Astoria & Fort Clatsop
Shortly before sunrise we are gathered on the upper aft deck of the National Geographic Sea Lion. Those of us, who are inspired, stand beneath the starlit sky in a silent meditation. The evocative sounds of distant bells fill the air. As the sun rises, it illuminates our anticipated view of the Colombia River Bar. It is exciting to see the outlying white caps of the crashing surf.
Before long we are docked in Astoria, a charming, little historic city. After breakfast we walked up, as a group, to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. We absorbed wonderful and informative exhibits of sailors, bar and river pilots; sailing ships and steam boats.
Next we traveled by motor coach to Fort Clatsop. This wonderful reconstruction of the fort and the scenic walk to the canoe landing placed us back in 1805, when the Corp of Discovery over-wintered here.
The afternoon offers several options for fulfilling our expectations of a perfect voyage. Many of us choose to take the motor coach to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment. Inside the interpretive center, a timeline display of the expedition’s journey brings everything into full color. From outside the center we are graced with the presence of two bald eagles and a view of the Colombia River Bar from a different perspective.
Those of us who chose the trip to Beards Hollow were captivated by the natural beauty as we walked toward the Pacific Ocean. The pine trees laced with mosses, large flowing ferns and abundant blackberry bushes lined the path. We stood and watched the power of the waves crash on the jutting rocks.
Like an unexpected and always welcomed gift, Astoria is filled with sunshine, and many of us choose to walk through town or simply relax on deck in the warmth of the sun. We re-commune on board and spend the evening sharing our stories and experiences. A good time is had by all.
Shortly before sunrise we are gathered on the upper aft deck of the National Geographic Sea Lion. Those of us, who are inspired, stand beneath the starlit sky in a silent meditation. The evocative sounds of distant bells fill the air. As the sun rises, it illuminates our anticipated view of the Colombia River Bar. It is exciting to see the outlying white caps of the crashing surf.
Before long we are docked in Astoria, a charming, little historic city. After breakfast we walked up, as a group, to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. We absorbed wonderful and informative exhibits of sailors, bar and river pilots; sailing ships and steam boats.
Next we traveled by motor coach to Fort Clatsop. This wonderful reconstruction of the fort and the scenic walk to the canoe landing placed us back in 1805, when the Corp of Discovery over-wintered here.
The afternoon offers several options for fulfilling our expectations of a perfect voyage. Many of us choose to take the motor coach to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment. Inside the interpretive center, a timeline display of the expedition’s journey brings everything into full color. From outside the center we are graced with the presence of two bald eagles and a view of the Colombia River Bar from a different perspective.
Those of us who chose the trip to Beards Hollow were captivated by the natural beauty as we walked toward the Pacific Ocean. The pine trees laced with mosses, large flowing ferns and abundant blackberry bushes lined the path. We stood and watched the power of the waves crash on the jutting rocks.
Like an unexpected and always welcomed gift, Astoria is filled with sunshine, and many of us choose to walk through town or simply relax on deck in the warmth of the sun. We re-commune on board and spend the evening sharing our stories and experiences. A good time is had by all.
