Columbia River Gorge
Today we explored the Columbia River Gorge from several points of view. At each different point along the way, we gained a new perspective for the geography, culture, and history of the Gorge. We disembarked the Sea Lion in the town of The Dalles, and boarded buses bound for the unique Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Much more than just a county museum, this facility highlights the Corps of Discovery, as well as the Columbia Gorge itself. Half of the museum is dedicated to the adventures of Lewis and Clark as they journeyed through the area, and the other half of the museum holds displays that speak of the region’s historical and cultural significance.
Following our visit at the Discovery Center, we had the opportunity to travel on one of the Gorge’s most noteworthy features: the Historic Highway. Developed by two determined and visionary men, Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster, this road was designed in the early 1900s. Their intent was to make travel through the Gorge more accessible, while at the same time, maintaining the integrity of the landscape. We reached the top of the Gorge, and stopped at Rowena Crest. The mighty Columbia River flowed far below, and as we gazed out, we could see where the floodwaters of thousands of years ago had cut through the region. From the impressive scenic overlook, we then divided into two groups; one discovered the charming, quirky town of Hood River, while the other group joined naturalist Sharon and Historian Junius for a walk along a protected section of the Historic Highway.
After lunch, we sailed down river to our next stop: the Cascade Locks. These locks were the original locks used along this section of the Columbia River, used until the larger, more powerful dams and wider locks were built. Here we re-boarded our motor coaches to visit the magnificent Multnomah Falls. Although it started to rain, we agreed that the rain did not diminish the experience, but rather, it seemed to add to the beauty of the cascading waterfall.
Our final adventure took place as we approached Bonneville Lock and Dam. In keeping with a Lindblad Expeditions tradition, our lovely bosun, Kendra Nelsen, sporting her golden cape, made the final “lock toss” of the season. Should she have missed this important line toss, and failed in her attempt to secure the Sea Lion onto the lock ballard, the Sea Lion would be destined for poor weather this winter. Thanks to Kendra’s skill, however, the Sea Lion should enjoy fair winds and following seas as she makes way for points south.
Today we explored the Columbia River Gorge from several points of view. At each different point along the way, we gained a new perspective for the geography, culture, and history of the Gorge. We disembarked the Sea Lion in the town of The Dalles, and boarded buses bound for the unique Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. Much more than just a county museum, this facility highlights the Corps of Discovery, as well as the Columbia Gorge itself. Half of the museum is dedicated to the adventures of Lewis and Clark as they journeyed through the area, and the other half of the museum holds displays that speak of the region’s historical and cultural significance.
Following our visit at the Discovery Center, we had the opportunity to travel on one of the Gorge’s most noteworthy features: the Historic Highway. Developed by two determined and visionary men, Sam Hill and Sam Lancaster, this road was designed in the early 1900s. Their intent was to make travel through the Gorge more accessible, while at the same time, maintaining the integrity of the landscape. We reached the top of the Gorge, and stopped at Rowena Crest. The mighty Columbia River flowed far below, and as we gazed out, we could see where the floodwaters of thousands of years ago had cut through the region. From the impressive scenic overlook, we then divided into two groups; one discovered the charming, quirky town of Hood River, while the other group joined naturalist Sharon and Historian Junius for a walk along a protected section of the Historic Highway.
After lunch, we sailed down river to our next stop: the Cascade Locks. These locks were the original locks used along this section of the Columbia River, used until the larger, more powerful dams and wider locks were built. Here we re-boarded our motor coaches to visit the magnificent Multnomah Falls. Although it started to rain, we agreed that the rain did not diminish the experience, but rather, it seemed to add to the beauty of the cascading waterfall.
Our final adventure took place as we approached Bonneville Lock and Dam. In keeping with a Lindblad Expeditions tradition, our lovely bosun, Kendra Nelsen, sporting her golden cape, made the final “lock toss” of the season. Should she have missed this important line toss, and failed in her attempt to secure the Sea Lion onto the lock ballard, the Sea Lion would be destined for poor weather this winter. Thanks to Kendra’s skill, however, the Sea Lion should enjoy fair winds and following seas as she makes way for points south.
