We arose to a beautiful sunrise as the Sea Bird passed through Wallula Gap on the Columbia River. Just after breakfast, we entered the Snake River and proceeded through the lock at Ice Harbor Dam to Lake Sacajawea. Cliffs along the lakeshore displayed excellent views of lava flows, one on top of the other, of the 16-million-year-old Columbia River Basalts. Apple orchards and vineyards topped the basalt cliffs. On the reservoir shores were huge bars from the 15,000-year-old Missoula Floods, with giant current ripples some 250-feet crest to crest. “Lunch in the lock” (of Lower Monumental Dam) was on the aft deck, blessed by beautiful warm weather. In the afternoon we anchored at the mouth of the Palouse River for kayaking, trips on the expedition landing crafts, and a bus excursion to Palouse Falls. We marveled at the gigantic plunge pool produced not by the modern falls but by the torrents of water that coursed across the Channeled Scablands during the Missoula Floods.
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.
