The Dalles and the Columbia River Gorge
We have been following the undulating ribbon of the Columbia River through the landscape as well as history. This morning we disembarked at The Dalles, Oregon and proceeded to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Wasco County Museum. As we entered the facility, a river of polished stone reflected our images and guided us towards further explorations. Interior exhibits showcased the intricate art of Native American beadwork, told the stories of settlers heading west on the Oregon Trail, and with a multitude of hands-on exhibits, displayed the processes that created the Gorge itself.
Our next investigation took us up on top of the basaltic overlook of Rowena Plateau. We basked in the warmth of the sun, with clear blue skies we were able to see the fresh snow dusted peak of Mt. Hood. After this pause we chose between bicycle rides and walks along a restored section of the Historic Columbia River Highway at Mosier Tunnels or a leisurely investigation of the town of Hood River and its colorful and eclectic boutiques. As we boarded our ship in Hood River, we were treated to a colorful and close-up view of dozens of wind surfers plying the waters and winds of the Gorge.
Navigating downstream in the afternoon, the balmy weather continued to enticed us outdoors and we marveled at the dramatic landscape before us. Narrative followed us downstream, through Bonneville Lock and Dam, along the famous Horsetail and Multnomah falls spilling over the edge of Oregon, and past the lookout of Crown Point.
The journals of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark often note the evening camaraderie of dancing and music among the Corps members and Native Americans. Our evening came to a close amongst an informal dessert wine tasting and laughter with our fellow traveling companions, our newfound friends.
We have been following the undulating ribbon of the Columbia River through the landscape as well as history. This morning we disembarked at The Dalles, Oregon and proceeded to the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and the Wasco County Museum. As we entered the facility, a river of polished stone reflected our images and guided us towards further explorations. Interior exhibits showcased the intricate art of Native American beadwork, told the stories of settlers heading west on the Oregon Trail, and with a multitude of hands-on exhibits, displayed the processes that created the Gorge itself.
Our next investigation took us up on top of the basaltic overlook of Rowena Plateau. We basked in the warmth of the sun, with clear blue skies we were able to see the fresh snow dusted peak of Mt. Hood. After this pause we chose between bicycle rides and walks along a restored section of the Historic Columbia River Highway at Mosier Tunnels or a leisurely investigation of the town of Hood River and its colorful and eclectic boutiques. As we boarded our ship in Hood River, we were treated to a colorful and close-up view of dozens of wind surfers plying the waters and winds of the Gorge.
Navigating downstream in the afternoon, the balmy weather continued to enticed us outdoors and we marveled at the dramatic landscape before us. Narrative followed us downstream, through Bonneville Lock and Dam, along the famous Horsetail and Multnomah falls spilling over the edge of Oregon, and past the lookout of Crown Point.
The journals of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark often note the evening camaraderie of dancing and music among the Corps members and Native Americans. Our evening came to a close amongst an informal dessert wine tasting and laughter with our fellow traveling companions, our newfound friends.
