Exploring Eastern Washington and Oregon
Due to heavy river traffic last night leaving Portland, OR, today’s progress along the Columbia River was delayed. This was not an entirely bad development, though. Sights we would normally pass in darkness were revealed to us. We awoke on the arid east side of the Cascade Range. During breakfast, Captain Scott Carden maneuvered the M. V. Sea Lion through a tricky pass known as Hells Gate. This narrow section of the river is popular with local fisherman casting nets. While perilous to navigate in the darkness, it was a breathtaking detour in the daylight. Dramatic landscapes formed from ancient lava flows were brushed golden by the light. Encouraged by the bright sunshine, we bundled up and stepped out onto the bow.
On deck, we scanned our surroundings for birds and watched as various methods of river transportation moved downstream. Expedition Leader Jason Kelley provided narration on the different forms of tug and barges transporting cargo. River barges can move up to 200 times more cargo than trucks. While it is a slower mode of transport, it is much more economical. Wheat, logs, and chipped wood are among the products moved down river into the deep water port of Portland. From there, ocean going vessels continue with the cargo out to the Pacific Ocean.
By late morning, we were on approach to the highest vertical lock chamber in the world: John Day Lock and Dam. The massive guillotine gate closed behind us, and we slowly rose 105 feet. Following the lockage, we joined historian Junius Rochester in the lounge for an informative lecture on the motivation behind the Lewis and Clark adventure. Our afternoon continued in the same relaxed fashion; Naturalist Sharon Grainger presented on the botany of the region. As afternoon became evening, we gathered once more in the lounge, this time for a delicious treat: Hotel Manager Judie Blewitt offered tastings of local food and wine products, welcoming us to wine country.
Due to heavy river traffic last night leaving Portland, OR, today’s progress along the Columbia River was delayed. This was not an entirely bad development, though. Sights we would normally pass in darkness were revealed to us. We awoke on the arid east side of the Cascade Range. During breakfast, Captain Scott Carden maneuvered the M. V. Sea Lion through a tricky pass known as Hells Gate. This narrow section of the river is popular with local fisherman casting nets. While perilous to navigate in the darkness, it was a breathtaking detour in the daylight. Dramatic landscapes formed from ancient lava flows were brushed golden by the light. Encouraged by the bright sunshine, we bundled up and stepped out onto the bow.
On deck, we scanned our surroundings for birds and watched as various methods of river transportation moved downstream. Expedition Leader Jason Kelley provided narration on the different forms of tug and barges transporting cargo. River barges can move up to 200 times more cargo than trucks. While it is a slower mode of transport, it is much more economical. Wheat, logs, and chipped wood are among the products moved down river into the deep water port of Portland. From there, ocean going vessels continue with the cargo out to the Pacific Ocean.
By late morning, we were on approach to the highest vertical lock chamber in the world: John Day Lock and Dam. The massive guillotine gate closed behind us, and we slowly rose 105 feet. Following the lockage, we joined historian Junius Rochester in the lounge for an informative lecture on the motivation behind the Lewis and Clark adventure. Our afternoon continued in the same relaxed fashion; Naturalist Sharon Grainger presented on the botany of the region. As afternoon became evening, we gathered once more in the lounge, this time for a delicious treat: Hotel Manager Judie Blewitt offered tastings of local food and wine products, welcoming us to wine country.
