A warm, sunny morning greeted National Geographic Sea Bird where it was docked alongside the Tri-Cities pier. Guests enjoyed breakfast before departing by coach for the fertile farmlands of the Walla Walla Valley. The first stop of the day was a 19th century military fort, the Fort Walla Walla Museum. The museum offers a 17-building historical settlement with beautifully kept lawns, gardens, and large exhibit halls full of historical artifacts. As guests walked through the museum, they discovered stories and artifacts from the Oregon Trail, trains, and a replica of a 33-mule team that was used to harvest wheat. After exploring the grounds, coaches took the guests to the Three Rivers Winery for lunch, a tour of the premises, and a wine tasting. After the winery tour, guests relaxed on the veranda and enjoyed the warm afternoon. The coach eventually departed for the second museum of the day, Whitman Mission. After an introduction by the rangers and a tour around the grounds and museum, the coaches departed for Tri-Cities. After arriving at the ship, guests enjoyed recap before dinner, which was followed by an informative documentary on the Columbia River dams.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla
The spring campaign for the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey made its final visit of the season to the wine-loving Walla Walla Valley. Nearly 20 of our guests spent the morning tasting and touring Dunham Cellars, Walla Walla’s ninth-oldest winery. Others visited the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Guests met for lunch at Three Rivers Winery, which is owned by California businessman/philanthropist, William Foley. Bon Appétit Management of Whitman College handled the catering which made for a very tasty meal. Next was a self-guided walking tour of downtown Walla Walla that featured Lindblad-arranged tastings at Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Browne Family Vineyards, Mark Ryan Winery and Rasa Vineyards as well as shopping at the many small businesses along Main Street. Among those favored by guests were Bright’s Candies, Hot Poop Record Store, Pinecone Creamery, and Colville Street Patisserie. Upon returning to National Geographic Sea Bird , after-dinner education featured a presentation titled, ‘Down the Rivers with the Lewis & Clark Expedition’ by historian Robert Heacock.