Astoria, Oregon
In a word: spectacular. There is just no other way to describe it. The weather was crystal clear, blue, calm, warm, unseasonal, atypical, un-Lewis & Clark-like and frankly downright unbelievable. And, it stayed that way all day long!
As the National Geographic Sea Bird made her way down the Columbia River toward the sea, it was apparent that this was going to be a most extraordinary day; and not just weather-wise. The sun rose brightly, unimpeded by the usual fog found in the coastal zone while guests and staff were treated to views of Cape Disappointment, the huge Pacific swells breaking over the south jetty bar. The Columbia River entrance that has daunted so many over the centuries was in full sight.
The morning’s explorations included a visit to Fort Clatsop, the 1805-06 overwinter camp of the Corps of Discovery. Having yet once again been ‘saved’ by the local knowledge of the native tribes, the corps was finally able to scramble off the north shore of the Columbia where they had been pinned down by the weather at the Dismal Nitch and Station Camp. They followed the native’s advice and departed their temporary digs to explore and establish Fort Clatsop on the peninsula south of the Columbia River. Firm level ground, protection from the crashing surf, access to navigable waterways, lots of trees for timber, nearby fresh water and game to hunt made this spot much more hospitable.
Afterwards, we just couldn’t resist finding the highest spot around to really soak in the panoramic views. So we ventured uphill to the Astoria Column and were amazed, seeing mile after mile of incredible scenery often obscured by the fog and rainy weather so famous in these parts.
In the afternoon, some ventured on to explore the town of Astoria. Others visited the outstanding Columbia River Maritime Museum at dockside. And, an intrepid search party set out to discover the very places the captains and the corps had challenged on the north shore.
We returned to National Geographic Sea Bird and as we sailed eastward leaving Astoria behind, the day seemed to beckon us to stay with a gorgeous sunset. But we were starting our return journey, in the wake of Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery, just as they had done after completing their expedition to the Pacific Ocean two centuries ago.
