At dawn an orange glow over the horizon gave way to a soft pink that illuminated wispy clouds and reflected as lavender in the calm water near Crow Butte Island. Our plan for the day was to hike on Crow Butte Island and to launch all our kayaks—and this we did. The landscape was arid sagebrush steppe, a big change from the temperate rainforests we experienced only yesterday morning. We were eager to experience this new environment and set off with great enthusiasm for our adventures.
10/1/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Walla Walla, Washington
Today we awoke at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia River. After a quick Zodiac cruise to Sacajawea Park, we made our way through the wheat fields and rolling hills into “the town so nice, they named it twice”, Walla Walla, Washington. Many guests took the opportunity to visit the Whitman Mission, while others found their way to the Airport District, an old historic WWII Army hanger to visit Dunham Cellars for a curated wine tasting, and we even got the unique opportunity to enjoy a picture window into the harvest work happening in the cellar. Next, we all reconvened at Three Rivers Winery. We were welcomed and hosted by winemaker Holly Turner and her husband Andy. We enjoyed a beautifully catered lunch with paired wines, a cellar tour, and enjoyed the inviting landscape. Our last stop was a trip to the Fort Walla Walla Museum, or the chance to visit the historic downtown with wine tastings at three unique spots, including Mercer Estates where we savored their reserve cabernet and estate almonds. A great evening was capped off with a discussion about the Palouse earthworm and plans to enjoy the river tomorrow.