Early in the morning National Geographic Quest whirled and stirred, and then came alive with activity as guests, staff, and crew awoke from a very peaceful night’s rest at anchor, just off the town of Pasco, Washington. Right in front of the ship was a very active train bridge over the Columbia River, with seven large freight trains passing over it before breakfast was finished! Once we got to shore, about 9 a.m., it was off in two bus groups toward the city of Walla Walla, Washington for our full day of activities! The two groups took turns going to the Fort Walla Walla Museum, the Whitman Mission and tour of the Tree Rivers Winery. We also joined up at the winery for a group lunch. Late afternoon it was back to the ship, cocktail hour and recap, dinner, and a post dinner lecture. Another full day on the Mighty Columbia!
10/8/2024
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National Geographic Sea Bird
Columbia River and Crow Butte Island
Day three of National Geographic Sea Bird ’s eastbound voyage came with remarkably calm and comfortable weather as there was barely a breath of wind along a stretch of the Columbia River that's typically rather breezy. Guests who chose the morning hike of Crow Butte Park soon peeled off a layer of clothing after their ten-minute Zodiac trip. Conditions that would frustrate a windsurfer made for carefree kayaking. Their reward was an assortment of beverages that included fresh-pressed apple juice, Seven Hills Winery 2022 rosé, and Powers Winery 2018 cabernet sauvignon. The backdrop included award-winning Discovery Vineyard and the historic Mercer family's Spice Cabinet Vineyard. After lunch, the thermometer hit 80, making for a pleasant trip to McNary Dam and Lock. Educator/Naturalist Kerri McAllister, a 2016 Grosvenor Teacher Fellow, shared the story of the late J. Harlen Bretz, the geologist whose long-ridiculed theory about the Missoula Floods proved correct. National Geographic Sea Bird traveled nearly 60 miles on this day to drop anchor near the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers and Sacajawea State Park. The evening's program in the lounge was highlighted by Naturalist Linda Burback's presentation, “Edible Aspects of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.”