We were all impressed with the wildlife. We had wonderful sightings including a Golden Eagle that soared overhead, elk that were silhouetted against the sky as they stood on top of a rounded peak, small herds of rocky mountain bighorn sheep, flocks of bufflehead, great blue herons perched in the trees, and magpies in full sun. Some of us even got to see a pair of mule deer mating!
On the way back to the ship, after having a picnic lunch on a sandy beach next to the river, we stopped at a site known for its petroglyphs. We saw carvings in the basalt that were probably made 1,500-2,000 years ago. The shapes of bighorn sheep, people, buffalo, and a distinct depiction of the Snake River stood out and spoke to us through the years.
The geology of the canyon, its photographic opportunities, bird watching, mammal sightings, and human history gave everyone many opportunities to marvel at this awe-inspiring part of the world.
