Astoria, Oregon
Arriving this morning at the mouth of the great river of the west, we were greeted by relatively quiet water and broken but overcast skies. Our Wellness Specialist, Sokie Lee, led a large group of early risers through 30 minutes of gentle stretching followed by a tasty raspberry smoothie. The rest of the guests viewed the landscape surrounding the Columbia River Bar. It was this river that carried the Corps of Discovery to this prized and rich location: a river that flows some 1,243 miles before tasting the saltwater of the Pacific Ocean.
After a wholesome, hot, aromatic breakfast, we left the National Geographic Sea Lion among artifacts of a dynamic period in Astoria’s mighty harvest era. Pilings, an old net drying shed and the 1875 vintage Hanthorn cannery are the only skeletons of the noisy and odoriferous salmon processing facilities that once lined the river.
Our early destination was the outstanding Columbia River Maritime Museum and the historic Fort Clatsop. The museum presents an excellent historical account of the early ships that negotiated these angry and often unforgiving waters. The replica of Fort Clatsop provided some appreciation for what members of the Corps had to endure during their 106 day stay in this damp, confined, poorly lit, and poorly ventilated structure. Just before lunch we made our way to the top of Coxcomb Hill, some 600 feet above the city of Astoria. Guests reviewed the area’s early history by following a 500 foot spiral of art wrapping its way around the 125 foot high Astoria Column.
During lunch the National Geographic Sea Lion relocated to a site just offshore the mouth of the John Day River. Here we were within the Lewis and Clark Wildlife Refuge; a refuge that covers some 35,000 acres and includes approximately 20 islands. The afternoon saw guests scattering in different directions; some headed up the John Day River for kayaking, while others took an 1 ½ hour zodiac cruise. Still others remained on board to listen to our historian, Junius Rochester, share history of the immediate area.
This was a day rich in history and beautiful fall scenery. Everyone was onboard by 5:30 as preparation was being made to pull anchor and continue our journey up the Columbia River.
