Columbia River Estuary and Cape Disappointment
In the early morning darkness, fog-horns and bells from buoys alerted us to the fact we were nearing the bar at the mouth of the Columbia River. This majestic river and its tributaries that carried the Corps of Discovery’s men and cargo to the Pacific Ocean has become much more personal to each of us in our short journey aboard the Sea Bird. After returning from the fog-shrouded Columbia Bar, we sat down to a steaming, aromatic breakfast featuring blueberry pancakes. We were soon off the ship making our first visit to the Maritime Museum. This museum features an excellent historical account of the early ships that negotiated these angry and often unforgiving waters. By mid-morning, we were on the grounds of Fort Clatsop, the winter quarters that sheltered the Corps during the winter of 1805-1806. With a little imagination and a short walk through this very confined and poorly ventilated fort, one can feel the dampness and depression that the Corps endured for some 106 days.
The afternoon greeted us with a menu of choices. Some folks took a journey to the Washington side of the river, passing Station Camp on their way to Cape Disappointment. Other guests visited the Astoria Column and spent time perusing the waterfront and shops in Astoria. A lazy trolley ride, taking passengers from Tongue Point to the west end of town, was enjoyed by some.
A few guests that visited Cape Disappointment hiked to the lighthouse. This first order lighthouse cautions mariners to the great river of the west (see photo). It is from this same promontory that William Clark and a few men hoped to site a trading ship back in mid-November, 1805. Although no ships were spotted two hundred years ago, the river traffic seen today from this same vantage point validates the richness of this region. We are fortunate that President Jefferson had a spirit of adventure and was willing to finance the expedition called “The Corps of Discovery.”
This rich and rewarding day was concluded by a Captain’s Farewell Party. A small gesture recognizing our guests having chosen to travel with us on this most historic river. We thank you.
In the early morning darkness, fog-horns and bells from buoys alerted us to the fact we were nearing the bar at the mouth of the Columbia River. This majestic river and its tributaries that carried the Corps of Discovery’s men and cargo to the Pacific Ocean has become much more personal to each of us in our short journey aboard the Sea Bird. After returning from the fog-shrouded Columbia Bar, we sat down to a steaming, aromatic breakfast featuring blueberry pancakes. We were soon off the ship making our first visit to the Maritime Museum. This museum features an excellent historical account of the early ships that negotiated these angry and often unforgiving waters. By mid-morning, we were on the grounds of Fort Clatsop, the winter quarters that sheltered the Corps during the winter of 1805-1806. With a little imagination and a short walk through this very confined and poorly ventilated fort, one can feel the dampness and depression that the Corps endured for some 106 days.
The afternoon greeted us with a menu of choices. Some folks took a journey to the Washington side of the river, passing Station Camp on their way to Cape Disappointment. Other guests visited the Astoria Column and spent time perusing the waterfront and shops in Astoria. A lazy trolley ride, taking passengers from Tongue Point to the west end of town, was enjoyed by some.
A few guests that visited Cape Disappointment hiked to the lighthouse. This first order lighthouse cautions mariners to the great river of the west (see photo). It is from this same promontory that William Clark and a few men hoped to site a trading ship back in mid-November, 1805. Although no ships were spotted two hundred years ago, the river traffic seen today from this same vantage point validates the richness of this region. We are fortunate that President Jefferson had a spirit of adventure and was willing to finance the expedition called “The Corps of Discovery.”
This rich and rewarding day was concluded by a Captain’s Farewell Party. A small gesture recognizing our guests having chosen to travel with us on this most historic river. We thank you.
