On the Columbia and Snake Rivers
As the rosy fingers of dawn spread across the eastern sky, the Sea Bird entered the lock of John Day Dam. This monumental concrete structure, the tallest lock on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, lifted us over 100 feet and brought us closer to our destination of Clarkston, Washington. We spent our first day on the Columbia and Snake Rivers witnessing the stark beauty of dry, rugged hills divided by the blue waters of the rivers that will take us over 450 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. We passed a profusion of winged and legged wildlife as we journeyed upstream. In the hills near the mouth of the John Day River, we saw a small heard of California Bighorn Sheep. On the water, fish jumped in front of us, white pelicans hunted for food in the shallows, and western grebes dove in search of elusive prey.
Throughout the day, we learned about the rich history of the region and the modern agribusinesses that provide work for many of its inhabitants. In the morning, Ben Schwantes, our staff historian, presented a pictorial overview of Lewis and Clark’s harrowing journey to the mouth of the Columbia River. He emphasized the scientific and political significance of the expedition. On their nearly three-year mission, the Corps of Discovery discovered hundreds of new species of plants and animals, and established relations with many Native American tribes, particularly the Nez Perce people who played a critical role saving the Corps from starvation and death.
Later in the day, after traversing the lock at McNary Dam, naturalist Dave Olcott described life beyond the river in the farms and agribusinesses that export wheat, dairy, and paper products worldwide. We learned how farming has become a high-tech, market-oriented process that is increasingly efficient and environmentally sensitive.
Following a delightful outdoor wine and regional food tasting party, we sat down to a delicious dinner. As night enshrouds us, we eagerly anticipate tomorrow’s journey into Hell’s Canyon and along the banks of the Clearwater River.
As the rosy fingers of dawn spread across the eastern sky, the Sea Bird entered the lock of John Day Dam. This monumental concrete structure, the tallest lock on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, lifted us over 100 feet and brought us closer to our destination of Clarkston, Washington. We spent our first day on the Columbia and Snake Rivers witnessing the stark beauty of dry, rugged hills divided by the blue waters of the rivers that will take us over 450 miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. We passed a profusion of winged and legged wildlife as we journeyed upstream. In the hills near the mouth of the John Day River, we saw a small heard of California Bighorn Sheep. On the water, fish jumped in front of us, white pelicans hunted for food in the shallows, and western grebes dove in search of elusive prey.
Throughout the day, we learned about the rich history of the region and the modern agribusinesses that provide work for many of its inhabitants. In the morning, Ben Schwantes, our staff historian, presented a pictorial overview of Lewis and Clark’s harrowing journey to the mouth of the Columbia River. He emphasized the scientific and political significance of the expedition. On their nearly three-year mission, the Corps of Discovery discovered hundreds of new species of plants and animals, and established relations with many Native American tribes, particularly the Nez Perce people who played a critical role saving the Corps from starvation and death.
Later in the day, after traversing the lock at McNary Dam, naturalist Dave Olcott described life beyond the river in the farms and agribusinesses that export wheat, dairy, and paper products worldwide. We learned how farming has become a high-tech, market-oriented process that is increasingly efficient and environmentally sensitive.
Following a delightful outdoor wine and regional food tasting party, we sat down to a delicious dinner. As night enshrouds us, we eagerly anticipate tomorrow’s journey into Hell’s Canyon and along the banks of the Clearwater River.
