Eastward sailing along the Columbia and Snake River
Our voyage traveling in the wake of Lewis and Clark has begun. We spent the night traveling east, waking up in a much different climate than we had seen yesterday near Portland. We left the western temperate rainforest, and spent the day traveling through a desert created by the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains. The precipitation has changed dramatically from nearly 125” of rain in Portland to only 13” in the shadow of the Cascades.
This morning we locked through John Day Dam, and were lifted 105 feet entering into Lake Umatilla. The dams along the Columbia River have made this once wild river into a series of man made Lakes that provide many services. They facilitate navigation, provide flood control and are an excellent source of energy. Maybe one of the most apparent uses of the water is irrigation. Orchards and vineyards are located along the river because of the easily accessible water. The sunny warm days and the cool nights provide an excellent climate for apples, pears, and wine grapes.
In the afternoon we had a chance to taste some local wine and food at a wine tasting hosted by our Hotel Manger and his hotel staff. We sampled 15 different wines, tasted different cheeses, fruits, chocolates, and smoked seafood. Many of us forgot to save room for our lovely dinner. Just before dinner we had a beautiful sunset as we turned onto the Snake River.
Our voyage traveling in the wake of Lewis and Clark has begun. We spent the night traveling east, waking up in a much different climate than we had seen yesterday near Portland. We left the western temperate rainforest, and spent the day traveling through a desert created by the rain shadow of the Cascade mountains. The precipitation has changed dramatically from nearly 125” of rain in Portland to only 13” in the shadow of the Cascades.
This morning we locked through John Day Dam, and were lifted 105 feet entering into Lake Umatilla. The dams along the Columbia River have made this once wild river into a series of man made Lakes that provide many services. They facilitate navigation, provide flood control and are an excellent source of energy. Maybe one of the most apparent uses of the water is irrigation. Orchards and vineyards are located along the river because of the easily accessible water. The sunny warm days and the cool nights provide an excellent climate for apples, pears, and wine grapes.
In the afternoon we had a chance to taste some local wine and food at a wine tasting hosted by our Hotel Manger and his hotel staff. We sampled 15 different wines, tasted different cheeses, fruits, chocolates, and smoked seafood. Many of us forgot to save room for our lovely dinner. Just before dinner we had a beautiful sunset as we turned onto the Snake River.
