As we travel along the shores of the Columbia River, we watch as the shoreline changes, birds fly by, and islands come and go. Today we got to head to one of these islands and explore what we have been watching from the rail of the ship. Crow Butte is an island of beautiful sage brush, rolling hills, and blooming flowers that take your breath away. We headed to shore in Zodiacs to reach Crow Butte. We divided into small groups and chose from various hikes. For the next couple hours, we lost ourselves walking among the tall grasses and sage bushes. The sky was blue with drifting, billowy clouds. It was a perfect morning and such a peaceful experience here on the Columbia River.
11/4/2023
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
O! the Joy! Hmm, we needed to rethink that one this morning, as we woke to a rainy and blustery Astoria. What this weather did give us was a taste of historic authenticity in relation to the Corps of Discovery and their experiences here in the winter of 1805-06. Our first activity this morning was amongst the magnificent exhibits of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This world-class facility tells the story of the mighty Columbia and the treacherous results to mariners when the river shoves against the incoming tides of the Pacific Ocean. As our day progressed, we crossed the Astoria-Megler bridge to the state of Washington. At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center the winds continued but the rain subsided, and we enjoyed a sun-drenched afternoon with an option to walk a forest trail down to Waikiki Beach. The sun and sand were a siren to us and we made an additional stop at the North Jetty to get a water-level view of the waves crashing against the rocks of the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The day turned out anything but disappointing.
