The second day of our voyage started with the National Geographic Sea Lion anchoring in a wide part of the Columbia River, just west of Multnomah Falls. So right after breakfast, and a quick briefing on the proper way to enter and exit the Zodiac landing craft, we headed ashore for the morning activities. First it was a bus ride to the falls for a short walk, and a lot of picture-taking of this magnificent natural feature in the state of Oregon. Our next stop was just ten minutes away at the Bonneville Fish Hatchery, where we saw massive sturgeon, rainbow trout, and some of the returning salmon to this large facility. After lunch it was time to go through the first of eight locks along our travels up the Columbia and Snake Rivers! The rest of the day was spent cruising upriver through the beautiful Columbia River Gorge toward Hood River, and tomorrow’s adventures!
4/17/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Crow Butte and Cruising the Columbia River
National Geographic Sea Bird sailed into Crow Butte in the early morning while guests on the bow enjoyed viewing the Columbia River, which forms the border between Washington and Oregon. Guests had the option of an aerobic hike, nature hike, photo hike, and history walk around Crow Butte and Crow Butte Campground. The beauty of the area awed guests, sporting views of local vineyards, dams, wildlife refuges, and the dry sagebrush-step ecosystem that dominates the area. Guests spied a variety of wildflowers and birds of prey, including spotting a golden eagle. After hiking, guests enjoyed a hot beverage on shore brought by National Geographic Sea Bird’s hospitality team, followed by an informal chat on food, wine, and energy by Naturalist Patrick MacQuarrie and Wine Expert Eric Degerman. After lunch, the ship transited the McNary Dam and Lock, the last one on the Columbia River. Guests were treated to an expert presentation on geology by Naturalist Kyle Bowman, and ‘Lewis and Clark Lead to World’s No.1 Wine’, presented by Wine Expert Eric Degerman. The evening concluded with cocktail hour, traditional recap, and dinner while sailing through the Wallula Gap.