May 27, 2026
Shortly after arriving at Lynne and Eric’s in Battle Ground, Washington we were headed out for a boat ride on Eric’s new boat!
Unfortunately, the wind was winning, especially when we motored from Lake River onto the Columbia River. So, instead of going north up to the McMenamins on the waterfront at Kalama for dinner, we docked across the way at St Helens, Oregon for dinner. We ate at The Farm on the Roof since it had views of the water. We thought the stairs would never end though to get up to the open-air deck. The wind was too much to eat outside. Views from the open-air deck…
Mt. Saint Helens in the background with a small cloud on top left of it.
Barry and Eric both ordered the brisket chili, Lynne had a chicken wrap, and I ordered a burger. Barry and I shared our selections. The chili was pretty good, but my burger was really good. I think it was the best of what we all ordered. Would definitely recommend the burgers here over the rest of the choices.
(Mount St Helens way in the background between Lynne and me in the pic below.)
And then along came this massive cargo ship! It blocked out the entire landscape on the other side of it ,while Eric’s boat blocked a bit of the pier next to it. 🙂 Eric said it is one that brings cars into the US. It was pretty cool to get both the cargo ship and Eric’s boat in the same picture.
Mt. St Helens in the background below!
Beautiful purple heather or ? filled the bank. It was so pretty.
I love being out on the water!
And just like that we are ready to head back to their house. 🙂
The full set-up…truck and trailered boat..and owner. 🙂
The next day Lynne, Barry and I went for a nice little hike around a nearby lake – Battle Ground Lake.
Fascinating information about Battle Ground Lake…
A little wildlife:
That night after dinner, Eric brought out one of his many cribbage boards for us to play. This is a usual happening when we are together. I don’t believe I’ve played though since we were together a couple years ago! I was definitely rusty! He skunked me…and made sure I took a picture to send to Abby. He has never forgotten when she double-skunked him about 25 years ago. :). Sometimes you get the cards–and the cut, sometimes you don’t get either. The cards fell beautifully for Eric – especially on this hand for 20pts!
Lynne has always been a very dear friend who was always at my side for love, listening and support. My kids and I were blessed with the connection our two families had immediately. Richard was an “honorary cousin” to Lynne’s entire California family! That kind of bond is rare. Though it has been 20 years since we’ve lived near each other, Lynne and I immediately pick right up again when we get together! Eric and I are like brother and sister. We are the energetic, social, on-the-go duo of the four of us. If someone is going to get into trouble it will be us. Although, I think I’ve become more content to have more down-time than I ever did before.