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April Three Ferries SUV Drive

BY MIKE

What was happening on this tour, with so many folks getting excited for very different reasons?

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Peg exclaimed that the Three Ferries Tour is her “favorite tour of the year!”

Heinz exclaimed, “Why are they all turning left, when I turned right?”

Martha exclaimed, “Michael, pay attention. I just missed the turn. You’re a better driver than a navigator!”

What was happening on this tour, with so many folks getting excited for very different reasons?

Ah yes, it was the delightful Three Ferries tour, in which we traversed a good portion of the Willamette Valley and crossed the Willamette River by ferry three times in a single day. We had great weather, fun cars to drive and great friends to tour with ...and a few missed turns. So it goes.

Heinz, our devoted leader, began the tour in West Linn, where we drove through the foothills between Oregon City and Wilsonville. As he has already related, Heinz made a wrong turn to the right and our leader soon became our sweep for the first leg of the drive. It got a good chuckle from everyone.

Back on track and out in front again, Heinz led us West towards Champoeg State Park. My lovely bride Martha was piloting her “new to her” Macan S and I was navigating today, instead of the usual driving. I thought I was doing well as a navigator, until we missed a turn and found ourselves taking a slightly longer route to the State Park.

Back with the group again, we left Champoeg Park and headed South through St. Paul and Fairfield on our way to our second Ferry ride of the day-The Wheatland Ferry. The ferries have a different look and feel, packed with Porsches. Just sayin’!

Across the Willamette again, we continued through the Eola Hills, past the many wineries and lush farmland. Through Rickreall and Independence our merry parade of Porsches made its way to Buena Vista County Park. A short stop here to regroup before boarding the Buena Vista Ferry, our last boat ride of the day.

Once on the other side of the Willamette, we drove for a few miles and ended our tour at the lovely Ankeny Vineyard. They had a large table set up for us and we all enjoyed a cold beverage and wood-fired pizzas, while recounting the day’s turns and missed turns.

I understand why this tour is Peg’s favorite. n

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