We’re here on the western edge of the Northern Rocky Mountains, and spring has arrived in the rivers and canyons that drain the high country. In general, our weeklong journey follows the flow of the water westward, toward the ocean. However, this morning we started our adventure by travelling upstream. We moved up the Snake River, southward and deep into Hells Canyon. Our comfortable home, National Geographic Sea Bird, was tied up in the Port of Clarkston. We used contract jet boats for the trip today. These boats use powerful motors to drive water through a turbine pump, allowing the boats to fly against the current in only a few inches of water. The Clarkston/Lewiston area is a center for jet boat manufacturing and activity in the U.S.
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.