This week, we took the Bliss downtown for a little mini-cruise. This involves crossing under, or lifting nine bridges. Luckily, we did not have to lift the most critical of the bridges, the I-5 Interstate Bridge on the Columbia River. Lifting this bridge is a big deal because it backs up traffic on a major interstate. Lifting the bridge is highly restricted during certain hours. We managed to make it under by four feet. Going under the bridge is very unnerving because from below, it always looks like we are going to touch.
Next bridge is the Vancouver Railroad Bridge. The bridge operator opened for us, and we motored down the Columbia and around Kelly Point to the confluence with the Willamette River. The Willamette runs through downtown Portland. Our first bridge going up the Willamette is St Johns, which is one of the prettiest bridges. The bridge is 200 feet high, so we did not have to raise it. Next bridge was another railroad bridge. This bridge was already raised, but as we were approaching, it closed. No problem. We called the bridge operator on the radio and he said to wait a little while for a train to come through. We told him that we would need 60 feet after the train went through. He raised to 62 after the train, and across we went. Next bridge up on the Willamette is the Freemont Bridge. The Freemont Bridge is 175 feet, so no need to raise that one. Next up is the Broadway Bridge. Broadway Bridge clearance was 80 feet, so no need to raise that one. Next up was the Steel Bridge. The Steel Bridge is currently at 17 feet, so we called on the radio and asked for a lift. Bridge operator told us that there was a train and several light rails coming through, and to wait for 30 minutes. After about 30 minutes, the train was done, and he opened to 62 feet. We crossed under the steel bridge, and made contact with Hawthorne bridge, who kind of coordinates with some of the other bridges. After some discussion about our mast height, river levels and bridge clearance, they decided to lift all three, Burnside, Morrison and Hawthorne for us. This was relief, as we hate to go under bridges and have marginal clearance.
We found a nice little slip on the inside break wall at River place, and we expect to be here for a couple of days. We want to return to Portland Sunday. The marathon is that day, and starts at 0800, so we need to be through the Hawthorne Bridge at 0700.
