Clarkston, WA and Hells Canyon National Recreation Area, 9/27/2017, National Geographic Sea Bird
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Bird
Pacific Northwest
We begin our journey in sunny Clarkston, WA, named for that intrepid captain from the Corps of Discovery. Across the river is Lewiston, ID, but our journey today will take us upriver to Hells Canyon National Recreation Area and later to Nez Perce National Historic Park.
Sarah’s fondest memories of nature are experiences she’s shared with friends—especially when those experiences involve spotting wildlife from the bow of a ship! She’s captivated by the wonders of the natural world, and it was the lure of expansive wi...
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We awoke anchored at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, National Geographic Sea Lion perfectly framed by the Ed Hendler and Pioneer Memorial Bridges. Departing shortly after breakfast, everyone headed to shore for a full day of adventure, education, and indulgent wine tasting. Once ashore, some of us headed to Seven Hills Vineyard for an exclusive tour while others explored the rich cultural history of Fort Walla Walla. We reconvened at the stunning Seven Hills Tasting Room in downtown Walla Walla for a spectacular lunch and our first tasting of the day. After lunch we split up again, with options for excursions ranging from wine tasting to ice cream sampling, shopping, and a visit to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Our Zodiac rides back to the ship were perfectly timed with the sunset, making for a beautiful end to a busy day exploring the Pasco and Walla Walla area. After yet another exceptional wine and dinner pairing by Wine Specialist Kristine, a sporty game of Pacific Northwest Trivia ensued!
A scenic drive through eastern Washington brought us to Walla Walla, Washington for today’s explorations. Our morning was split between Dunham Cellars for a wine tasting and Whitman Mission National Historic Site. We gathered at Three Rivers Winery for lunch and another wine tasting before heading to Walla Walla’s inviting downtown to explore by foot, stopping in at three wine bars for more tasting experiences, and topping the afternoon off with a visit to Pine Cone Creamery for a sweet ice cream ending.
Welcome to the Palouse River! Today was a bright, clear, sunny, happy day spent exploring this 167-mile tributary flowing into the Snake River. Zodiac tours zipped guests upriver in search of waterfowl and birds of prey, surrounded by stunning columnar basalt cliffs, volcanic remnants of ancient igneous activity across the Columbia River Basin. Coaches took guests to overlook the 198-foot waterfall crashing powerfully down into a torrent of rapids and beauty. It was a gorgeous day here, anchored upriver of the Lower Monumental Damn as we look forward to more adventures, amazing birds, and splendid wine.
