Today has been another exciting day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird, and we have reached the Columbia River. We started with a trip up the famous Oregon Scenic Highway to Rowena Crest. The panoramic views up and down the river were described as breathtaking. Between the red-tailed hawks calling from above, the Columbia River rolling on, and the switchbacks winding below, there was hardly a bad view to be had.
Afterwards, we moved down to the Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center. We were offered a special presentation of raptors, and we were all able to get close views and great photos of the birds. They shared with us a red-tailed hawk, and also a great horned owl. Both birds were stunningly beautiful and as patient as a saint. The exhibits featuring Lewis and Clark, and the natural history of the area, were very engaging. The center is surrounded by beautiful trails with many native flora and fauna. It was a particular treat to see a monarch butterfly sipping nectar from a rabbitbrush—a pit-stop on its lifelong migration.
After lunch, we made our way up to Maryhill museum, a mansion sitting on 26 acres of nicely manicured lands. Inside, there is a variety of artwork and artifacts, both new and old. A particular highlight was being able to see old wagon wheel tracks from the Oregon Trail, so deeply worn, they have withstood the test of time since 1840-1860. Afterwards, we visited the winery next door. We got a behind-the-scenes tour, and then concluded by sampling many of the wines. All in all, it was another nice day aboard National Geographic Sea Bird.
