Today was our last full day aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion and perhaps the most awe inspiring of our adventure filled week. We awoke at the Columbia Bar, and after yet another delicious breakfast we boarded buses for Fort Clatsop National Park where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent the winter of 1805-06 before their final push back to St. Louis. We learned about their vote on where to locate the fort, what they did to occupy their time while staying there and how they managed to keep everyone happy, healthy and alive despite the gloomy conditions there.
From Fort Clatsop we drove up to the Astoria column where the clear skies and gentle breeze afforded us a spectacular view of the Grey River, the Lewis and Clark River and the Pacific Ocean, truly a marvelous sight to behold. Upon our return to Astoria we visited the impressive Columbia River Maritime museum where we learned about the treacherous Columbia Bar and the reason it is called the “Graveyard of the Pacific.” The exhibits there tell the story of Astoria and the reason it remains such a thriving economy to this day.
After a tasty lunch aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion we headed via bus to Cape Disappointment for a glorious afternoon learning more about the Corps of Discovery, and the history of the shipping industry at the Columbia Bar. As an option guests were able to take expedition landing crafts or kayaks and go bird watching in the Lewis and Clark National Wildlife Refuge where several bird species including bald eagles were sighted. The weather throughout this voyage has remained in climate: meaning sunny, warm and DRY.
Before dinner, guests viewed the slide show of pictures them snapped themselves that provided laughter and amazement at our own photographic abilities. As usual the staff provided assistance with tips on how to capture the “perfect shot.”
Our video chronicler ended the evening with his version of our most memorable trip--- and as we sailed back to Portland and our regular day-to-day activities it seems the week has flown by. Happy trails everyone and thanks for sailing aboard the National Geographic Sea Lion! Safe travels to one and all.
