National Geographic Sea Lion sailed west down the Columbia River toward The Dalles, Oregon, retracing the steps of Lewis and Clark in October of 1805. Guests visited Rowena Crest and traveled on the Columbia River Historic Highway, cruising down its 100-ft curves and 5% grades to arrive at Mosier Tunnels. One group of guests hiked 4.5 miles and the other hiked 2.5 miles along the beautifully crafted Columbia River Historic Highway. We ate lunch at the wonderful Crag Rat Hut overlooking Mt. Hood and Mt. Adams on a warm and sunny day in the Hood River Valley.
In the afternoon, buses traveled through the Fruit Loop to the third generation Draper Girls’ Farm. Guests visited Flash, a celebrity pygmy goat, and enjoyed fresh fruit, jams, and apple cider. Leaving the farm, one group visited the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum, and the other went to the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center. Returning to the ship, guests were treated to cocktails and recap, dinner, and a riveting presentation on water scarcity from Dr. Vincent Resh, Distinguished Professor of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management. Lewis and Clark would have been proud of our accomplishments.
