The Willamette Mission that gave our Park it's name was flooded out in the 1840's and moved to the present day Salem area. A major flood in 1861 actually changed the course of the river in the park and created a Lake. The river continues to flood each winter and most of the park is closed until the water recedes. We have had a very busy week working to prepare for the flood predicted for Nov. 22. All the picnic tables have to be stacked and cabled to trees. Bridge railings and boat docks have to be removed. The grounds have to be mulched and the trails uncovered where the leaves are thickest.
The ferry will be closed when the river gets too high. The dry land visible in this photo is already covered by the river waters.
Here's a close-up of the ferry. It gets lots of use and links our staff to another park and greenways along the river that our staff manages. We took it a few days ago and the water was surging beneath it nothing like the gentle waters pictured.
It is really interesting watching the changes in the river and learning about how the water levels are predicted and monitored. Terry will be returning from our days off in Vancouver at his mom's place to finish up the preparation for the first flood. I will fly from Portland to Charlotte in the morning and spend Thanksgiving with my sisters. It will be great to be in NC after 9 months of roving and rambling.
Enjoy the coming days with thankfulness and gratitude!!
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