Wednesday's Word - Sauvie

Wednesday's Word is Sauvie - so:vi: -- so-vee

s: 's' in 'sigh'  oː: 'o' in 'code'  v: 'v' in 'vie'  iː: 'ee' in 'seed'

An alternate pronunciation, also commonly heard and referenced by the Sauvie Island Community Association, replaces the 'o' with an 'aw' sound. So when your friend pronounces the island's name differently from you, chances are you're both right. However, make note that there is no 's' at the end of the word Sauvie, a common mistake.

Originally named Wapato Island by the Lewis and Clark Expedition, Sauvie Island is a 26,000 acre island on the Columbia River just outside of Portland, Oregon. Larger than Manhattan, Sauvie Island is one of the largest river islands in the United States. It was named after Laurent Sauvé, the manager of the dairies operated by the Hudson's Bay Company on the island in the 1830's. 

The island offers numerous recreational opportunities in Portland's backyard. Sturgeon Lake is a great place to paddle and see the abundant wildlife that the island hosts. Collins Beach is just one of many beaches on Sauvie Island. It is easily accessible by car, but beware, the beach is clothing-optional. In 1889, the Warrior Rock Lighthouse was erected at Warrior Point on the northern tip of the island, and it can be visited by hiking the Warrior Rock Lighthouse Trail. Across the Multnomah Channel on the west side of Sauvie Island, Scappoose Bay is a premier location for all types of paddle sports. Another great place to paddle to is Squaw Island, where the Lewis River joins the Columbia River just to the north of Sauvie Island.