This brought back memories. While you were heading up river, we were leaving Portland under that same red sky. We were heading off for our sail south. Even though we were excited about finally getting underway, I remember that we were all in a rather somber thoughtful mood then as well.
We had enough previous experience in the river to know we needed a rock solid reliable engine - that weighed heavily on the decision for the new engine. The Columbia is a great over-nite/weekender river. Just travel 1-2 hours and you can be completely alone.
