At first light, National Geographic Sea Lion departed The Dalles down-bound on the great river of the west, the Columbia. Slipping smoothly along, we passed between the rocky islets surrounding the mortuary Memaloose Island. This was another of the many native cultural sites long since submerged by the inundation of raised river levels upstream of the Bonneville Dam, which was originally completed in 1937.
Hood River was our morning’s destination. Under unsettled skies, we ventured off inland by motor coach to the south on the Fruit Loop of the Hood River Valley. Rasmussen Farms provided the perfect locale to see an incredible range of fruit and vegetables grown in the rich soils of the valley. Pumpkins, squash, pears, apples, flowers and decorative corn became not only sumptuous treats but also subjects for our cameras. The array of colors was entrancing.
Returning to Hood River to re-board Sea Lion, we set sail downstream once again to relocate to historic Cascade Locks. Taking to our motor coaches, we ventured off to explore Multnomah Falls. Mist shrouded, the falls and the atmospheric conditions provided a challenge today to intrepid photographers. The heights of the nearby cliff sides challenged some of our group who were determined to hike to the top of the falls. Success was sweet after what became a memorable outing.
Meanwhile, with the rains having finally come, being indoors for a while sounded like a good option. So we took the opportunity to visit the Bonneville Dam and Lock Visitor Center on the way back to the ship. The otherwise damp afternoon turned into a real treat as we visited the original powerhouse and the fish ladder viewing area. Local interpretive guides informed us that this year’s five species salmon runs were producing record counts of fish—the highest since counting started after the completion of the dam. That’s good news in light of the trend of recent years.
Later in the afternoon, Sea Lion passed through the very lock that we had crossed over by motor coach just hours before on our way into the Bonneville Dam complex. It was a full day of exploration and learning; connections and paradoxes; and ultimately, we considered ourselves fortunate to have experienced it all.
Now we’re steaming to the great Pacific Ocean that we have so longed to see. Roll on, Columbia, roll on!
