Hood River was our stepping off point for a full day in the Hood River valley. We started with a short jaunt to the Moiser Tunnels and reveled in the presence of trees, previously a scarce sight as we have been exploring on the eastern side or rain shadow side of the Cascade Mountains. A scrumptious lunch at the Crag Rat Hut followed by a surprise stop for huckleberry milkshakes and then down to the beach for a demonstration of windfoiling completed our day. A great day of sights and flavors of the Hood River valley.
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.