At sunset last night, we began our journey eastward from the mouth of the Columbia River, passing by Portland in the predawn and reaching the Columbia River Gorge just after breakfast. Fierce winds of 35-40 mph blew from the east as we prepared to Zodiac ashore for hikes up Taylor Creek canyon, a visit to the Bonneville Dam Fish Hatchery, and world famous Multnomah Falls. After lunch, we passed through the locks at Bonneville Dam and then skirted the remains of a mega-landslide, known as the Bridge of the Gods, which once blocked the Columbia River. We anchored for the evening at the town of Hood River, Oregon.
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.