Canoe Camp and the beginning of the Columbia River Gorge

Our first stop today was at Canoe Camp.  This is where Lewis and Clark spent 12 days with the Nez Perce after their rough journey over the Bitterroot Mountains.  They were starving when they got here and the Nez Perce fed them dried salmon and camas.  The men weren't used to the food and were sick almost the whole time here.  Even with those conditions, they managed to build 5 canoes in 12 days - seriously tough guys!  When they left Canoe Camp they were headed downstream for the first time in their journey.

Canoe Camp

We weren't able to visit the Lewis and Clark center at the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park in Washington today.  Government cuts have closed the center and it is no longer open - sad.

We were amazed today as we followed the Clearwater River to the Snake River in Lewiston, Idaho and then the Snake River to the Columbia River how much the geography changed.  We drove for miles surrounded by wheat fields.  Some were still very green but others were turning that beautiful amber color: amber waves of grain!  I have no idea how many acres of wheat are planted in western Idaho, eastern Oregon/Washington but I think it is the most beautiful crop in the field.  It's pretty when it's growing and when it's ready for harvest.  Then as we neared the Columbia River the landscape changed again and became much more barren.  We also saw windmill farms for at least 100 miles today.

Windmills in eastern Oregon

Windmills further west - notice how the geography changed!

We are staying in The Dalles, Oregon tonight.  The city is at the eastern portion of the Columbia River Gorge and there is a dam here on the river.  We were able to see the visitor's center and Terry got to watch a barge go through the locks - Bonus for Terry!

The Dalles Dam  and beautiful skies too.

Our view down the Columbia River tonight.

I am so excited about our drive tomorrow.  We will arrive at the Pacific tomorrow and we aren't very far but our entire drive will be through the Columbia River Gorge.  We anticipate another beautiful day!