It’s Sunday on the Columbia River, and National Geographic Sea Bird is slowly cruising east toward our designated morning stop at The Dalles. This settlement was one of the earliest along the mighty river, and it has slowly changed over the last few centuries from being a commercial hub to more of a tourism-based community. There is still industry and some large commercial ventures that are centered in the area, one of which is a large Google presence. Geographically, The Dalles sits at the east end of what is considered the Columbia River Gorge, and is also located at a point rainfall drops off to only about ten inches a year, and where the vegetation takes one last dramatic change from oaks and Ponderosa pines to mostly arid grasslands this point heading east, a real transition zone.
So, right at breakfast the Sea Bird tied up, and we were soon ready to explore the area just west of town. First our coaches took us on a lovely scenic ride up the old Scenic Highway to a spot called Rowena Crest, having a commanding view of the Columbia from an elevation of about 700 feet above the river; a wonderful photographic opportunity for even the casual photographer! After a short stop it was time to head back down the road toward the Columbia River Discovery Center for the rest of the morning. This wonderfully laid-out museum, which sits on a bluff above the Columbia, has both a natural history, and human history element to its content. A great place to spend several hours, either looking at displays inside, or strolling around the grounds landscaped with native plants accompanied with interpretive signs.
Right before lunch it was time to head back to the ship, either by coach, or some more adventurous guests chose to return by bikes!
This afternoon held another opportunity to explore a different sort of museum at Maryhill. So we again boarded our coaches, and headed further east this time, across the Columbia, to the Washington side to explore this very eclectic museum, with some unusual exhibits; a very unique experience!
While we were enjoying our afternoon travels, the Sea Bird went through the Dalles lock, and met us at a small park along the river, just east of Maryhill, and below our last stop, a monument known as Stonehenge, a modern replica of the original, and a tribute to local soldiers who lost their lives in WWI. Because there is no dock along this section of river, it was another short expedition landing craft ride back to the ship.
Once underway, it was a quick cruise to the John Day lock where we entered and transited through just before Recap and dinner. Another full, and educational day on the Mighty Columbia!
