Our wakeup announcement came this morning to clear skies, already lightening with the sun’s imminent arrival. Our earliest light yet, due in part to being further east, and in part because there were no clouds or fog to veil the sun’s rays. The temperature, however, was a chilly 51° F. National Geographic Sea Bird had crossed over into the Snake River while we slept, and the morning was devoted to traveling east towards the Palouse River where we planned to anchor for the afternoon. The terrain along the riverbanks and inland now had completely transformed to desert scrub and amber-colored grasses. (And yes, Geologist Grace, more basalt!) In the first part of the morning, our historian led a talk and lively discussion on “Rivers, Dams, and Fish: Conflicts in the Pacific Northwest.” In the latter part of the morning we arrived at the Lower Monumental Dam. The crew climbed up to the lido deck and lowered a few expedition landing craft into the water, and a number of people went through the locks for this water-eye vantage point.
During lunch we arrived at our anchorage on the Palouse for our afternoon activities. Everyone had the opportunity to explore the area by boat—either expedition landing craft or kayak—and on foot. Walking explorations took place a few miles inland. Buses drove us through the flood plains of 10,000 years ago, now rolling hills of golden ambers, tans, and browns that felt very relaxing to my eyes. Our destination: Palouse Falls, a spectacular waterfall spilling down the sides of the huge rocky ledges. The views were stunning, and many took the opportunity to stretch legs along the paths around the hills and crags. Water explorations were no less spectacular…basalt basalt everywhere! Kayakers had the chance to get a little exercise, and also to drift meditatively along the placid waters. Expedition landing craft cruisers learned more about the geology of the area, getting up-close views of the layers of rock forming the cliff walls.
Back aboard for the evening, we are now convening for cocktails and Recap, followed by another delicious autumn harvest supper. What a beautiful day!
