Astoria, Oregon
First light was dampened by thick fog which lifted and closed in repeatedly before giving way to strong sunlight. It was a beautiful morning as Sea Lion continued towards the infamous Columbia River “Bar,” the normally tumultuous meeting between river and ocean. Today, the confluence was gentle, enabling us to enjoy Cape Disappointment and the rest of the landscape, as well as cormorants, terns, gulls, brown pelicans and California sea lions.
Junius spoke about the history and the state of local fisheries as we made our way back up river towards the Coast Guard dock, next to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Secured to the dock by late morning, there was the opportunity to stroll around town before lunch.
The afternoon found us headed to Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark spent their dismal winter of 1805 – 1806. It was hard to imagine, on this gloriously sunny day, just how awful the conditions must have been. Cold, wet, hungry and sick, the Corps of Discovery was happy to leave this spot to head back east.
We also departed, some to the scenic Astoria Monument and a hike into town and eventually the Sea Lion, while others of us visited the exceptional Columbia River Maritime Museum, which brings alive the history of the “Great River of the West.”
All aboard, our ship headed back upriver, towards Portland, as we shared fine food and conversation about our week of discovery as the sun set behind us.
First light was dampened by thick fog which lifted and closed in repeatedly before giving way to strong sunlight. It was a beautiful morning as Sea Lion continued towards the infamous Columbia River “Bar,” the normally tumultuous meeting between river and ocean. Today, the confluence was gentle, enabling us to enjoy Cape Disappointment and the rest of the landscape, as well as cormorants, terns, gulls, brown pelicans and California sea lions.
Junius spoke about the history and the state of local fisheries as we made our way back up river towards the Coast Guard dock, next to the Columbia River Maritime Museum. Secured to the dock by late morning, there was the opportunity to stroll around town before lunch.
The afternoon found us headed to Fort Clatsop, where the Lewis and Clark spent their dismal winter of 1805 – 1806. It was hard to imagine, on this gloriously sunny day, just how awful the conditions must have been. Cold, wet, hungry and sick, the Corps of Discovery was happy to leave this spot to head back east.
We also departed, some to the scenic Astoria Monument and a hike into town and eventually the Sea Lion, while others of us visited the exceptional Columbia River Maritime Museum, which brings alive the history of the “Great River of the West.”
All aboard, our ship headed back upriver, towards Portland, as we shared fine food and conversation about our week of discovery as the sun set behind us.
