Our day started cloaked in a hydrating fog. The clinging mists brought a jewel like quality to everything it touched, from sparkling spider webs to glistening fuzzy caterpillars. This is as far west as we will travel on our Columbia River journey while we trace the historical pathway of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. This evening we head west, as the Corps did in the spring of 1806. They were anxious for a return home, we are anxious for a river adventure, and it started yesterday in Portland, Oregon.
4/27/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
We reached the penultimate day of our journey in Astoria, Oregon, where the Columbia River collides with the open ocean. We were met with a typical Pacific Northwest day of gentle rains punctuated by moments of sunshine. The guests were divided to conquer this gem of a city, nestled under bridges; half headed across the river to Washington to visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment, while the other half visited the Columbia River Maritime Museum and Astoria Column. The museum and the interpretive center are both excellent examples of what the west coast can offer with regard to history and culture. Each has thoughtful exhibits that cover broad swaths of topics, and are staffed with informative and helpful faculty. After a hearty lunch on board, the groups swapped in order to have the best of both worlds. Finally, all met back aboard for the week’s final recap and guest slideshow.
