“Look at all these different kinds of apples!” exclaims a guest from aboard National Geographic Quest. We are at Draper Girls Family Farm, where apples and pears fill our senses. Glancing around, I am amused and intrigued by the names bestowed upon this autumn harvest: Tokyo Rose, Pink Pearl, Winter Banana, Spice, Ambrosia, Newton Pippin, Winesap, and Black Twig… to name a few! Later we mosey along the Mosier Tunnels trail, basking in the fall colors and mild breezes. On the other side of Hood River, our shipmates are regaled with tales of automotive and aeronautical adventure at the Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum. Reunited at last, our final lock passage is commemorated with a visit from King Neptune himself, and his entourage.
4/27/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
We reached the penultimate day of our journey in Astoria, Oregon, where the Columbia River collides with the open ocean. We were met with a typical Pacific Northwest day of gentle rains punctuated by moments of sunshine. The guests were divided to conquer this gem of a city, nestled under bridges; half headed across the river to Washington to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, while the other half visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Column. The museum and the interpretive center are both excellent examples of what the west coast can offer with regard to history and culture. Each has thoughtful exhibits that cover broad swaths of topics, and are staffed with informative and helpful faculty. After a hearty lunch on board, the groups swapped in order to have the best of both worlds. Finally, all met back aboard for the week’s final recap and guest slideshow.
