We spent the day cruising east along the Columbia River, passing through two locks, the Dalles and John Day Locks. Our journey took us through the Dalles, a place of great historical significance, once a major fishing site for Indigenous peoples. Now, the river’s landscape tells a tale of both natural forces and human intervention, as we move from the Cascade Mountains into the Columbia Basin plains.
10/17/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Walla Walla, Washington
Today we awoke at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers. We departed the river and set off to Whitman Mission, the site of the act of desperation that changed the fate of many nations. Many of our guests joined the wine specialist for a private tasting at Walla Walla’s 9th established winery, Dunham Cellars, enjoying a peek into the cellar, the new incoming vintage, and a visit with Sadie, the wine dog. All parties gathered for a filling lunch and an introduction to Three Rivers Winery, shared by winemakers Holly and Andy. Our guests soaked up the sun, wine, lawn games, and a production tour of the cellar before heading out for a visit to the Fort Walla Walla Museum or a trip downtown for more wine tasting, a famed chocolate shop, and lots of shopping. Many happy faces were seen enjoying a scoop of hand-crafted ice cream and a warm fall afternoon. On our way home, we were greeted by mule deer, turkeys, blue heron, and a gorgeous sunset. It was great fun in the town so nice they named it twice. Cheers!
