Before dawn, National Geographic Quest passed through the Ice Harbor Dam. This was the last lock on the Snake River before the confluence with the mighty Columbia. As the sun began to rise, both sides of the basalt feature known as Wallula Gap were glowing. Grace Winer gave a presentation to further explain the observable geologic features we will see as we sail westward toward the Pacific. We reached McNarry Lock and Dam before brunch and most people were on deck to observe our descent. The entire day was spent onboard and offered informative talks, gorgeous scenery, or the perfect opportunity for a nap. The John Day Dam came into view in the late afternoon. This lock has the highest lift-to-drop in the United States at 110 feet, and is the most recent to be completed on the Columbia River in 1971.
4/24/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla
The spring campaign for the Columbia and Snake Rivers Journey made its final visit of the season to the wine-loving Walla Walla Valley. Nearly 20 of our guests spent the morning tasting and touring Dunham Cellars, Walla Walla’s ninth-oldest winery. Others visited the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Guests met for lunch at Three Rivers Winery, which is owned by California businessman/philanthropist, William Foley. Bon Appétit Management of Whitman College handled the catering which made for a very tasty meal. Next was a self-guided walking tour of downtown Walla Walla that featured Lindblad-arranged tastings at Bergevin Lane Vineyards, Browne Family Vineyards, Mark Ryan Winery and Rasa Vineyards as well as shopping at the many small businesses along Main Street. Among those favored by guests were Bright’s Candies, Hot Poop Record Store, Pinecone Creamery, and Colville Street Patisserie. Upon returning to National Geographic Sea Bird , after-dinner education featured a presentation titled, ‘Down the Rivers with the Lewis & Clark Expedition’ by historian Robert Heacock.