Cruising the Columbia River
This morning we awoke to find that the landscape had changed dramatically during the night. We were no longer in the green forested areas of the west, but were now traveling in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains on Lake Celilo, the man-made reservoir impounded behind The Dalles Dam. During breakfast we entering the lock at John Day Dam and, after being lifted 105 feet, we entered Lake Umatilla. We would spend most of our day cruising this 76 miles stretch of the Columbia.
The dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers serve many purposes. They facilitate navigation and provide flood control, water for irrigation and an excellent source of energy. The re-making of these great western rivers has a long history. Before the Great Depression the Army Corps of Engineers was asked to study all navigable waters around the nation where power development appeared to be practicable and cost effective. They recommended construction of 10 dams along the Columbia but because of the country’s economic woes, the project was postponed. While campaigning, Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the area and promised that if he was elected he would go along with the Corp’s recommendation. And so he did. In 1933, congress voted to allocate 20 million dollars to begin construction of Bonneville, the first dam on the Columbia, and FDR supported the move. The engineering of the Columbia and Snake rivers had begun.
Our lockage at the McNary Dam (pictured above) raised the vessel 84 feet into Lake Wallula. Shortly thereafter, we enjoyed a late afternoon stop at Hat Rock State Park. We walked along the trails, looking at the changing colors of the leaves and learning about the geology of the region. After our time ashore, we had the opportunity to try an assortment of local wines and foods at a tasting party hosted by our hotel staff. We ate chocolates, cheeses, fruits, and delicious smoked seafood. With our stomachs full, we reflected on the many changes that have come to the great Columbia River.
This morning we awoke to find that the landscape had changed dramatically during the night. We were no longer in the green forested areas of the west, but were now traveling in the rain shadow of the Cascade Mountains on Lake Celilo, the man-made reservoir impounded behind The Dalles Dam. During breakfast we entering the lock at John Day Dam and, after being lifted 105 feet, we entered Lake Umatilla. We would spend most of our day cruising this 76 miles stretch of the Columbia.
The dams along the Columbia and Snake Rivers serve many purposes. They facilitate navigation and provide flood control, water for irrigation and an excellent source of energy. The re-making of these great western rivers has a long history. Before the Great Depression the Army Corps of Engineers was asked to study all navigable waters around the nation where power development appeared to be practicable and cost effective. They recommended construction of 10 dams along the Columbia but because of the country’s economic woes, the project was postponed. While campaigning, Franklin D. Roosevelt visited the area and promised that if he was elected he would go along with the Corp’s recommendation. And so he did. In 1933, congress voted to allocate 20 million dollars to begin construction of Bonneville, the first dam on the Columbia, and FDR supported the move. The engineering of the Columbia and Snake rivers had begun.
Our lockage at the McNary Dam (pictured above) raised the vessel 84 feet into Lake Wallula. Shortly thereafter, we enjoyed a late afternoon stop at Hat Rock State Park. We walked along the trails, looking at the changing colors of the leaves and learning about the geology of the region. After our time ashore, we had the opportunity to try an assortment of local wines and foods at a tasting party hosted by our hotel staff. We ate chocolates, cheeses, fruits, and delicious smoked seafood. With our stomachs full, we reflected on the many changes that have come to the great Columbia River.
