The Columbia River
You might think a day underway would be a little slower-paced, but we stuffed the hours with a number of fantastic events today. In the early morning hours, around 0530, the National Geographic Sea Lion entered the lock at The Dalles Dam. This was the first of three dams that we traversed today, and it raised the vessel 88 feet. As breakfast was finishing up, we entered the lock at John Day dam. With a lift of 105 feet, it is the world’s highest lift in a single-chamber lock.
With a whole day available for onboard activities, we were able to feature several aspects of our voyage experience. In the morning staff historian Bob Gatten gave a riveting introductory presentation on the The Lewis and Clark Expedition, setting the tone for our own voyage on the same waters more than 200 years later. Throughout the morning, time was spent on-deck as we headed up the Columbia River. Gorgeous weather and sunny skies encouraged us to observe the changing tableau of flora and fauna. As we traveled east, we moved further from the eastern slopes of the Cascades, and the scenery changed dramatically, drying out, the landscape morphing into bare, steep slopes with their own particular beauty.
Just before lunch, our wellness specialist, Lori Liquori, held an open house in the spa, introducing us to spa options available during the voyage. After a filling lunch prepared by the talented galley staff, the hotel manager, Cheryl, put the treasures of the onboard Global Market on display. No better time to shop for keepsakes than when we’re onboard all day! Later in the afternoon our naturalist, Verne Huser, made his presentation on The Flora and Fauna of the Expedition. It was fascinating to examine how the very landscapes we were passing effected the actions and influenced the fate of the expedition. Finally, just before cocktail hour, Cheryl outdid herself with an impressive wine and smoked seafood tasting in the lounge. We were treated to smoked salmon, mussels, and more, all paired with delicious wines.
As dinner was proceeding, the vessel left the Columbia River for the Snake River. We’re heading for Clarkston, the furthest point-east we’ll sail in the National Geographic Sea Lion, and we have four more locks to traverse before we get there. In fact, Ice Harbor Dam is shortly ahead of us. Time to step back outside and enjoy the unique chance to watch the vessel rise another 100 feet!
You might think a day underway would be a little slower-paced, but we stuffed the hours with a number of fantastic events today. In the early morning hours, around 0530, the National Geographic Sea Lion entered the lock at The Dalles Dam. This was the first of three dams that we traversed today, and it raised the vessel 88 feet. As breakfast was finishing up, we entered the lock at John Day dam. With a lift of 105 feet, it is the world’s highest lift in a single-chamber lock.
With a whole day available for onboard activities, we were able to feature several aspects of our voyage experience. In the morning staff historian Bob Gatten gave a riveting introductory presentation on the The Lewis and Clark Expedition, setting the tone for our own voyage on the same waters more than 200 years later. Throughout the morning, time was spent on-deck as we headed up the Columbia River. Gorgeous weather and sunny skies encouraged us to observe the changing tableau of flora and fauna. As we traveled east, we moved further from the eastern slopes of the Cascades, and the scenery changed dramatically, drying out, the landscape morphing into bare, steep slopes with their own particular beauty.
Just before lunch, our wellness specialist, Lori Liquori, held an open house in the spa, introducing us to spa options available during the voyage. After a filling lunch prepared by the talented galley staff, the hotel manager, Cheryl, put the treasures of the onboard Global Market on display. No better time to shop for keepsakes than when we’re onboard all day! Later in the afternoon our naturalist, Verne Huser, made his presentation on The Flora and Fauna of the Expedition. It was fascinating to examine how the very landscapes we were passing effected the actions and influenced the fate of the expedition. Finally, just before cocktail hour, Cheryl outdid herself with an impressive wine and smoked seafood tasting in the lounge. We were treated to smoked salmon, mussels, and more, all paired with delicious wines.
As dinner was proceeding, the vessel left the Columbia River for the Snake River. We’re heading for Clarkston, the furthest point-east we’ll sail in the National Geographic Sea Lion, and we have four more locks to traverse before we get there. In fact, Ice Harbor Dam is shortly ahead of us. Time to step back outside and enjoy the unique chance to watch the vessel rise another 100 feet!
