The Columbia River
Historic maps show that there were islands called the Blalocks even before the dams on the river created deep lakes. Today, the area of the Blalock Islands is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling the western flyway. As we cruised through the area just before lunch, enormous American White Pelicans were the first birds we spied. This was a fitting sighting given that just downriver, Lewis and Clark had named a one-time cascade Pelican Rapids.
The American White Pelican is one of America’s largest birds with a nine-foot wingspan which made them easy for us to spot. We also spied a flock of snow geese resting near shore and an abundance of Canada Geese flying in V-formations overhead. We were surprised to sight one sandhill crane flying over, a bald eagle roosting in a bank-side tree and stunningly, a mule deer with the beginnings of antlers swimming by us on approach to one of the islands.
As we approached McNary Dam, we often sighted salmon jumping out of the water. Though the year’s runs are nearing their finish, there are still quite a few fish in the river and as we transited the lock at McNary, we were able to gaze into the fish ladder though we didn’t manage to see any go by while we were in transit. Throughout the day, we were excited at each sighting of salmon jumping, but at this point in their journey, Lewis and Clark had tired of salmon and had begun to trade for dogs whose meat was more satisfying to the party.
Up above the lock, we stopped at Hat Rock, named by William Clark and flitting about the rock were two magpies, which were first described by Meriwether Lewis. These showy black-and-white birds aptly finished our day of Lewis and Clark and wildlife watching.
But the day wasn’t over yet as back at the ship, we had a tasting of local wines and a feast of mostly local hors d’oeuvres such as smoked salmon, cheeses, chocolates, jams, jellies and other condiments. We are certainly dining on better fare during this Lindblad Expedition than did the expedition that traveled through here almost two hundred years ago.
Historic maps show that there were islands called the Blalocks even before the dams on the river created deep lakes. Today, the area of the Blalock Islands is an important stopover for migratory birds traveling the western flyway. As we cruised through the area just before lunch, enormous American White Pelicans were the first birds we spied. This was a fitting sighting given that just downriver, Lewis and Clark had named a one-time cascade Pelican Rapids.
The American White Pelican is one of America’s largest birds with a nine-foot wingspan which made them easy for us to spot. We also spied a flock of snow geese resting near shore and an abundance of Canada Geese flying in V-formations overhead. We were surprised to sight one sandhill crane flying over, a bald eagle roosting in a bank-side tree and stunningly, a mule deer with the beginnings of antlers swimming by us on approach to one of the islands.
As we approached McNary Dam, we often sighted salmon jumping out of the water. Though the year’s runs are nearing their finish, there are still quite a few fish in the river and as we transited the lock at McNary, we were able to gaze into the fish ladder though we didn’t manage to see any go by while we were in transit. Throughout the day, we were excited at each sighting of salmon jumping, but at this point in their journey, Lewis and Clark had tired of salmon and had begun to trade for dogs whose meat was more satisfying to the party.
Up above the lock, we stopped at Hat Rock, named by William Clark and flitting about the rock were two magpies, which were first described by Meriwether Lewis. These showy black-and-white birds aptly finished our day of Lewis and Clark and wildlife watching.
But the day wasn’t over yet as back at the ship, we had a tasting of local wines and a feast of mostly local hors d’oeuvres such as smoked salmon, cheeses, chocolates, jams, jellies and other condiments. We are certainly dining on better fare during this Lindblad Expedition than did the expedition that traveled through here almost two hundred years ago.
