Vancouver, WA

With the sun on our backs and a picnic lunch in the cooler, my daughter and I delighted in a walk on the first warm, sunny day of spring along the Columbia River on Vancouver’s Waterfront Renaissance Trail. The 1.75 mile paved path along the river is one of many opportunities to enjoy nature in southwest Washington.

We parked the car at Waterfront Park, a 5 acre site on the western end of the trail. Not only is the parking free but the park is ideal for picnicking after the walk! The easiest route to the Renaissance Trail is take exit 1C off I-5. Exit west onto Mill Plain, turn south on Columbia Street. Continue south until the road turns to the left and turns into Columbia Way. The park is on your right.

Our walk started with a visit to the river’s edge. I love the smell of the water, the sound of the croaking frogs and dangling my feet in the cold water on a hot summer’s day. But don’t let the gently lapping water fool you! The river looks inviting but the current is quite strong and unpredictable making this an unsafe area for swimmers. After a few minutes of enjoying the smell of water and foliage we began our walk in earnest.

We were joined by bikers, runners, strollers and even one gentleman in a wheelchair. The path is wide and accommodating to all. The path led us past five restaurants and a number of upscale condominiums. One would think that would preclude the viewing of any wildlife but quite the contrary. When we sat on one of the many benches along the way to allow my 9 month pregnant daughter to rest her feet, we heard a screech over the water. We squinted into the sunlight and spied a bald eagle soaring majestically over the water. He treated us to a full 10 minute show before returning to Portland, Oregon on the other side of the river. With rested feet we continued our journey.

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I almost envied the lunch diners their tables on the restaurant patios until I remembered the lunch I packed and the lawn and picnic tables dotting the park near my car. At last we arrived at the far end of the walk. The bright blue sky provided a brilliant backdrop to the million dollar view of Mt Hood, the two bridges connecting Vanouver to Portland and unique art. We did not get a view of Mt Hood today but when the day is absolutely clear, the view is spectacular. The mountain stands over 11,000 feet high!
My daughter, however, did begin to tire. Not only did her feet hurt again but the diners we had just passed inspired her appetite. Not one to chance the potentially menacing nature of a pregnant woman, I suggested that we return to the park.
We walked in silence, each enjoying the different sounds along the path. We heard children laughing, babies crying and adults chatting. We stopped for a moment to watch a sailboat silently slipping by. A few steps further along the path we heard the singing of spring birds.

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At last we returned to the car and our beloved cooler. I served my daughter her favorite sandwich and a big bowl of fresh strawberries. She turned her face to the sun and proclaimed the day to be a beautiful end to her pregnancy. We called her husband and the baby was born just 8 hours later. I hope we can return soon with the baby in a stroller!