Hood River, 10/28/2021, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Pacific Northwest
Morning dawned with great colors and a rainbow over the ship – what could start a day better? We embarked for Rowena Crest and Mosier tunnels where we hiked to the tunnels and generally had a grand time. We observed hundreds of bird life such as black capped chickadees who were out in their large numbers and a peregrine falcon.
In the afternoon, we visited Draper Girls Farm and Western Museum of Automobiles and Aeronautics. We had a great visit to the museum greatly enjoying the displays and the interpretation from the volunteers. We also had a huckleberry milkshake. How could it be better!
Owen B Walker was born in Moab, Utah and raised in very rural North Idaho. He graduated high school in Palmer, Alaska, where Northwest Native Art first stirred his soul. After achieving a degree in Sociology/Anthropology from Western Washington Unive...
Steve began watching whales in 1986 off the California coast, far from his North Dakota homeland. A long the way he studied natural history at the Evergreen State College in Washington state (1982) and has been busy ever since working as an environme...
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National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Crow Butte in the early morning while guests on the bow enjoyed viewing the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Guests had the option of an aerobic hike, nature hike, photo hike, and history walk around Crow Butte and Crow Butte Campground. The beauty of the area awed guests, sporting views of local vineyards, dams, wildlife refuges, and the dry sagebrush-step ecosystem that dominates the area. Guests spied a variety of wildflowers and birds of prey, including spotting a golden eagle. After hiking, guests enjoyed a hot beverage on shore brought by National Geographic Sea Bird’s hospitality team, followed by an informal chat on food, wine, and energy by Naturalist Patrick MacQuarrie and Wine Expert Eric Degerman. After lunch, the ship transited the McNary Dam and Lock, the last one on the Columbia River. Guests were treated to an expert presentation on geology by Naturalist Kyle Bowman, and ‘Lewis and Clark Lead to World’s No.1 Wine’, presented by Wine Expert Eric Degerman. The evening concluded with cocktail hour, traditional recap, and dinner while sailing through the Wallula Gap.
We began the day by transiting Bonneville Dam, the first lock of our river journey. This experience was complimented by presentations and commentary from our naturalists before we went ashore at Hood River. Our first stop was Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon. Following this natural wonder, our guests had the option of hiking Beacon Rock or going to Bonneville Fish Hatchery. Beacon Rock provided an enjoyable yet challenging uphill hike, while the fish hatchery offered insight into the process of raising salmon to supplement wild populations. The two groups reunited once more at the Columbia Gorge Interpretive Center, where we were treated to a wine tasting by Sincline Vineyards and a beautiful spread of appetizers from Field & Vine. From there, we returned to National Geographic Sea Bird for dinner, followed by a presentation from Cultural Specialist Patrick. We look forward to another great day on the river tomorrow!
Nestled at the mouth of the Columbia River, Astoria serves as the final settlement on the river before her waters collide with the Pacific Ocean. Guests can visit the town itself with a trip to the renown Columbia River Maritime Museum and the historic Astoria Column near downtown Astoria. There’s also an option to venture across the river to the Washington side for a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The center is a well of information about the expedition and its leaders, as well as a viewpoint over the aptly named Cape Disappointment. If guests are feeling active, they can hike down to Waikiki Beach to put their toes in the Pacific Ocean and take in the fresh air. Although Astoria has much more to offer, these excursions are an excellent way to begin our journey up the mighty Columbia River.