National Geographic Sea Birdcontinued its journey east towards the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, anchoring for the morning at Crow Butte State Park. Zodiacs ferried guests to shore as they chose between long aerobic hikes along the high ridge of the butte, or a casual stroll with interpretive naturalists eager to talk about the flora and fauna. Fog rolled over the golden hills as the sun began to warm the cool October landscape. Northern flickers trilled loudly in the distance as mule deer bounded up the basalt-crowned crest of the small island. Guests were led up to the bluff overlooking National Geographic Sea Bird at her anchorage, before meandering down to the campground below, wreathed in silver maples and sycamore trees.
4/8/2025
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Clarkston, Washington
Guests aboard National Geographic Sea Bird traveling downstream along the Columbia and Snake Rivers, went ashore for a delicious day in the Walla Walla Valley. Most guests chose to spend the morning taking a tour of the Whitman Mission National Historic Site, a mid-19th century Christian mission that helped many who traveled the Oregon Territory. Another bus took guests to The Rocks District of Milton-Freewater, Oregon to learn about grapevines planted 40 years ago in the unique soil by the founders of Seven Hills Winery. Just before lunch, both buses took guests to downtown Walla Walla for a tour and tasting of Seven Hills wines, and a meal catered by TMACS. Next came a walking tour of downtown led by Nancy Helms-Lovell of Destination, Walla Walla. Stops included the century-old Marcus Whitman Hotel, Bright’s Candies, and tasting rooms for Spring Valley Vineyard, Mercer Wine Estates, and Mark Ryan Winery. Nearly every guest walked back to the bus stop having stopped at the Pine Cone Creamery for a scoop of ice cream. Dinner aboard National Geographic Sea Bird included chef Alan Griffith’s honey-glazed Pacific sablefish, a dish that featured Walla Walla sweet onions.
