Overnight National Geographic Quest was tied-up at the downtown dock in the city of The Dalles, located in the state of Oregon. So, as the sun came up, and we finished our breakfast, it was an easy exit of the ship to our coaches, and then rolling toward the morning’s activities! This included a short stop on the Historic Columbia Gorge Highway to a magnificent scenic viewing area called Rowena Crest. After a short twenty minute stop to take photos and enjoy the view, we re-entered our coaches and headed for the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center, where we were treated to a raptor presentation, as well as wonderful interpretive displays of the Gorge area, and Wasco County. There were several options for guests to enjoy: a bike trip to the ship, “photo” or naturalist walk around the Center’s ground, or a bus ride to see the town of The Dalles while learning more about Lewis & Clark’s Journey. The rest of the day we cruised the river, transiting through several more locks!
10/3/2024
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National Geographic Sea Lion
Walla Walla, Washington
We took our Zodiacs to shore and boarded busses for our day’s adventure in and around Walla Walla, Washington. First stop for most was the Whitman Mission National Historic Site. This museum and park preserve the memory of a tragic altercation between Native Americans and early white missionaries that resulted in the death of thirteen missionary settlers and ultimately the decimation of the Cayuse native people of the Walla Walla area. The site is a beautiful and peaceful park with trails to the settler’s graves and a monument dedicated to the memory of the event. We left the mission site for lunch and wine tasting at the Three Rivers Winery in Walla Walla. After lunch, some of the group went venturing to the Fort Walla Walla Museum and others went directly to town. Among its many interesting artifacts, the museum displays a replica pioneer village with buildings reconstructed from original materials dating from the latter-half of the nineteenth century. Last stop for all before heading back to National Geographic Sea Lion was the beautiful downtown center of Walla Walla. While window shopping and exploring the town, nearly all our guests took advantage of a free ice-cream cone.