The Steppes of Eastern Washington & Oregon
Although overcast skies greeted our day, temperatures were pleasantly warm. The filtered morning light found us waiting to lock through The Dalles Dam. The dramatic moisture screen created by the Cascades was immediately evident. The rich greens of the west-side became transformed overnight to a parched pallet of brown and gold. A short distance upstream our masterful captain guided the Sea Lion through the confined waters of Hells Gate. Beads of pearls danced on top of the water marking ‘curtains of capture’ for migrating salmon. Our journey eastward was again delayed with river traffic and a make-shift lock gate on the John Day Dam(see photo). Who ever said you can’t have traffic congestion on a river? The first signs of the wind farm explosion in the Columbia Corridor were observed as we exited the lock and entered Lake Umatilla. East of the John Day River, our sharp-eyed guests were able to spot the evasive California Bighorn Sheep. Throughout the day we were enlightened by Jerry Igo with his talks on Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark. An afternoon of birding preceded our arrival at McNary Dam and the days’ last light.
Overall, the day offered a diversity of sittings and observations. What conclusions were drawn from the day might be quite diverse as well. One conclusion might be; Wow! “The Cascades Mountains really play a major role in the climatic and vegetative changes in this region.” Another conclusion could likely be; “When you meet a barge at a lock, your going to have to wait your turn.”
A great day was enjoyed by all, and all are eagerly awaiting another great day tomorrow.
Although overcast skies greeted our day, temperatures were pleasantly warm. The filtered morning light found us waiting to lock through The Dalles Dam. The dramatic moisture screen created by the Cascades was immediately evident. The rich greens of the west-side became transformed overnight to a parched pallet of brown and gold. A short distance upstream our masterful captain guided the Sea Lion through the confined waters of Hells Gate. Beads of pearls danced on top of the water marking ‘curtains of capture’ for migrating salmon. Our journey eastward was again delayed with river traffic and a make-shift lock gate on the John Day Dam(see photo). Who ever said you can’t have traffic congestion on a river? The first signs of the wind farm explosion in the Columbia Corridor were observed as we exited the lock and entered Lake Umatilla. East of the John Day River, our sharp-eyed guests were able to spot the evasive California Bighorn Sheep. Throughout the day we were enlightened by Jerry Igo with his talks on Thomas Jefferson and Lewis and Clark. An afternoon of birding preceded our arrival at McNary Dam and the days’ last light.
Overall, the day offered a diversity of sittings and observations. What conclusions were drawn from the day might be quite diverse as well. One conclusion might be; Wow! “The Cascades Mountains really play a major role in the climatic and vegetative changes in this region.” Another conclusion could likely be; “When you meet a barge at a lock, your going to have to wait your turn.”
A great day was enjoyed by all, and all are eagerly awaiting another great day tomorrow.
