Astoria and Fort Clatsop
We awoke this morning to some motion as we made our way toward the Pacific Ocean to experience the Columbia River Bar, allowing us to see for ourselves the forces of nature that early explorers and modern day ships must deal with when these two spectacular bodies of water collide! Early morning stretch was a challenge, and just being out in the wind and rain on the bow, an act of courage in itself.
The Columbia River Maritime Museum in the town of Astoria gave us up-close stories and visuals of the history of this area as well as more insight into the shipping challenges and perils at the mouth of the Columbia. This was also the salmon capital in the late 1800’s, attracting immigrants from all over the world to work this industry, and thereafter steamships, transporting passengers and freight up and down the river for pleasure and commerce.
Boarding motor coaches mid-morning, we continued in the wake of Lewis and Clark to Fort Clatsop, where they spent the winter of 1805-06 on the banks of the Netul River (now named the Lewis and Clark River). After an orientation film, we visited a replica of the fort, and walked on trails where the men hunted, gathered food and traded with local Indians, who were pivotal to the survival of the Corp that winter.
After a scrumptious lunch of clam chowder, chicken Caesar salad and brownies, we had many choices for the afternoon. Some of us chose to board the bus again to Beard’s Hollow, Washington, to complete the Corps of Discovery’s voyage of exploration all the way to the Pacific, stopping at sites such as Cape Disappointment and Dismal Nitch. Others chose to re-visit the Maritime Museum or stroll through historic Astoria for some shopping and local treats. Others napped, read, or visited the spa for a relaxing massage treatment to complete their voyage.
Happy hour brought us together in the lounge for our final gathering and farewell dinner with Captain George Coughlin. We raised our glasses to new friendships, a deeper knowledge of this incredible journey, and to all on board who made this week so memorable.
