Columbia River Gorge
The fine weather that we have enjoyed during our voyage continued today as we explored the Columbia River Gorge. The first rays of the morning lit Beacon Rock as we worked our way upstream, against the flow of the river. We passed anchored fisherman who showed off their catch. A small tug worked its log tow just below the lock at Bonneville Dam. We entered the chamber and were raised 70 feet in several minutes and emerged into Lake Bonneville to continue our journey up the Great River of the West. We docked at the town of Hood River for the afternoon and relished the glorious sun during our excursion ashore. Our first stop afforded us the opportunity to walk along a section of the old Columbia River Highway. Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster, one a visionary and the other an engineer, teamed to create a scenic roadway along this stretch of river. Their goal was to preserve the surroundings while creating a highway to access and enjoy the beauty of the gorge. Sections have now been restored for bicycle and pedestrian traffic only and we found The Mosier Tunnels were a highlight of our walk.
The remainder of our afternoon was spent at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and exploring the town. The Discovery Center focuses on the history of the gorge and the early pioneers who first settled the region.
The fine weather that we have enjoyed during our voyage continued today as we explored the Columbia River Gorge. The first rays of the morning lit Beacon Rock as we worked our way upstream, against the flow of the river. We passed anchored fisherman who showed off their catch. A small tug worked its log tow just below the lock at Bonneville Dam. We entered the chamber and were raised 70 feet in several minutes and emerged into Lake Bonneville to continue our journey up the Great River of the West. We docked at the town of Hood River for the afternoon and relished the glorious sun during our excursion ashore. Our first stop afforded us the opportunity to walk along a section of the old Columbia River Highway. Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster, one a visionary and the other an engineer, teamed to create a scenic roadway along this stretch of river. Their goal was to preserve the surroundings while creating a highway to access and enjoy the beauty of the gorge. Sections have now been restored for bicycle and pedestrian traffic only and we found The Mosier Tunnels were a highlight of our walk.
The remainder of our afternoon was spent at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and exploring the town. The Discovery Center focuses on the history of the gorge and the early pioneers who first settled the region.
