It seems we are following the sun. Yesterday we boarded the National Geographic Sea Bird on the Willamette River in Portland, Oregon. On this balmy afternoon we sailed north on the Willamette towards the Columbia. The bridges of Portland reflected the late afternoon sun. Today we wake up in Astoria, Oregon with continuing blue skies and sunshine. The dreary winter experienced by the Lewis and Clark Expedition is quite the opposite of our experiences. From the recreated Fort to the Columbia River Maritime Museum, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment to Waikiki Beach and the Astor Column, it was sunshine the whole way. A rainbow accented our departure from Astoria. An awesome start to our river journey.
10/23/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Walla Walla
We awoke anchored at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers, National Geographic Sea Lion perfectly framed by the Ed Hendler and Pioneer Memorial Bridges. Departing shortly after breakfast, everyone headed to shore for a full day of adventure, education, and indulgent wine tasting. Once ashore, some of us headed to Seven Hills Vineyard for an exclusive tour while others explored the rich cultural history of Fort Walla Walla. We reconvened at the stunning Seven Hills Tasting Room in downtown Walla Walla for a spectacular lunch and our first tasting of the day. After lunch we split up again, with options for excursions ranging from wine tasting to ice cream sampling, shopping, and a visit to the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. Our Zodiac rides back to the ship were perfectly timed with the sunset, making for a beautiful end to a busy day exploring the Pasco and Walla Walla area. After yet another exceptional wine and dinner pairing by Wine Specialist Kristine, a sporty game of Pacific Northwest Trivia ensued!
