Overnight, the bridge team of National Geographic Sea Bird navigated from Astoria to Hood River along the Columbia River. We spent our morning enjoying walks in Multnomah Falls and Beacon Rock, two magnificent natural landmarks in the area. We also had the opportunity to visit a fish hatchery featuring the famous sturgeon named Herman who is 89 years old! Our guests enjoyed a farm to table lunch paired with local wines in The Dalles at Sunshine Mill. We then headed out to Draper Girls Farm where we tasted local apples and pears and heard from area farmers. Following our farm experience, we changed gears and headed to the Western Automobile and Airplane Museum, or WAAAM. After a full day of activities and learning, we gathered for cocktail hour and dinner back on board our beautiful ship and were treated to an after-dinner presentation by historian Doug Crispin on the historic Columbia River Highway. What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
10/23/2024
Read
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!