Guests aboard the Sea Bird were treated to a clear view of Mt. Hood this morning. Our sighting came only five days and 196 years after Captain William Clark made note in his journal of the same snow-capped peak… “a mountain bearing S.W. conocal form Covered with Snow.” We both admired Mt. Hood which is 11,225 feet high, observed and named by Lt. William Broughton 13 years prior to the Corps of Discovery casting their gaze upon the distant peak.
We spent a balmy day on deck, searching the shores and waters for wildlife. Early this morning a small herd of mule deer were found browsing high on the surrounding hills. We navigated through John Day and later McNary Dam; there were no “bad rapids” to contend with as the series of dams have slowed, deepened and widened the Columbia River. A variety of bird life was seen as we continued east and then more were found when we stopped in the late afternoon for a brief walk at the McNary Wildlife Refuge. Sightings included wood ducks, great blue herons, a belted kingfisher, immature black-crowned night herons, western grebes, American white pelicans and yellow-rumped warblers, affectionately nicknamed butter-butts.
The sunset reflected a serene mirror of the morning’s rosy hues. We retreated inside and enjoyed the opportunity to sample the wines of Washington and Oregon.
The Corps of Discovery made camp “on the Lard Side under a high hill nearly opposite to five Lodges of Indians…” We retreat tonight to the warmth and comfort of our cabins as we proceed…In the Wake of Lewis and Clark.
