Palouse River; Lower Snake River
Despite a touch of early morning breeze, the Sea Lion moved smoothly downstream on the Snake River, quietly nudging through two locks before anchoring at the Palouse River. Wind and clouds did not intimidate guests who embarked on three adventures: a motor coach visit to Palouse Falls; Zodiac cruises near the mouth of the Palouse; kayaking along fringes of the river.
Kayak visitors found contemplation and silence as they dipped paddles among reedy byways. Basalt walls towered over them, revealing busy sparrows, and an occasional Raven, American coot and Great blue heron. Accompanied by the soft narration of Naturalists, Zodiac guests found themselves surrounded by nature’s menagerie: Double-crested cormorant, Rock pigeon, Red-tail hawk, Kestrel, Golden eagle, Western grebe, Redwing blackbird, American coot and a rare riverside sighting of several mule deer. The Palouse Falls contingent was led by the Historian to the plunging 198-foot high falls, and then over surrounding bluffs to upper river rapids. Another Great blue heron was seen, and bunchgrass, sunflower, a Russian olive tree, purple thistle, wild wheat, and varieties of sage were everywhere. The Historian also narrated the story of nearby archeological sites: Marmes Man and Kennewick Man.
While the sun’s rays broke out, Sea Lion arrived at Lower Monumental dam. Guests then got a close look at this 100-foot lift lock while the boat descended into the bathtub. After about 20 minutes, a towering guillotine gate rose off the bow, providing a soft shower on unsuspecting guests.
During late afternoon the Historian presented “Native Cultures: A Roller Coaster Ride,” which surveyed the origins of Northwest Native groups, described a sampling of their myths, traditions, history, and their present circumstances in the states of Idaho, Washington and Oregon. After dinner the Naturalist offered “A Sense of Place,” a snapshot of the geologic history of the Inland Empire (eastern Washington and Oregon) with particular detail about the amazing Bretz or Missoula Floods.
Despite a touch of early morning breeze, the Sea Lion moved smoothly downstream on the Snake River, quietly nudging through two locks before anchoring at the Palouse River. Wind and clouds did not intimidate guests who embarked on three adventures: a motor coach visit to Palouse Falls; Zodiac cruises near the mouth of the Palouse; kayaking along fringes of the river.
Kayak visitors found contemplation and silence as they dipped paddles among reedy byways. Basalt walls towered over them, revealing busy sparrows, and an occasional Raven, American coot and Great blue heron. Accompanied by the soft narration of Naturalists, Zodiac guests found themselves surrounded by nature’s menagerie: Double-crested cormorant, Rock pigeon, Red-tail hawk, Kestrel, Golden eagle, Western grebe, Redwing blackbird, American coot and a rare riverside sighting of several mule deer. The Palouse Falls contingent was led by the Historian to the plunging 198-foot high falls, and then over surrounding bluffs to upper river rapids. Another Great blue heron was seen, and bunchgrass, sunflower, a Russian olive tree, purple thistle, wild wheat, and varieties of sage were everywhere. The Historian also narrated the story of nearby archeological sites: Marmes Man and Kennewick Man.
While the sun’s rays broke out, Sea Lion arrived at Lower Monumental dam. Guests then got a close look at this 100-foot lift lock while the boat descended into the bathtub. After about 20 minutes, a towering guillotine gate rose off the bow, providing a soft shower on unsuspecting guests.
During late afternoon the Historian presented “Native Cultures: A Roller Coaster Ride,” which surveyed the origins of Northwest Native groups, described a sampling of their myths, traditions, history, and their present circumstances in the states of Idaho, Washington and Oregon. After dinner the Naturalist offered “A Sense of Place,” a snapshot of the geologic history of the Inland Empire (eastern Washington and Oregon) with particular detail about the amazing Bretz or Missoula Floods.
