Today was another glorious fall day just like the last few—crisp, clear, and lovely. One of our first sights was of Mt. Hood to the southwest, covered in snow and glowing softly in the early morning light. On departing the ship, we were welcomed to The Dalles by local volunteers in period costume; they made us feel very warmly greeted. Our first stop was the spectacular Columbia River Gorge Discovery Center, with exhibits on the geology, natural history, and native cultures of the Gorge as well as a display of all the cargo carried by the Corps of Discovery and of other explorers and subsequent settlers.
Later in the morning, some of us learned about the plants of the region along the trail between the Discovery Center and the Columbia. Others biked or power-walked on trails with great views of the Gorge and Columbia River. Yet others visited Lewis and Clark’s Rock Fort campsite where they stayed in both 1805 and 1806, and the Fort Dalles Museum of local history.
After a lunch on the deck of National Geographic Sea Bird, we went by coach across the Columbia to the Washington shore to the Maryhill Museum and its eclectic collection of artwork from around the world and a large display of Native American baskets. Some of us then sampled the offerings at the Maryhill Winery before returning the ship for our evening reception, Recap of the day, another fabulous dinner, and an evening presentation. What a wonderful way to spend a beautiful day of discovery in the Pacific Northwest!
