“Oregon sunshine” stayed with us today. But the light rain did not slow or stop guests from climbing aboard motor coaches and expedition land craft to see sights associated with one of the most historically and geologically significant stretches of the Columbia River.
Representatives of The Dalles (derived from the French for “flagstone channel”), an agricultural city at the center of the Columbia River valley, provided a special welcome at the new city dock. Next, everyone visited the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center with its charming exhibits, videos, films, and demonstrations (e.g. a live raptor show). Several durable guests bicycled back to the National Geographic Sea Bird, while others climbed aboard motor coaches. At this point one coach took several guests on a city tour, which included Fort Dalles, one of Oregon’s oldest museums. The helpful narration of a local guide described Old Town, and its large historical murals, St. Peter’s famous church, and working waterfront.
Later in the day, ignoring unseasonal precipitation, guests crossed the Columbia River on the Samuel Hill Bridge at Biggs Junction, Oregon to visit the unique and eccentric Maryhill Museum high atop the rolling hills of Klickitat, Washington. This special place included a visit to founder Sam Hill’s memorial to Klickitat County’s war dead at a replica of Stonehenge. After the museum tour, and while waiting for the arrival of the boat at Maryhill Park, guests, and staff visited a nearby fruit stand (peaches were ripe and perfect) and the historic Maryhill Community Church.
While transiting John Day Dam, the river’s highest lift lock (over 110 feet), staff narrated the locking process and discussed nearby basalt cliffs and the river’s flat rocks in the waning evening light.
