Columbia River Gorge
It was yet another sunrise as the early rays lit up the dome of Mount Hood. We had some time to spare so Captain Doherty brought the bow next to one of the elk pictographs of the eastern part of the Columbia River Gorge. Following breakfast it was off to visit one of the campsites of the Corp of Discovery. Rock Fort is undeveloped and is one of the few places along the Columbia River where you can say with certainty that “Lewis and Clark were here.” At the new Discovery Center we learned about the 10,000 years of history in the gorge, including first natives, Lewis and Clark, the Oregon Trail and more recent history. Of course the natural wonders of the gorge were also discussed in the various exhibits. We also had a chance to travel part of the restored Columbia River Historic Highway, both by coach and also with some walks to the Mosier Tunnels. Our morning ended by rejoining the Sea Bird in Hood River and it was a warm and beautiful afternoon cruising through the central and western section of the gorge with beautiful fall colors and the waterfalls of the Oregon shore.
