We’re here on the western edge of the Northern Rocky Mountains, and spring has arrived in the rivers and canyons that drain the high country. In general, our weeklong journey follows the flow of the water westward, toward the ocean. However, this morning we started our adventure by travelling upstream. We moved up the Snake River, southward and deep into Hells Canyon. Our comfortable home, National Geographic Sea Bird, was tied up in the Port of Clarkston. We used contract jet boats for the trip today. These boats use powerful motors to drive water through a turbine pump, allowing the boats to fly against the current in only a few inches of water. The Clarkston/Lewiston area is a center for jet boat manufacturing and activity in the U.S.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla
The spring campaign for the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey made its final visit of the season to the wine-loving Walla Walla Valley. Nearly 20 of our guests spent the morning tasting and touring Dunham Cellars, Walla Walla’s ninth-oldest winery. Others visited the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Guests met for lunch at Three Rivers Winery, which is owned by California businessman/philanthropist, William Foley. Bon Appétit Management of Whitman College handled the catering which made for a very tasty meal. Next was a self-guided walking tour of downtown Walla Walla that featured Lindblad-arranged tastings at Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Browne Family Vineyards, Mark Ryan Winery and Rasa Vineyards as well as shopping at the many small businesses along Main Street. Among those favored by guests were Bright’s Candies, Hot Poop Record Store, Pinecone Creamery, and Colville Street Patisserie. Upon returning to National Geographic Sea Bird , after-dinner education featured a presentation titled, ‘Down the Rivers with the Lewis & Clark Expedition’ by historian Robert Heacock.