PORTLAND, Ore. (GRESHAM OUTLOOK) — Benson Bridge reopened at Multnomah Falls on Thursday, June 28, and the falls just happened to attract special guests— former President Jimmy Carter and his wife Rosalynn.
Benson Bridge had been closed since September because of damage sustained from the Eagle Creek Fire last fall.
Even though many of the visitors at Multnomah Falls were unaware that Carter was stopping by, he was surrounded by people taking his photo or trying to shake his hand as he arrived at the falls. The crowd followed him up to the lower viewing platform where Carter admired the majestic beauty of the falls.
Jeff Crump wandered behind the large group following Carter, but Crump had know idea who the crowd was trailing. Once Crump discovered who it was, he made his way up to grab several photos of the former president.
“It was surreal,” Crump said. “It’s interesting to see a president.”
Crump serves in the Air Force, and has seen Air Force One many times, but it was his first time actually seeing a president. Crump grew up in Oregon, and he lives in Tucson, Ariz.
President Carter was visiting the falls as part of the Carter Center Weekend, which is a fundraiser for the organization, said Patty Garrett who volunteers to coordinate the weekend.
The Carter Center is a nongovernmental human-rights organization that helps improve lives by resolving conflicts, advancing democracy and human rights and preventing disease in more than 80 countries.
The event changes its location every year, and often includes several sightseeing stops.
This year, the trip included two excursions through the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area during the five-day trip.
Carter was visiting Multnomah Falls with friends. and his Air Force unit, Rescue Group 943, is training in Portland.
President Carter was escorted through the scenic area by Matt Ramich, U.S. Forest Service on-site manager for Multnomah Falls. Both Carter and Ramich smiled as they trekked to the falls.
“That was a really great experience,” Ramich said.
As Carter was making his way to the gift shop from the the viewing platform, Norma Brown, of Portland, ran up to grab a handshake from him.
“It was great,” Brown said moments after meeting the former president. “He was a great man. Well, he’s still a great man, but he was a fantastic president.”
After a 30-minute tour of the falls and gift shop, Carter waved goodbye, hopped back on his bus and rode away.
Click here for more information about the Carter Center.