Our beautiful sunrise started over a basalt ridge on the Columbia River as the National Geographic Sea Bird cruised along toward the small historic-rich town of The Dalles, Oregon. The yoga stretchers lined the sundeck to wake up their bodies and ready them for a day of activities in the area. After a satisfying breakfast, eager adventurers boarded expedition landing crafts and landed on the shores of The Dalles, for a morning at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center. There was a stunning raptor show to attend and great information about the Lewis and Clark Corp of Discovery. Hikers walked the grounds of the center with naturalist, Grace Winer to catch glimpses of local birds and plants. The energized walkers and bikers went 5.2 miles all the way back to the ship and the remaining group stayed for all the information at the well-presented center.
Lunch provided a refreshing start to our afternoon of continued insights into this area of Oregon. We visited the Maryhill Museum to see the eccentric collection of Sam Hill. Here on the grounds we had a delightful view of the Oregon Trail from across the river, where over a hundred years ago the wagons scarred the land leaving behind evidence of their journey. Then off to the lovely Maryhill Winery where we tasted some of the finest, award-winning wine that Washington has to offer.
Of course, dinner was fantastic, as usual, and everyone felt content. Our knowledgeable Road Scholar Lewis and Clark historian, Jimmy Mohler, presented a talk on Jefferson’s Mandate. It shed light on details of the initiation of the Lewis and Clark expedition. It was another full and wondrous day on the Columbia River.
