This morning virtually everyone was out on deck by the time we entered the navigation lock at John Day Dam at 6:30 am. We watched as the Sea Lion was lifted another 105 feet above sea level, and then looked behind us for a fine view of Mt. Hood. We cruised up the Columbia River all morning, slowing down before lunch to watch wildlife as we passed through the Blalock Islands. Just after lunch we tied up at the dock in Umatilla, Oregon and went ashore for walks at the McNary Wildlife Refuge. We had great views of Black-crowned night herons, Wood ducks, Buffleheads, jackrabbits and a beautiful four point mule deer buck.
While we were walking, the Sea Lion cast off and headed upriver to the lock at McNary Dam. We gained a new perspective on our ship as we watched her rise in the lock chamber and stepped aboard before she exited at the top. Once we were back on board, our hotel staff treated us to a wonderful sampling of local foods and wines.
