This beautiful drizzly morning started with a circle of yoga stretchers, hot coffee and tea, and a wonderful buffet breakfast provided by the attentive hotel staff led by Erasmo Estripeaut. Our hungers were satisfied and the group from National Geographic Sea Bird started our adventure with motor-coach rides to a famous Lewis and Clark historical wintering spot of Fort Clatsop. All viewed the film. It was a wonderful story emphasizing the local Clatsop tribe’s view of the interactions with the expedition that came through in the winter of 1805-06. We toured the replicated wooden fort, enjoyed the company of a hound similar to the expedition’s pet, had a question-and-answer session with the knowledgeable ranger, and walked the grounds that once housed and nourished the tired U.S. military corp.
After visiting the national park, we made our way back through the scenic marine town of Astoria and continued our quest to learn more about the history of the Columbia River Bar and the unique community of Astoria, at the Maritime Museum. The afternoon had multiple options including expedition landing craft tours in search of wildlife on a natural history adventure while others went in search of historical destination spots educating ourselves on Dismal Nitch and Cape Disappointment. Some of the birds and wildlife that we noted were ospreys, cormorants, black tailed deer, elk, sea lions, banana slugs, and various other birds. The rich plant life included shore pines, Sitka spruce trees, hemlocks, cedars, salal, Oregon grape, and various ferns and berry bushes.
This was an amazing day, weather signature of Astoria, educational locations that were fine in scenic beauty, and wonderful food and company. A great way to kick off the river trip and beginning of a fall season on the Columbia River Gorge!
