On October 19, 2001, Michael and I boarded the Sternwheeler
"Columbia Gorge" for a dinner and dance cruise.
The vessel was docked in Cascade Locks, Oregon, which
is located in the Columbia Gorge.
 


This is a photograph of our buffet table.  The food was delicious!

Our Menu for the evening included:
Northwest Baked Salmon with Hazelnut Cream Sauce and slow roasted Chef Carved Herb Crusted Prime Rib with Roasted Garlic 
Accompaniments:
Garden Green Salad with Assorted Dressings, Country Style Potato Salad, Rotelli Pasta Salad, Fresh Sliced Seasonal Fruit,  Vegetable Crudites served with dip, Wild Rice with Cranberries and Walnuts, Seasonal Northwest Vegetable Sauteâ, Fresh Baked Rolls with Butter and Seasonal Cheesecake Selection 
Here I attempted to take a photograph of
Michael and myself in the stairwell mirror.
Unfortunately, I forgot to look up after
aiming the camera.
Michael and I visited the wheelhouse, which
was open throughout the duration of the cruise.

While we were in the wheelhouse, the captain told
us that the wheel was turning at a rate of fifteen
revolutions per minute.
Hey!  I remembered to look up this time!


This is Captain Randy and two fellow passengers.
Again, our esteemed (and photogenic) host,
Captain Randy.
Michael and I were excited to have the opportunity
to try our hands at piloting the craft.  Michael was
a bit braver than I.  The captain kept a close
eye the controls and instruments at all times.

Here's a picture of the band.  Michael and I
danced to their music and thoroughly enjoyed
ourselves.

Michael sipped water on deck, cooling off after a
round of dancing inside.

Our waiter was named Matthew.  We got to laughing about
all sorts of things with him.  At one point, he came from the
kitchen and presented us with an alien made from
aluminum foil.  It wasn't long before our alien had
somehow taken up smoking (with a genuine Bosnian
cigarette from Matthew).

 
What's a night out on a dinner cruise without
a little bit of romance?


For more information about the availability of Sternwheeler "Columbia Gorge" tours and cruises, visit this web site:
Sternwheeler Columbia Gorge and Marine Park