The Mouth of the Columbia River

Rain squalls, rainbows, chilly winds, bright sunshine; this day offered every sort of coastal weather imaginable. Walking in the cold rain the scant hundred yards to the Columbia River Maritime Museum this morning, we thought of our heroes Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and company as they arrived here just about this time of year with their sodden elkskin clothing and waterlogged canoes. Once Fort Clatsop was constructed, they must have been grateful for the fireplaces and dry rooms. By our standards, it seemed pretty cramped for thirty-three people and a big black dog but after their arduous journey, I hope the Corps of Discovery found some satisfaction in their winter respite despite the wet weather.

By late morning, our rains had moved south and we took advantage of the opportunity to enjoy the glorious views from the top of Coxcomb Hill. To the south was a spectacular looking up the Lewis and Clark River toward Fort Clatsop, where we had just visited. Many of us headed for the Washington side of the river this afternoon to hike and to check out the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center located high on a basalt hill overlooking the ocean at Cape Disappointment. Some hiked to the Cape D lighthouse, others down the hill to join the group at the exquisite cove locally known as ‘Waikiki Beach’. With the cold front bringing some winds, the Pacific Ocean was active today, throwing sprays of salt water up against the rocks below us and creating beautiful green curls in the waves breaking on the sandy beach.