Sunland

Sunland. Well what can I say? This little piece of land that was left high and dry when this section of the Columbia River was dammed has developed into a small holiday home community. Friends Jim and Anita now live here, having moved across the range from Seattle.

View from J&A's home

Our first day here we sat around and relaxed for most of the day. We did go for a drive down the canyon. We visited the Wanapum Dam and there was a heritage centre there which we visited. It was also very interesting to hear about how they manage the fish that need to swim upstream. There is a built in fish ladder that bypasses the turbines.

View of some weathered basalt columns in the canyon
These are called The Feathers

Jim checking out the canyon floor

Our second day we went for a walk up on the ridge through the desert landscape. 

Sunland from the ridge

Home and hot, we got ourselves ready for a day on the river. Jim and Anita's boat comfortably seats four adults. We headed out stocked with food and drinks.

Possibly some ancient native rock art

FA18 zooming down the canyon

Despite the high temperatures, the river water was very cold. Ian braved it for a quick cool down dip. It was an in and out situation though. Jim also took a dip and dived in.

Jim going for a dive

Not quite synchronised swimming - but the closest the Columbia River will every get to see

It's been a good couple of days. Now it's off on our cruise.

I'll be back ....