Just as the sun rose in the eastern sky, the National Geographic Sea Lion started its approach to Ice Harbor Lock. Our transit through the lock was the first of a number of activities for the day. About mid-morning, we approached Lower Monumental Lock, with the option of going through in our Zodiacs, which was a unique experience, and enjoyed immensely by all that participated! Continuing our morning cruising the Snake, we approached the Palouse River, the site of our afternoon activities: Zodiac tours, kayaking, and the chance to go to Palouse Falls for a very scenic overlook. Finally, after all guests and staff were back on board, the Sea Lion continued on her way up the Snake, going through our last two locks of the journey, and ending the next morning at Clarkston, Washington.
4/18/2024
Read
National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla
We started our crisp and sunny morning with a ride into the boat basin at Sacajawea Historical State Park. The park is home to the October 16-17, 1805 campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and also the Confluence Project Story Circles installed by the acclaimed artist, Maya Lin. As this is a Food and Wine expedition, we departed for Dunham Cellars, with some passengers going to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. This is the scene of the tragic 1847 encounter between the missionaries and local natives. The setting for all our activities was at the base of the Blue Mountains, which was lush with the growth of spring. Dunham Cellars was enjoyed for their acclaimed cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and chardonnay. Everyone then met at Three Rivers Winery for a catered lunch with wine tasting and an enjoyable bask in the warm sun, supplemented by frisbee golf, corn hole contests, and relaxing on the deck. The afternoon was spent at Fort Walla Walla Museum and downtown Walla Walla. Fort Walla Walla has many exhibits from the late 1800s to early 1900s, including a full-sized diorama of a team of 33 mules used to move the large wheat combines. This was the practice prior to mechanization in this highly productive wheat area. Walla Walla is a wonderful town with a vibrant wine scene and bustling commercial district, which allowed for more wine tasting and shopping, including wine ice cream.