The morning was spent exploring the Crow Butte area on foot, on a variety of hikes. We were shuttled to shore by Zodiac and then broke off into several groups depending on interest and hike choices. Each hike was led by a staff naturalist, although a few chose to explore on their own. The blustery winds made for a rather wet return back to the ship. The afternoon and early evening we cruised farther north up the Columbia traversing through the McNary Dam locks and then crossing from Oregon into Washington and then turning onto the Snake River.
11/4/2023
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Astoria, Oregon
O! the Joy! Hmm, we needed to rethink that one this morning, as we woke to a rainy and blustery Astoria. What this weather did give us was a taste of historic authenticity in relation to the Corps of Discovery and their experiences here in the winter of 1805-06. Our first activity this morning was amongst the magnificent exhibits of the Columbia River Maritime Museum. This world-class facility tells the story of the mighty Columbia and the treacherous results to mariners when the river shoves against the incoming tides of the Pacific Ocean. As our day progressed, we crossed the Astoria-Megler bridge to the state of Washington. At the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center the winds continued but the rain subsided, and we enjoyed a sun-drenched afternoon with an option to walk a forest trail down to Waikiki Beach. The sun and sand were a siren to us and we made an additional stop at the North Jetty to get a water-level view of the waves crashing against the rocks of the Cape Disappointment lighthouse. The day turned out anything but disappointing.