Astoria, Oregon
Harbor seals and California sea lions greeted us as we headed up the estuary towards Astoria, fifteen miles from the mouth of the Columbia and the treacherous “bar,” where the river courses into the Pacific Ocean. A wet deck chased the wellness program inside, so we stretched in the dining room after a sneak preview of our voyage thus far, from our Video Chronicler Joshua. Tom enlightened us yet again of this leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, sharing about the landmarks of their camps along the way, and the miserable soggy winter of 1805-1806, with few provisions and daunted spirits!
Our afternoon was filled with a motor trip to Fort Clatsop National Memorial, where we learned more details of their survival that winter and their fortuitous meeting with and befriending the Clatsop Indians. Trading beads, coins and trinkets, they were able to get food and a place to stay, building a sturdy shelter in just three weeks, of which we toured the replica of. A wildflower walk, exercise hike, or more interpretation in the visitor center rounded out our visit here. A short stop to the Astoria Column, a famous landmark and scenic vista at the highest point overlooking the town, was our last stop before a trip to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, right next to where the Sea Lion had docked.
The sun peeked out as we lifted anchor and gathered in the lounge to share our day and visit with new friends, reflect on our week, and the amazing stories we had learned of the greatest camping, hunting, and scientific expedition ever!
Harbor seals and California sea lions greeted us as we headed up the estuary towards Astoria, fifteen miles from the mouth of the Columbia and the treacherous “bar,” where the river courses into the Pacific Ocean. A wet deck chased the wellness program inside, so we stretched in the dining room after a sneak preview of our voyage thus far, from our Video Chronicler Joshua. Tom enlightened us yet again of this leg of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, sharing about the landmarks of their camps along the way, and the miserable soggy winter of 1805-1806, with few provisions and daunted spirits!
Our afternoon was filled with a motor trip to Fort Clatsop National Memorial, where we learned more details of their survival that winter and their fortuitous meeting with and befriending the Clatsop Indians. Trading beads, coins and trinkets, they were able to get food and a place to stay, building a sturdy shelter in just three weeks, of which we toured the replica of. A wildflower walk, exercise hike, or more interpretation in the visitor center rounded out our visit here. A short stop to the Astoria Column, a famous landmark and scenic vista at the highest point overlooking the town, was our last stop before a trip to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, right next to where the Sea Lion had docked.
The sun peeked out as we lifted anchor and gathered in the lounge to share our day and visit with new friends, reflect on our week, and the amazing stories we had learned of the greatest camping, hunting, and scientific expedition ever!
