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he standard means of transportation for world travelers to Portland, Oregon is by air, land and sea — but that's not how first white men came to great Northwest Territory. CruiseWest offers a stylistic version of exploration of waters that Louisiana Purchase surveyors Lewis and Clark plied almost 200 years ago.

Portland is a primary port facility for west coast shipping, but sits inland from Pacific Ocean, along Columbia River. The local economy isn't based just on shipping trade - you'll find thriving communities dealing in everything from ship repair and fishing canneries to agricultural, and of course ever present tourist market. ' Along Lewis and Clark CruiseWest journey, you'll hear naturalists relate stories about first settlers, Indians who inhabited territory, and developers arriving later into this great countryside.

My travel arrangements were made through CruiseWest. I flew into Portland via Alaska Air and even Sacajawea didn't have to pathfind way to baggage carousel. Shuttles whisk from gate to gate, and are for all passengers, not just disabled. I found out about this a little too late, as I entered into my own self-appointed walking marathon. CruiseWest has it's own baggage handlers and shuttle from airport to Marriott Portland Downtown Hotel, jumping-off point for adventure on Columbia.

I met my first fellow explorers — a couple from Seattle, who had sailed previously on this very vessel, Spirit of Discovery — up in Alaska, now joining CruiseWest flotilla after tendered through Inside Passage; I learned ship was capable of voyage up Columbia and Snake Rivers.

It started to rain and it continued in its Pacific Northwest infamy throughout afternoon. This was no damper on my plans — after all, I just came from dry climate of Las Vegas, and a little rain was enjoyable.

At Marriott our bags were immediately banded and prepared for boarding. Passengers gathered in hospitality room awaiting an introductory presentation from crew. With a couple of hours to kill I joined a lively crowd in sports pub, featuring racks of TVs blasting out golf to football to baseball playoffs. My arrival coincided with annual Portland marathon, scheduled next day. The bartender told me that this was first rainy day in months and that it never rains on marathon. After a light lunch, I found my way back to hospitality suite in time for crew's Coast Guard safety instructions.

I decided to walk famous Portland park-like river walk to dockside, rather than shuttle. Even though it was drizzling, it is a short distance, with trail meandering onward for miles. I discovered hundreds of Canadian geese resting like decoys in park. Once aboard ship, crew guided me to my respective cabin. My bags had already arrived. Dinner was served shortly thereafter and camaraderie began.

A blazing sun, a cool breeze, and soft white sand create perfect prelude to evenings that are cued for love, as if someone had orchestrated brilliant full moon featuring Venus just below and to right. Intricate constellations glisten above as ocean pushes and pulls in its rush to high tide, wrapped in fragrant aroma of profuse Bougainvillea, Frangipani, and Ginger Lily blossoms on romantic island of Barbados.

Set entirely upon a bed of coral rock and limestone from which many of island's buildings are erected, Barbados, home to some 270,000 Bajans, is most eastern of Lesser Antilles. At a scant 24 miles long and 14 miles wide, this tropical paradise has a treasure trove of romantic escapes from which you will be eager to explore your most passionate dreams. Elegant resorts and private villas are nestled along its shores with something to suit every whim and desire.

Starting with most impressive of luxury accommodations is recently restored Sandy Lane Hotel and Golf Club. Set in a mahogany grove, this outstanding premier property originally opened in 1961 and has hosted royalty, movie stars, as well as many of world's leading dignitaries and business personalities. In March 2001, The Sandy Lane once again spared no expense for their grand re-opening. Dark mahogany accents set an elegant tone against cream coral stone of Palladian-style building, while marble lends a sense of coolness to this classically furnished resort, reflecting a sophisticated ambience throughout.

Pampering begins soon after you land in Barbados with a chauffeured limousine transfer via "Bentley" or another of their luxury cars for scenic thirty-five minute drive to this illustrious West Coast resort. Upon arrival you're greeted with a chilled ice towel and invigorating tropical fruit punch before being whisked away to your room where you will enjoy personalized in-room registration. A private butler will be happy to serve your favorite cocktail as you relax on verandah while he takes care of unpacking before helping to guide you through state-of-the-art facilities.

Spacious and uniquely designed each room features plasma flat screen television, DVD and CD players with control panels, including reading lights on either side of bed. Large, well-equipped bathrooms have specially designed multi-spray showers, heated mirrors and a make-up room. Electronic "Do Not Disturb" signs and parabolic speakers will help to ensure your privacy while keeping you tuned-in on verandah or in bathroom.

When you're ready to hit beach you're welcomed with a refreshing combination of sorbet and fresh fruit. Just choose a place to settle in — display your service flag for beachside refreshment delivery and make sure to hydrate often as you relax in a comfortable beach chair.