Despite a forecast of clear skies and calm wind, we woke to strong breezes and streaming clouds. In other words, perfect Cascade weather for the local Hood River windsurfers and kite boarders. For us, there were two choices this morning. Some went to Draper Girls Farm to view their orchards and taste test the fruits of their labor, pun intended, and become friends with their goats and pigs. Other guests made a trip to the Western Antique Aeroplane and Automobile Museum, which opened in 2007. Here is a most remarkable and extensive collection of over 275 airplanes, automobiles, motorcycles, jeeps, and tractors.
Once back on board the National Geographic Sea Lion, naturalist Ivan Phillipsen gave a presentation about the fish of the Columbia River Basin. During his talk, the ship began to enter the stunning main section of the Columbia River Gorge. During lunch, the ship tied up at Cascades Lock, today just a dock but prior to the construction of the Bonneville Dam, it was the way boats navigated past the Cascade Rapids.
After lunch, we boarded buses to see one of the most popular attractions in Oregon - Multnomah Falls. Most the streams coming from the south into the Columbia River formerly entered at grade. But then came the Ice Age Floods, which significantly deepened the gorge so that the side streams now drop as waterfalls into the river. Multnomah Falls drops an impressive 620 feet.
Upon returning to our ship, we still had a little time before it would be our turn to go through the lock at Bonneville Dam so a nature walk was offered on the tree-covered island next to our moorage.
The skies continued to darken and there was even a hint of rain. As I said before, perfect Cascade weather, but we were happy and snug on our expedition ship.
