was reading a monitor displaying weather information coming from a satellite.
I was impressed that a situation of the Columbia River totally differed from rivers of Japan. Even though I had not yet made the slightest progress, layers of hurdle, which I could not see how to climb, came up on my way.
I have no choice but to keep going. First of all, I will paddle to the first dam, by hook or by crook.
Ben and Mike helped in turns to purchase foods and gears with their cars at several stores. I was very blessed because we cannot do anything without car in United States.
