On the Columbia River in Eastern Oregon and Washington
The mighty river of the west is flat calm and busy with activity today. Tugs pushing barges of wheat glide downstream. Trains rumble east and west on both shores. Southward migrating waterfowl are seen overhead as well as resting in groups of many hundred on the water. Steelhead swim upriver through the fish ladders. Local fishermen drift in their boats with lines out, hoping to catch dinner. Western grebes sink below the surface of the water as we pass, only to appear again moments later. We cruise steadily eastward through the locks at John Day, McNary and Ice Harbor Dam. We learn more about all of these by observing, asking questions, and listening to lectures and commentary on deck from Jim, Jason and Sue. We have left behind our busy lives and slowed to the gentle pace of river travel. Relaxation has set in. Maybe the wine tasting before dinner helped!
The mighty river of the west is flat calm and busy with activity today. Tugs pushing barges of wheat glide downstream. Trains rumble east and west on both shores. Southward migrating waterfowl are seen overhead as well as resting in groups of many hundred on the water. Steelhead swim upriver through the fish ladders. Local fishermen drift in their boats with lines out, hoping to catch dinner. Western grebes sink below the surface of the water as we pass, only to appear again moments later. We cruise steadily eastward through the locks at John Day, McNary and Ice Harbor Dam. We learn more about all of these by observing, asking questions, and listening to lectures and commentary on deck from Jim, Jason and Sue. We have left behind our busy lives and slowed to the gentle pace of river travel. Relaxation has set in. Maybe the wine tasting before dinner helped!
