Astoria, Oregon
Arriving in Astoria early this morning under overcast skies brings our journey from the eastern margins of the Columbia Basin to closure.We have traveled from the east over 465 miles, attempting to replay in our minds the trials and tribulations the Corps successfully met 200 years ago. Throughout our journey, visits to various museums and historic sites have presented reproductions, models, and journal excerpts that have brought to focus a clearer understanding of their daily challenges. Today’s visits to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Clatsop, and Cape Disappointment expanded as well as reinforced previous exposures.
Some guests in their casual stroll along the waterfront observed an assortment of activities tied to this mighty river of the west. One can not help but notice the busy hands processing a product that provided critical sustenance for the Corps – that being Pacific Salmon. It was this icon of the Pacific Northwest that allowed the early city of Astoria to become known as the ‘Salmon Canning Capital of the World’. Although canneries and major runs of salmon are history, there has been a significant effort by many agencies, organizations and tribes to restore the status of the latter. It would be interesting to hear Lewis and Clark’s thoughts today on the plight of the Pacific Salmon.
Arriving in Astoria early this morning under overcast skies brings our journey from the eastern margins of the Columbia Basin to closure.We have traveled from the east over 465 miles, attempting to replay in our minds the trials and tribulations the Corps successfully met 200 years ago. Throughout our journey, visits to various museums and historic sites have presented reproductions, models, and journal excerpts that have brought to focus a clearer understanding of their daily challenges. Today’s visits to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, Fort Clatsop, and Cape Disappointment expanded as well as reinforced previous exposures.
Some guests in their casual stroll along the waterfront observed an assortment of activities tied to this mighty river of the west. One can not help but notice the busy hands processing a product that provided critical sustenance for the Corps – that being Pacific Salmon. It was this icon of the Pacific Northwest that allowed the early city of Astoria to become known as the ‘Salmon Canning Capital of the World’. Although canneries and major runs of salmon are history, there has been a significant effort by many agencies, organizations and tribes to restore the status of the latter. It would be interesting to hear Lewis and Clark’s thoughts today on the plight of the Pacific Salmon.
