Yesterday our voyage began in Portland, Oregon, as we embarked National Geographic Sea Bird, our home for the upcoming week of cultural and geographical exploration in the Columbia River basin. Overnight we sailed 85 miles downstream to Astoria, Oregon. Protected in the harbor next to the established shipping channel, we were only a few miles from the Columbia River bar. This area of shifting sands, complicated currents, and surging surf is where the flowing river waters meet the stormy northeast Pacific Ocean. This also was the ultimate goal of Lewis and Clark leading the Corps of Discovery in the fall of 1805. "Ocian in view, O! the joy..." Clark wrote, not fully realizing the difficult winter and return trip they faced in the next year. Our trip along this river is much more comfortable in our modern era, but is still full of adventure, discovery, and exploration for our group of travelers; already a family of new-found friends.
4/27/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
We reached the penultimate day of our journey in Astoria, Oregon, where the Columbia River collides with the open ocean. We were met with a typical Pacific Northwest day of gentle rains punctuated by moments of sunshine. The guests were divided to conquer this gem of a city, nestled under bridges; half headed across the river to Washington to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, while the other half visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Column. The museum and the interpretive center are both excellent examples of what the west coast can offer with regard to history and culture. Each has thoughtful exhibits that cover broad swaths of topics, and are staffed with informative and helpful faculty. After a hearty lunch on board, the groups swapped in order to have the best of both worlds. Finally, all met back aboard for the week’s final recap and guest slideshow.
