Around three A.M the National Geographic Sea Lion diverged from the mighty Columbia River and headed northeast up the Snake River. While everyone aboard was sleeping, the Sea Lion crossed through two locks overnight; the McNary Dam as well as Ice Harbor. Ice harbor is the closest dam to the mouth of the Snake. Shortly after breakfast we received word from the lockmaster at Lower Monumental Dam that they would allow us to bring our inflatable expedition craft into the massive lock chamber. Three expedition landing crafts were lowered off the boat deck and filled with brave guests craving a sense of perspective at just how large and powerful these lock systems are. We entered the 86ft wide and 665ft long concrete behemoth and waited as the water lifted the National Geographic Sea Lion and expedition landing crafts the entire 100ft to the next level of river.
The slight wind and perfect temperature allowed for a delightful lunch on the sundeck as we approached our Palouse River anchorage. The Palouse provided plenty of afternoon activities. Some headed to Palouse Falls, just a quick bus ride away, while others took a cruise up the Palouse River canyon via expedition landing crafts A few people even enjoyed the serenity from kayaks. Palouse Falls is nearly 190ft tall and an impressive scene. The expedition landing crafts navigated up canyon as far as the water depth allowed while enjoying the dramatic topography and wildlife including a few mule deer and numerous types of birds. The sun cast incredible shadows along the canyon walls and immaculate reflections upon the glassy surface. The dining room doors opened just as the sun gave its grand finale with a brilliant sunset dropping behind the 3,920ft long Joso Bridge, which when completed in 1912 was once the largest and tallest railroad bridge in the world.
