Astoria, Oregon
Waking up in Astoria, the oldest American town west of the Rocky Mountains, can hold surprises. Its location, within 12 miles of the mouth of the great Columbia River, reveals a wide variety of weather patterns. However, today was a perfect fall day: crisp, comfortable, with sun breaks. Guests began the day by exploring the world class Columbia River Maritime Museum. Immediately after exposure to the mysteries and history of the River, two motor coaches drove south to Fort Clatsop, the 1805-1806 winter home of the Corps of Discovery. Rangers at Fort Clatsop demonstrated candle-making, described the many short trails on the grounds, and helped guests find books – James Ronda's "Lewis and Clark Among the Indians" being a favorite, on recommendation of the ship's historian.
Astoria, with a spectacular background of Indian encampments, salmon fishing and canning, timber activity, port developments, Coast Guard facilities, and a growing tourism industry, was sunlit for guests. Many chose to have lunch in town; others ate aboard ship and then walked to nearby shops, waterfront attractions, and the Columbia Chocolate factory. At 2:30 pm virtually everyone climbed aboard a motor coach for a visit to the Astoria Column. With the sun overhead, and visibility beyond fifteen miles south and north, the Columbia Bar, Tillamook Head and Cape Disappointment were on parade.
The skipper took the Sea Lion with a few miles of the Columbia Bar. Brown pelicans, sea lions (nature's own), cormorants, gulls, a bright orange Oregon sunset, and safe, quiet waters caused this pre-cocktail cruise to be the perfect end to the week.
The Lewis & Clark story of 200 years ago was never far from the minds of guests and staff. After talks by the historians, museum visits, rummaging through the ship's and Fort Clatsop's fulsome libraries, the week was certainly "in the path of Lewis & Clark."
Captain's cocktails and dinner capped the day.
Waking up in Astoria, the oldest American town west of the Rocky Mountains, can hold surprises. Its location, within 12 miles of the mouth of the great Columbia River, reveals a wide variety of weather patterns. However, today was a perfect fall day: crisp, comfortable, with sun breaks. Guests began the day by exploring the world class Columbia River Maritime Museum. Immediately after exposure to the mysteries and history of the River, two motor coaches drove south to Fort Clatsop, the 1805-1806 winter home of the Corps of Discovery. Rangers at Fort Clatsop demonstrated candle-making, described the many short trails on the grounds, and helped guests find books – James Ronda's "Lewis and Clark Among the Indians" being a favorite, on recommendation of the ship's historian.
Astoria, with a spectacular background of Indian encampments, salmon fishing and canning, timber activity, port developments, Coast Guard facilities, and a growing tourism industry, was sunlit for guests. Many chose to have lunch in town; others ate aboard ship and then walked to nearby shops, waterfront attractions, and the Columbia Chocolate factory. At 2:30 pm virtually everyone climbed aboard a motor coach for a visit to the Astoria Column. With the sun overhead, and visibility beyond fifteen miles south and north, the Columbia Bar, Tillamook Head and Cape Disappointment were on parade.
The skipper took the Sea Lion with a few miles of the Columbia Bar. Brown pelicans, sea lions (nature's own), cormorants, gulls, a bright orange Oregon sunset, and safe, quiet waters caused this pre-cocktail cruise to be the perfect end to the week.
The Lewis & Clark story of 200 years ago was never far from the minds of guests and staff. After talks by the historians, museum visits, rummaging through the ship's and Fort Clatsop's fulsome libraries, the week was certainly "in the path of Lewis & Clark."
Captain's cocktails and dinner capped the day.
