We arose to a beautiful sunrise as the Sea Bird passed through Wallula Gap on the Columbia River. Just after breakfast, we entered the Snake River and proceeded through the lock at Ice Harbor Dam to Lake Sacajawea. Cliffs along the lakeshore displayed excellent views of lava flows, one on top of the other, of the 16-million-year-old Columbia River Basalts. Apple orchards and vineyards topped the basalt cliffs. On the reservoir shores were huge bars from the 15,000-year-old Missoula Floods, with giant current ripples some 250-feet crest to crest. “Lunch in the lock” (of Lower Monumental Dam) was on the aft deck, blessed by beautiful warm weather. In the afternoon we anchored at the mouth of the Palouse River for kayaking, trips on the expedition landing crafts, and a bus excursion to Palouse Falls. We marveled at the gigantic plunge pool produced not by the modern falls but by the torrents of water that coursed across the Channeled Scablands during the Missoula Floods.
4/25/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Crow Butte
After transiting McNary Lock and Dam, National Geographic Sea Bird dropped anchor at Crow Butte in the early morning of Thursday, April 25th. After a hearty breakfast, we were delivered by Zodiac to the south side locations for an aerobic walk to the top of Crow Butte, supplemented with a medium elevation nature hike. A more casual history-oriented walk began on the west side of the Island and ended where we were able to get some great photos of National Geographic Sea Bird at anchor. The aroma of the sagebrush in the shrub-steppe environment filled the air, and the gentle but steady winds preceded a light rain in the otherwise arid environment. Returning hikers were greeted by the hotel staff and hot chocolate at the landing site and also enjoyed the playground equipment. Crow Butte is a tear drop shaped island surrounding a core of basalt, and the sandy terrain is composed of debris deposited during the Ice Age Flood events of 12,000-18,000 years ago. The afternoon was spent cruising the Columbia River on our way to dock at Hood River, Oregon.
