4 Bridges on the Winter Solstice - L2 - T2405

Join Lori Stole (Mentor) and Greg Lamberg (Mentee) on this iconic Portland paddle.  Oddly, Lori did this paddle a year to the day prior, so we thought this would be pretty cool to do it exactly one year later.  Who knows - Maybe this Winter Solstice paddle will become an OOPS tradition?

We’ll launch from Cathedral Park in Portland and check out the historic St. John’s bridge from below. From there we’ll head upstream, hugging to the north-east shore to minimize exposure to the downstream current. Upon reaching the Steel Bridge we’ll cross over to the other side and stop for lunch.  Hopefully we’ll have an opportunity to watch the bridge raise in action – would that be worth the price of admission?

We‘ll follow the south-west shore back, enjoying a bit of current assist on the return trip. There will be lots of interesting sites to see on this four bridge, downtown paddle.  This is a winter paddle, so you must be in a dry suit and should have appropriate layering underneath.  Bring lunch and I highly recommend a thermos with something warm to drink during lunch.   Please note that the distance is roughly 11.5 NM Round trip – just over 13 statute miles.  Please be prepared to keep a 3kt pace on the paddle and stay together as a group. We plan on stopping only once for lunch since this happens to be the shortest day of the year.

Although not required, radios and tow belts are highly encouraged – Bring ‘em if you’ve got em!

Helmets not required, but always welcome.

Cathedral Park has restrooms and I understand that parking is free.