Columbia River Gorge
The word “intentions” is just that. Due to heavy traffic and a closed railroad bridge the National Geographic Sea Bird guests Zodiaced to the dock at Horsethief State Park. At the dock two motor coaches were waiting for us.
We saw the Dallas Dam before visiting the Discovery Center Museum. Depictions of the great flood as well as local and Oregon Trail history were covered and added to our knowledge of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Leaving the Discovery Center, we traveled along the Columbia River Historic Highway. to the impressive McCall Preserve Viewpoint at Rowena Crest. This viewpoint overlooks the Columbia to the west and east. In a short distance we witnessed a major change in the vegetation along the Columbia River Gorge. We were making the transition from the arid northern Great Basin climate to the temperate rain forest of the Pacific Coast. Ponderosa Pine, Garry Oak plus a few Douglas fir and Bigleaf Maple were visible as we started our hike to and through the Mosier Twin Tunnels. The short walk along a section of the Historic Highway that is closed to vehicular traffic revealed close looks at, Oregon grape, Oceanspray, Serviceberry, poison oak and a variety of other shrubs. Another walk was a real leg stretcher, a 4.5 miles walk in 1.5 hours with Eliza, our wellness coordinator.
A third group headed off to the town of Hood River to check out all the shops. The number of full shopping bags returning to the National Geographic Sea Bird illustrated the success of their shopping foray.
We headed down stream during lunch and found ourselves back on the deck in the mid-afternoon for a nice rest time. We saw the source of the name of the great Cascades of the Columbia, talked about the geology of the area, early transportation and navigation of the rapids that was circumvented by the construction of Cascade Lock. We observed Native American fishing nets in place for the fall salmon and steelhead runs as we passed under the Bridge of the Gods. Continuing on through Bonneville lock we saw the magnificent waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Why the Oregon side for waterfalls? It was all about the geology!
Pre-appetizers included a taste of Hood River apple and pear varieties and some regional cheeses. Main appetizers of fruits, fresh guacamole, salsa and bean dip came afterwards while watching the preview of this week’s video chronicle during our evening recap.
The staff receives many inquiries as to the relationship between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. Our expedition leader showed a short video explaining our partnership. The video was immediately followed by a forum with guest participation on the Pacific Northwest salmon issue.
If this seems like a lot of activities in a day – you are right. Everyone has the option to stay busy, morning to night or just sit back with a book while others go here and there. Tonight it is on to Astoria and the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
The word “intentions” is just that. Due to heavy traffic and a closed railroad bridge the National Geographic Sea Bird guests Zodiaced to the dock at Horsethief State Park. At the dock two motor coaches were waiting for us.
We saw the Dallas Dam before visiting the Discovery Center Museum. Depictions of the great flood as well as local and Oregon Trail history were covered and added to our knowledge of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Leaving the Discovery Center, we traveled along the Columbia River Historic Highway. to the impressive McCall Preserve Viewpoint at Rowena Crest. This viewpoint overlooks the Columbia to the west and east. In a short distance we witnessed a major change in the vegetation along the Columbia River Gorge. We were making the transition from the arid northern Great Basin climate to the temperate rain forest of the Pacific Coast. Ponderosa Pine, Garry Oak plus a few Douglas fir and Bigleaf Maple were visible as we started our hike to and through the Mosier Twin Tunnels. The short walk along a section of the Historic Highway that is closed to vehicular traffic revealed close looks at, Oregon grape, Oceanspray, Serviceberry, poison oak and a variety of other shrubs. Another walk was a real leg stretcher, a 4.5 miles walk in 1.5 hours with Eliza, our wellness coordinator.
A third group headed off to the town of Hood River to check out all the shops. The number of full shopping bags returning to the National Geographic Sea Bird illustrated the success of their shopping foray.
We headed down stream during lunch and found ourselves back on the deck in the mid-afternoon for a nice rest time. We saw the source of the name of the great Cascades of the Columbia, talked about the geology of the area, early transportation and navigation of the rapids that was circumvented by the construction of Cascade Lock. We observed Native American fishing nets in place for the fall salmon and steelhead runs as we passed under the Bridge of the Gods. Continuing on through Bonneville lock we saw the magnificent waterfalls on the Oregon side of the Columbia River. Why the Oregon side for waterfalls? It was all about the geology!
Pre-appetizers included a taste of Hood River apple and pear varieties and some regional cheeses. Main appetizers of fruits, fresh guacamole, salsa and bean dip came afterwards while watching the preview of this week’s video chronicle during our evening recap.
The staff receives many inquiries as to the relationship between Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic. Our expedition leader showed a short video explaining our partnership. The video was immediately followed by a forum with guest participation on the Pacific Northwest salmon issue.
If this seems like a lot of activities in a day – you are right. Everyone has the option to stay busy, morning to night or just sit back with a book while others go here and there. Tonight it is on to Astoria and the end of the Lewis and Clark Trail.
