National Geographic Sea Bird started its morning by traveling through the Columbia River, heading east, and was met by the sun shining on the hills. The day’s activities began with walks – both a long and a short option – along the Historic Columbia River Highway State Trail. Guests were greeted with wonderful views of the river while they wandered through tunnels that were carved to create what was once the most expensive road constructed. Prior to the walk, guests stopped to take photographs and take in the views along Rowena Crest, a wonderful scenic outlook along the river. After a break for lunch, guests had the opportunity to visit the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center and were treated to a presentation about raptors. Guests even got to meet a rehabilitated hawk, a 15-year-old red-tailed hawk named “Killer.” In the evening, guests were treated to sangria on the bow while passing through the Dalles Dam lock, followed by wonderful recapitulations by the field staff.
11/4/2023
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
O! the Joy! Hmm, we needed to rethink that one this morning, as we woke to a rainy and blustery Astoria. What this weather did give us was a taste of historic authenticity in relation to the Corps of Discovery and their experiences here in the winter of 1805-06. Our first activity this morning was amongst the magnificent exhibits of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This world-class facility tells the story of the mighty Columbia and the treacherous results to mariners when the river shoves against the incoming tides of the Pacific Ocean. As our day progressed, we crossed the Astoria-Megler bridge to the state of Washington. At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center the winds continued but the rain subsided, and we enjoyed a sun-drenched afternoon with an option to walk a forest trail down to Waikiki Beach. The sun and sand were a siren to us and we made an additional stop at the North Jetty to get a water-level view of the waves crashing against the rocks of the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The day turned out anything but disappointing.
