The steep walls that define the river valley changed color by the moment. We'd left the trees and lush greenery of Portland and entered the sagebrush plateaus east of the Cascade Mountains. Layer upon layer of lava flows created the basalt cliffs, which channel the Columbia today.
We spent the better part of the day on deck, basking in the 80-degree weather and searching for wildlife. As we cleared the lock at McNary Dam we discovered a nest at the end of the wing wall. Built on a platform, this large stick home revealed a female osprey sitting low in her nest, perhaps with eggs. The male was nearby and as we passed he returned to the nest to keep her company.
As spring approaches summer here in the sagebrush steppes of the Columbia basin, this stately pair of raptors will likely be feeding new chicks.
