About six o’clock this morning the National Geographic Sea Lion carefully entered the Ice Harbor Dam, on the Snake River in Washington State. The sun was slowly rising in the east as we lifted up in the lock and made our way back into the main river. The warm glow of the morning illuminated the clouds and the surrounding hillsides as we continued eastward toward the next large dam, Lower Monumental. But first it was time for breakfast, and a chance to sit back and enjoy the casual pace of our transit, and the stark, but beautiful, scenery along this mighty river.
Around mid-morning we found ourselves entering Lower Monumental, having the gate close behind us, and once again raising to the next level above the dam, before exiting to continue the journey to this afternoon’s destination, the Palouse River and falls.
It was about twenty miles to the mouth of the Palouse, so we still had plenty of time to relax, enjoy the scenery, and look for wildlife along the banks. This particular morning we were lucky, spotting a coyote traveling along the river bank, as well as a pair of magnificent peregrine falcons that entertained us with their amazing flying ability.
Finally, right before lunch, we made it to the mouth of the Palouse, and slowly made our way a short distance up-river to our anchorage. So as soon as lunch was over, including the ice cream sundaes for desert, the call went out for the start of activities, and everyone got prepared for an afternoon full of adventures! There was the chance to go explore Palouse Falls, or do an expedition landing craft cruise up the Palouse to see this amazing landscape and geology up close. The bonus is that this area is also a wonderful wildlife rich region with local residents, and many migratory species of birds coming through this time of year. The cruisers saw everything from deer and golden eagles, to grebes, coots, red-tailed hawks and garriers!
Soon it was time for the second round to begin, this time including a chance for the more adventurous in the crowd to go kayaking in the river. There was also another chance to either go for an expedition landing craft cruise, or to the falls. A full afternoon indeed!
Soon it was time to head back to the National Geographic Sea Lion and return to the Snake River, go through a few more locks, and make our way to Clarkston, our last stop on this magnificent river system! However, there was still one more busy, and full day to be had exploring “Hell’s Canyon.” A great day, and looking forward to tomorrow!
