This morning had an early start to activities. We had another full day ahead of us exploring the Columbia River Gorge area. First it was off to the Western Antique Airplane & Automobile Museum, then we were heading to Draper Girls Farm for samplings of local fruits and ciders, followed by our return to the National Geographic Sea Lion for another excellent lunch. Almost immediately it was off again for an entire afternoon of exploring. First everyone went to Multnomah Falls, the tallest waterfall in Oregon, and the second tallest in the country. This was followed by two options, climbing Beacon Rock, a landmark from the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and visiting the Bonneville Fish Hatchery to see the returning salmon and hatchling salmon. The special treat, however, was seeing the huge white sturgeon through a viewing window in the side of their pool! Another fabulous day on the river!
4/18/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla
We started our crisp and sunny morning with a ride into the boat basin at Sacajawea Historical State Park. The park is home to the October 16-17, 1805 campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and also the Confluence Project Story Circles installed by the acclaimed artist, Maya Lin. As this is a Food and Wine expedition, we departed for Dunham Cellars, with some passengers going to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. This is the scene of the tragic 1847 encounter between the missionaries and local natives. The setting for all our activities was at the base of the Blue Mountains, which was lush with the growth of spring. Dunham Cellars was enjoyed for their acclaimed cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and chardonnay. Everyone then met at Three Rivers Winery for a catered lunch with wine tasting and an enjoyable bask in the warm sun, supplemented by frisbee golf, corn hole contests, and relaxing on the deck. The afternoon was spent at Fort Walla Walla Museum and downtown Walla Walla. Fort Walla Walla has many exhibits from the late 1800s to early 1900s, including a full-sized diorama of a team of 33 mules used to move the large wheat combines. This was the practice prior to mechanization in this highly productive wheat area. Walla Walla is a wonderful town with a vibrant wine scene and bustling commercial district, which allowed for more wine tasting and shopping, including wine ice cream.