John Day Lock and Dam and Umatilla Wildlife Refuge, 10/2/2024, National Geographic Sea Lion
Aboard the
National Geographic Sea Lion
Pacific Northwest
National Geographic Sea Lion transited east in the Columbia overnight and we awoke to an entirely different landscape. On the east of the Cascade Mountain Range, we started to see columnar basalt valleys accompanied by a much drier climate. We admired the new views and then spent the morning transiting through the John Day Dam Lock, rising over 100 feet.
After crossing through the dam, we spent the afternoon exploring the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge with its wonderful wetlands and migratory birds.
Growing up in Washington, Kelly has always felt connected to nature and the outdoors. With the Puget Sound and Cascade Range in her backyard, it came as no surprise that she decided to study environmental science, graduating from Santa Clara Universi...
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Today we awoke on National Geographic Sea Bird anchored in the Snake River near the confluence of the Palouse River. After a delicious breakfast, we headed to shore via Zodiac and landed on a beach at Lyons Ferry State Park where an eventful morning of exploration ensued. Some set out to admire the canyon via Zodiac, while others chose to paddle a kayak around the protected lagoon at the state park. A third option for exploration was to take the coach up to the rim of the canyon to appreciate the spring melt as it pours over the lip of the canyon in a dramatic waterfall. There were many wonderful bird sightings today, as well as five mule deer. This afternoon on board, we had two insightful presentations from Naturalist Kerri McAllister on the Missoula floods and from Wine Specialist Eric Degerman on wine production of the Pacific Northwest. The evening was spent cruising through dramatic clouds and low evening light, as well as brief rain, a hailstorm, and a huge rainbow. We’re looking forward to exploring Hells Canyon tomorrow via jet boat on the last day of the first expedition of this year’s spring season here on the Columbia and Snake River.
Our visit to Walla Walla, Washington at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers did not disappoint. The region offers a bevy of activities. Everything from historical sites and museums to ice cream shops and wineries. Guests of National Geographic Sea Bird chose to learn about the region’s history of the Cayuse people at Whitman Mission, sampled wines from local vineyards and tasting rooms, and explored the lively downtown of Walla Walla with its many coffee shops, bookstores, and ice cream parlors.
We began our day about 6:30 AM by anchoring at Crow Butte Park where we transferred by Zodiac, our first of the week. We then commenced with three options for hiking and walking, all of which included great views of National Geographic Sea Bird swinging on its anchor. Shipboard presentations by staff were on wine, geology, and geography. Shortly after departing Crow Butte, we again anchored and boated in the Umatilla National Wildlife Refuge for more bird sightings. We then transited McNary Lock and Dam and proceeded to our next anchorage at Pasco, Washington.
