Columbia River
As we travel up the Columbia River on the Sea Bird we pass between the high cliffs of Wallula Gap. Today we are in the comfort of a delightful cruise ship. Nearly two hundred years ago when Lewis and Clark came this way they were tired and hungry. They had been headed west, with the setting sun in their faces for many miles and months. We know exactly where we are, assured by channel markers, navigationalaids, and landmarks. They could only hope that the tribes they encountered had toldthem the right way to go. They saw this landmark: two basalt columns reachingskyward, confirming what the Indians had said. With reassurance in their hearts themen named them in honor of their two Captains....Lewis and Clark.
Today has been long and eventful for us. We greeted the dawn near Maryhill , passed through the locks of the John Day Dam, watched pelicans in the Blalock Islands, saw nesting osprey as we passed through the locks of McNary Dam, and now salute thetwo Captains at sunset....across the years.
As we travel up the Columbia River on the Sea Bird we pass between the high cliffs of Wallula Gap. Today we are in the comfort of a delightful cruise ship. Nearly two hundred years ago when Lewis and Clark came this way they were tired and hungry. They had been headed west, with the setting sun in their faces for many miles and months. We know exactly where we are, assured by channel markers, navigationalaids, and landmarks. They could only hope that the tribes they encountered had toldthem the right way to go. They saw this landmark: two basalt columns reachingskyward, confirming what the Indians had said. With reassurance in their hearts themen named them in honor of their two Captains....Lewis and Clark.
Today has been long and eventful for us. We greeted the dawn near Maryhill , passed through the locks of the John Day Dam, watched pelicans in the Blalock Islands, saw nesting osprey as we passed through the locks of McNary Dam, and now salute thetwo Captains at sunset....across the years.
