The Columbia River, cruising East
The curtain of darkness lifted this morning as we passed Celilo Village. The thunderous roar that characterized this magnificent site in earlier days has been silenced by the reservoir behind The Dalles Dam. As we continued eastward, the warm hues of the early morning light accentuated the sculptured basaltic flows that line both sides of this area of the gorge. After enjoying a filling breakfast, we scurried onboard to witness our lockage through the John Day Dam. The Sea Bird shared this 105 foot lift with a tug and a tow of logs, chips, one empty barge and (see photo). The scent of pine pleasantly filled the massive cavern of the empty lock. What a special way of seeing river traffic up close and personable.As we continued past the mouth of the John Day River, we started scanning the grassy carpet of gold on the rugged south wall for California Big Horn Sheep. Within a short period of time we were treated to the citing of eight rams bedded down along the top rim of the gorge. What a magnificent view!By mid-morning, we were enjoying the story of the extensive preparations and outfitting of the Corps of Discovery as presented by Jerry Igo. After successfully going over our personal flotation devices and appropriate ship wide emergency procedures, we convened onboard for more visual stimulation.The warm afternoon found us cruising through the Horse Heaven Viticultural Area as well as the heavily irrigated section of Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Blalock Islands provided the opportunity to do a little birding. Dr. Harvey Flad, Professor Emeritus, Vasser University, presented a lecture on “Our Changing Landscapes,” comparing the Hudson River and Columbia River Bioregions. The afternoon was culminated by a dazzling display of many local/regional wines, cheeses, chocolates and other culinary specialties.As the daily wrap-ups were concluding, we passed Sacagawea Park and headed up the Snake River. Tomorrow morning we will greet another beautiful day in Clarkston, Washington.
The curtain of darkness lifted this morning as we passed Celilo Village. The thunderous roar that characterized this magnificent site in earlier days has been silenced by the reservoir behind The Dalles Dam. As we continued eastward, the warm hues of the early morning light accentuated the sculptured basaltic flows that line both sides of this area of the gorge. After enjoying a filling breakfast, we scurried onboard to witness our lockage through the John Day Dam. The Sea Bird shared this 105 foot lift with a tug and a tow of logs, chips, one empty barge and (see photo). The scent of pine pleasantly filled the massive cavern of the empty lock. What a special way of seeing river traffic up close and personable.As we continued past the mouth of the John Day River, we started scanning the grassy carpet of gold on the rugged south wall for California Big Horn Sheep. Within a short period of time we were treated to the citing of eight rams bedded down along the top rim of the gorge. What a magnificent view!By mid-morning, we were enjoying the story of the extensive preparations and outfitting of the Corps of Discovery as presented by Jerry Igo. After successfully going over our personal flotation devices and appropriate ship wide emergency procedures, we convened onboard for more visual stimulation.The warm afternoon found us cruising through the Horse Heaven Viticultural Area as well as the heavily irrigated section of Morrow and Umatilla Counties. Blalock Islands provided the opportunity to do a little birding. Dr. Harvey Flad, Professor Emeritus, Vasser University, presented a lecture on “Our Changing Landscapes,” comparing the Hudson River and Columbia River Bioregions. The afternoon was culminated by a dazzling display of many local/regional wines, cheeses, chocolates and other culinary specialties.As the daily wrap-ups were concluding, we passed Sacagawea Park and headed up the Snake River. Tomorrow morning we will greet another beautiful day in Clarkston, Washington.
