The Dalles, Oregon/ Maryhill Museum and Maryhill Winery, Washington
As the sun rose the National Geographic Sea Lion approached The Dalles Dam, with Mount Hood as a backdrop. We descended 88 feet through the lock and docked on the Oregon side at The Dalles. We disembarked after breakfast and boarded motor coaches for the ride to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. Here we learned about natural and human history in this part of the Columbia River.
We then switch-backed up the old historic highway, listening to the commentary of our shipboard historian, Junius Rochester. We attained Rowena Crest at about 1500 feet above the river and were dropped off at the section of the road that is now closed to vehicles. We had a chance to walk up to the first tunnel, examine the vegetation, sight some birds (Steller’s jay, red-breasted nuthatch, chickadees), and photograph the scenery. A large group of guests chose to bicycle through the tunnels and down into Hood River, where we met our motor coach for the ride back to The Dalles and to our ship for lunch. A few people accompanied Hotel Manager Anna Marie to Rasmussen’s Fruit Orchard to select ripe pears and other produce for our culinary enjoyment onboard.
In the afternoon we headed to the Washington side of the Columbia River to Maryhill Museum. This edifice, which is situated in the middle of nowhere overlooking the Columbia River, houses an eclectic collection of Native American artifacts, artistic chess sets, and Rodin creations, among other interesting works of art. The expansive lawn and gardens are lovely, with a metal sculpture area serving as a focal point for photography.
A short distance from the museum, we stopped at the Maryhill Winery for a pleasant tasting experience to round out our afternoon. The scenic return drive afforded us a view of Mount Hood.
