Hells Canyon, 10/19/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Pacific Northwest
Today our guests were treated to a jet boat tour up the deepest river gorge in North America. We cruised about 110 miles, stopping to photograph Rocky Mountain big horn sheep and bald eagles before stopping for a delicious lunch of salmon risotto paired with some beautiful wines.
To end the night, we had presentations by Coco Umiker, pioneer of Idaho wines, and JR, our indigenous Nez Perce storyteller.
Kylee Walterman grew up in central California where she was in close proximity to the ocean, mountains, deserts, valleys, and national forests; this is where she found a passion for the natural world. She attained a Marine Science degree with a biolo...
Unseasonably warm and dry weather continued to grace us as we proceeded with our expedition down the Columbia River. The morning was crisp as we disembarked in Hood River, Oregon, but quickly warmed up as we boarded our coaches. Our explorations began at Multnomah Falls, the number one tourist attraction in the state of Oregon. After we experienced this astounding cascade, some of our guests proceeded to Beacon Rock for a scenic climb up this 800-foot tall, aged lava plug. Others went to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery where we visited a local icon, Herman the sturgeon. Then both groups of explorers met at the Columbia Gorge Interpretative Center for Syncline wines and an overflowing helping of intriguing local history. As the superb weather continued, we voyaged back to National Geographic Sea Bird for a lovely afternoon of classic cruising down the Columbia River. Guests enjoyed the sun on deck or an engaging presentation on how climate change is affecting migratory birds. Complimentary water-level views of Multnomah Falls followed, and our last transit through a lock of this trip – a lovely passage through the Bonneville Lock and Dam. Photos by Doug Crispin and Alex Rubenstein
We spent our last day on the warm rain-shadow side of the Cascade Mountains as we continued west. Spring is in full force, or as full as it can get with nine inches of rain a year. The green grass-covered hills are already turning pink and soon to yellow as temperatures climb and the spring flora succumbs to drought. We admired the tenacity of these plants as they bravely flowered with minimal resources. From the brilliant canary-yellow of the arrowleaf balsamroot flowers to the azure blue of the native larkspur, the colors of the rainbow were represented in the delicate structures of flower petals. Spring is in the air and on the hillsides as well.
We awoke today with National Geographic Sea Bird anchored at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers near Sacajawea State Park. A few intrepid explorers set out for a daily survey of birds by way of Zodiac, and we were able to identify 15 different species of birds. Highlights for some guests were seeing a pair of wood ducks and a few big male turkeys, or toms, strutting around the park like they owned the place. After breakfast, all 58 guests disembarked, boarded our trusty motor coaches, and headed into the Walla Walla Valley where we learned about some of the human history and regional wine production. A wildlife highlight of the day was getting an up close and personal view of a Northern harrier, a small slender raptor, near Mill Creek. We’re looking forward to our journey over the next few days, continuing west and down river towards the Pacific Ocean.
