Umatilla, Oregon

As the Sea Lion made its way from the wet western side of the Cascade Range to the drier eastern side we traveled through one of the more fertile areas of the Pacific Northwest. The fertility of the soils in the area is making the eastern part of Washington and Oregon well known for its wines. So as we thought about Lewis &Clark on their trip down this very part of the river some 195 years ago and gazed at the basalt cliffs that form the edges of the Columbia River Valley, we all collected in the lounge to enjoy some of the products of the wineries of the area. A few California products joined the crowd; they always seem to be party crashers, along with some cheeses, jams and gourmet chocolates. There were tables of reds, whites, and a few dessert wines to sample. We were fortunate to have a representative from one the wineries present to proclaim, "All that matters is that you drink what you like."