The sun was reflecting off the buildings as it rose over the Rose City. It was a perfect Friday the 13th on the Willamette River. 
I was not the only early morning boater. Lots of rowers and Dragon Boat paddlers were getting their exercise too under the many bridges. As a newbie to the area it did take a little time to find a safe place to park and launch. This is near the OMSI parking lot under the Morrison Street Bridge. There were lots of empty parking spots when I arrived at 5:40 A. M. but by take out time of 9:00 they were all full of cars. I was a little concerned about the homeless asking for money and admiring my gear as I left my valuables in the van.
I was most impressed with this river art that can only be seen from the water. I had to wonder who would go to the effort and risk arrest to paint this image. 
On the way home we stopped at the Yaquina Head Lighthouse and took the tour. They have a nice interpretive center with volunteers to answer questions. It was worth the $5 entry fee. I also spent a few hours on Devils Lake near the Outlet Mall in Lincoln City. While paddling for exercise I noticed a large ski boat with black smoke billowing out the stern. The crew was taking turns paddling with a single blade to shore on opposite sides of the boat. I approached in my 10' 6" canoe and asked if they needed help. They thought I was nuts to offer to rescue a 1500 pound hull with an inboard outboard motor while I am in a boat that weighs 24 pounds. I threw them a 40' line that was tied to my forward thwart and with it tied to their painter, towed them to shore. When I reached the dock I ran the line around the dock and began pulling them in. A bystander came to help. I untied to get out of the way from their massive crushing hull against my fragile little boat in the 2 foot waves as the bystander pulled them in. It was ironic the big boat with the 250 hp. motor was unable to control its movement as well as I could control it with no motor.
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