Astoria, Oregon
At earliest light National Geographic Sea Bird approaches the Columbia River bar. A fishing boat with bright lights on its aft deck passes us on its way out to sea and brown pelicans fly in formation low over the gray water. From here we see the wild, white water where the Columbia, the “great river of the West,” clashes with the sea. The Columbia River bar is so dangerous it is known as the graveyard of the Pacific and thousands of vessels have met their doom here. This bar was described in 1860 by U.S. Navy Commander Wilkes as “…one of the most fearful sights that can possibly meet the eye of a sailor.” Now, we too have seen it. A bar pilot cutter zooms past in the growing light.
Passing under the great Astoria Bridge, soon we are docked at Tongue Point, not far from a former Lewis & Clark camp. Then we are off to explore Fort Clatsop where the Corps of Discovery spent the winter of 1805-06. Here we also enjoy a walk in the rain forest and seeing the diminutive Douglas squirrels playing in the trees and snacking on Sitka spruce cones. Next is the excellent Columbia River Maritime Museum where we learn more about the river and maritime history of the area. Afternoon finds guests enjoying seeing the town, climbing the historic Astoria Column, looking out to sea from the high headlands at Cape Disappointment, kayaking, and taking a Zodiac tour through the Lewis & Clark Bird Refuge. Yes, we saw majestic bald eagles.
In the evening, as a big moon rises we enjoy a feast of local and freshly-caught crab and then a very informative presentation by Linda, our photo instructor extraordinaire.
