TRAVELING DOWN THE RIVER

WHEN we went to Portland, we went by water.

At that time there was neither railroad nor highway along the Washington side of the Columbia River.

We rose early and drove with team and buggy to Lyle, where we took the boat at seven in the morning. We started early indeed. When the old Regulator came in sight, we were thrilled to the finger tips. I would be so excited I could scarcely walk the gang plank, up to the deck of the boat.

There was a wonderful cabin with comfortable chairs and couches such as our young eyes had never before seen. We sank into their luxurious depths, reveling in their softness and beauty.

We traveled on this boat until noon, at which time we reached the Cascade Rapids, now covered by the Bonneville Dam, and crossed by The Bridge of the Gods.

But when we were young people, one boat made the trip from The Dalles to the Cascades, went to land, and the passengers went ashore and traveled around the rapids in a horse drawn hack. Another boat was below the rapids ready to carry us on to our destination. We usually arrived in Portland about seven in the evening, thus taking the whole day to make the trip which is now made in such a short time. Later the Cascade Locks were completed, and the same boat made the entire trip from The Dalles to Portland.

Going through the Locks was another thrill. We started in at the shore level, and as the water receded the boat went lower, until at last we could see nothing but the cement walls of the Locks.

The lower gates were opened, and we went into a lower canal, and when all the canals were emptied, we emerged at the lower part of the river. There was still another half day journey to make, but the experiences more than compensated for the time consumed.

It was, indeed, a gala day when we went to Portland.