Astoria
Howling winds and driving rain, pounding surf and rolling waves, greeted us as the day began. On this, the day we have finally found the end of our river journey in The Wake of Lewis and Clark, we had wished for better weather. We knew that storms were typical for the time of year that the Corps of Discovery spent here. We thought that it would be nice to avoid all that and spend a sunny day at Fort Clatsop and Cape Disappointment.
The windshield wipers of the motor coach worked in desperation to give us a view of the scenery. Our raincoats and hats were prepared to do their best. When we entered the Visitor Center at Fort Clatsop the rain had turned to a gentle mist and the wind had tapered off. Our visit there was a fine one and we felt fortunate.
After lunch, back on the National Geographic Sea Bird, we crossed the bridge to the north side of the Columbia River. Our visit to Cape Disappointment, always a very special opportunity, had the added pleasure of more good weather and an occasional shaft of sunlight on the Pacific Ocean.
Finally, on the return to the ship, the sun burst through and promised us a beautiful sunset. It further gave us a lesson in life. Sometimes when things look dark and gloomy, the best thing to do is to meet them head on, and look for the silver lining. As we round out this time on the river we can see that while we think we have learned more about the Columbia, the Snake and Clearwater Rivers; what we have really learned is more about ourselves, and that the Columbia, the Snake, and the Clearwater have helped.
