Columbia River Gorge
Today was dedicated entirely to exploration of the Columbia River Gorge. This stunningly beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest illustrates the transition from the arid steppes and channeled scablands east of the Cascades to the lush temperate rainforest on the western side of this range. In just 40 short miles, the vegetation changes from big sagebrush, gray rabbit brush, and desert parsley to towering Douglas firs, scarlet vine maples, countless epiphytic lichens, and mosses of virtually every shade of green. All of this vegetation is draped upon the fantastically eroded basalt canyon walls of the Columbia River Gorge.
We spent our entire morning ashore first perusing the fine exhibits at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, then stretching our legs along the pedestrian path through the Mosier Tunnel and in the quaint little town of Hood River. Although the morning started with low clouds and fog, bright sunshine lit our way by mid-morning. A small group of exercisers stepped out for a 5-mile power walk through Ponderosa pine and big-leafed maple woodlands, listening to Stellers jays scolding overhead while golden leaves floated to the ground. Others opted for a stroll along a shorter section of this scenic trail, and still have a little time to wander in town.
Throughout the afternoon we continued west, taking in the fall colors and rare autumn sunshine from the deck of the Sea Lion. Local fishermen displayed their king salmon and sturgeon catches, while heron and hawks sought theirs.
Today was dedicated entirely to exploration of the Columbia River Gorge. This stunningly beautiful part of the Pacific Northwest illustrates the transition from the arid steppes and channeled scablands east of the Cascades to the lush temperate rainforest on the western side of this range. In just 40 short miles, the vegetation changes from big sagebrush, gray rabbit brush, and desert parsley to towering Douglas firs, scarlet vine maples, countless epiphytic lichens, and mosses of virtually every shade of green. All of this vegetation is draped upon the fantastically eroded basalt canyon walls of the Columbia River Gorge.
We spent our entire morning ashore first perusing the fine exhibits at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, then stretching our legs along the pedestrian path through the Mosier Tunnel and in the quaint little town of Hood River. Although the morning started with low clouds and fog, bright sunshine lit our way by mid-morning. A small group of exercisers stepped out for a 5-mile power walk through Ponderosa pine and big-leafed maple woodlands, listening to Stellers jays scolding overhead while golden leaves floated to the ground. Others opted for a stroll along a shorter section of this scenic trail, and still have a little time to wander in town.
Throughout the afternoon we continued west, taking in the fall colors and rare autumn sunshine from the deck of the Sea Lion. Local fishermen displayed their king salmon and sturgeon catches, while heron and hawks sought theirs.
