Sunday, September 24
I flew from Detroit to Portland, Oregon and Dee flew from Venice, Florida.
We met our tour group at the Marriott Hotel in Portland and boarded the Sea Bird to begin our voyage exploring a portion of Lewis & Clark's Expedition through the Columbia River basin
My friend Dee Galante
My Room
Our first night we sailed 85 miles downstream to Astoria, Oregon, a few miles from the Columbia River where the river meets the northeast Pacific Ocean. We visited a few places on the coast and drove thru Astoria.
Where the River meets the Ocean (Graveyard of the Pacific). The coastal area which includes the Columbia River bar is responsible for more than 2,000 recorded shipwrecks!
Anne trying to get a closer view of the powerful waves!
Carol Swan who initiated this great trip
Astoria Column on Coxcomb Hill - a monument to the natural riches of the area
View from the Astoria Column
Carol & Anne climbed 146 steps to the top of the Astoria Column
Going thru the Bonneville Lock
Overnight the National Geographic Sea Bird navigated from Astoria to Hood River along the Columbia River. We spent our morning enjoying walks in Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock, two magnificent natural landmarks in the area. We then had a farm to table lunch with local wines in The Dalles at Sunshine Mill. Then we went out to Draper Girls Farm where we tasted local apples and pears. Our last stop was the Western Automobile and Airplane Museum (WAAAM). What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
Tuesday, September 26
Anne, Carol & Dee
We also had the opportunity to visit a fish hatchery featuring the famous sturgeon named Herman who is 89 years old!
Herman
Beautifully landscaped gardens
We stopped at The Dalles Sunshine Mill for a farm-to-table meal
Shirley Easton, Liz Scheer, Sue Watson, Dee Galante, Carol Swan, and friends from our group
Draper Girls Farm where we tasted local apples and pears - yummy & juicy!
WAAMng our farm experience, we changed gears and headed to the
Dinner on the National Geographic Sea Bird
Sue Watson (Atlanta), Carol Swan (Oregon & Florida), Shirley Earnest (North Carolina), Liz Scheer (North Carolina), Anne & Dee (Florida)
Wednesday, September 27
We docked at The Dulles in Oregon and took a coach ride to Rowenta Crest & Gorge, then the historic Columbia River Highway State Trail
Dalles Dam Lock with a guillotine style gate
Thursday, September 28, 2023
Crow Butte Island - about 60 miles downstream from the confluence of the Columbia & Snake Rivers, and over 250 river miles from the mouth of the Columbia River at the Pacific Ocean near Astoria, Oregon.
We hiked around the island and stopped at the campground park
Liz & Sally our new North Carolina friends
Morning yoga class on board the Sea Bird - Carol didn’t miss a beat!
Friday, September 29
The Snake and Palouse Rivers
After the National Geographic Sea Bird went through the lock, we boarded zodiacs and rafted through the Lower Monumental Lock along the Snake River. It was quite an experience going through the lock in a small craft!
Waiting in the zodiac to go thru the lock
Carol waving from her group’s zodiac
Securing the ship in the lock
Red Tailed Hawk at a Rescue facility we visited
Visiting Palouse Falls State Park at the confluence of the Snake and Palouse Rivers.
The Palouse River is a tributary of the Snake River in Washington and Idaho and part of the Columbia River Basin. The canyon was carved out by a fork in the Missoula Floods during the last ice age. The park has three views of the picturesque 200-foot falls.
Interesting rock formations that looks like church spires
Saturday, September 30
Clarkston & Hell’s Canyon
Our final stop in Clarkston, Washington is at the confluence of the Snake & Clearwater Rivers - 450 miles from the Pacific Ocean. The name Clarkston refers to William Clark and is directly across from Lewiston named for Meriweather Lewis.
We boarded a jet boat and traveled upstream on the Snake River about 50 miles, going through Hell’s Canyon National Recreation Area
The 125-mile-long canyon is over 7,000 feet deep - carved by the Snake River - it is the deepest river gorge in North America and most of it is inaccessible by road.
Popular for catch & release fishing
Our route from Portland, Oregon to Lewiston, Idaho
Another great trip! Unfortunately, our group of gals came home with COVID - fortunately, all of us had pretty mild cases - sheltering in place was the hardest part after getting home.
When’s muy next trip?????
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