Hanford Reach

Yesterday we paddled one of the few stretches of the Columbia River that is not dammed, a real wild reach.

It flows past an area that is a de facto wildlife preserve, with no human interference.

It's all part of the Hanford Research operation--where the plutonium for the Manhattan nuclear project of WWII was produced. There's a huge buffer zone around it. It's the hottest and driest part of the Columbia Basin. The vegetation is sagebrush and perennial bunchgrass. A desert, plus a huge river, making for a variety of life.

And current, real current all the way. Added to a tail wind we made excellent progress: 80 km in about 7 hours. that includes crew change stops.

We have now reached Richland, where there is a bit more shelter from the wind. And it's Canada Day, so we are making our own celebration--party and more.

Eric, our newest team member has joined us--he lives in Richland, so is a font of information. Carol joins us tomorrow.

More people make for less work. Yeah!