Everyday Cheapskate: River Cruise Provides a Bounty of History, Nature and Fun

By Victor Block

In the winter of 1805, a group of men constructed a rustic fort near the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon. They stayed there until the following spring, then returned to their homes.

These men were members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Their exploration of uncharted areas of the country had been commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson after the Louisiana Purchase of 1803. He directed the group to check out the newly acquired territory, find a travel route through the western half of the continent to the Pacific Ocean and establish an American presence in the area.

Fort Clatsop, which was named after the local Indigenous tribe, was the last encampment of the travelers before they ended their journey. A replica of the modest fortification is part of the Lewis and Clark National Historical Park.

My wife, Fyllis, and I recently retraced some of the route followed by Lewis and Clark but without having to overcome the many difficult and often dangerous challenges they faced. We were traveling in comfort aboard the American Cruise Lines' Harmony, one of that company's fleet of luxury ships that follow more than 50 itineraries along rivers, bays and oceans in -- or just offshore of -- the United States.

Our itinerary included the Columbia and Snake rivers as they flow through Washington state and Oregon, with stops along the way to explore and enjoy a variety of towns, historic sites and other land-based attractions. Reliving the story of the famous Lewis and Clark excursion was but one of a number of opportunities to delve into history, be immersed in some of Mother Nature's most magnificent handiworks, and enjoy five-star comfort and cuisine in what resembles a floating hotel.

Absorbing displays at the Columbia Gorge Discovery Center describe and display the geology, flora, fauna, history and development of the region. The life-size replica of a Columbian mammoth offers a perspective on the mammals that once lived in the area. The skeleton of a dire wolf serves as a reminder that the species of canine roamed the region for eons, before becoming extinct about 10,000 years ago.

Exhibits trace 10,000 years of Indigenous history, which makes the Columbia Gorge one of the oldest sites of human habitation in the Western Hemisphere. Some rooms replicate a rainforest and other natural environments, display the kinds of cargo that Lewis and Clark transported, and describe the dams located along the Columbia River.

That waterway and the Snake River are tamed by a series of dams that generate hydroelectric power, assist navigation, and provide flood control and irrigation. Our passage through eight of them became special events that prompted many passengers, including me, to find good viewing places from which to observe the action. We marveled as our captain carefully guided the ship into the narrow locks, a massive door behind us closed, the vessel slowly rose as water flowed into the chamber and we resumed our journey many feet higher than when we had approached the dam.

Explanations of lock operations were among a wide variety of on-board presentations that kept passengers involved. Others included detailed descriptions of each day's shore excursions, a tour of the ship's pilot house, and painting, knitting and other craft activities.

One highlight was a series of presentations by David Stephens, an expert in natural history, Native culture and art who combined useful information with enjoyable entertainment. Prancing, dancing and sashaying across the floor, he elucidated topics as diverse as the Columbia River dams, the life of salmon and traditions of the Native people of the region.

My favorite program was a demonstration by members of the Nez Perce people, descendants of Native Americans who were dominant in the region for thousands of years. The male presenter recounted historical tidbits that have been passed along by tribal storytellers for generations, while his female counterpart described items and adornments on her clothing, some of which were 200 years old.

This introduction to intriguing aspects of the lives of Indigenous people was one of many activities that added so much interesting information and enjoyment to the cruise. It was another pleasant surprise among many that made our trip a memorable one.

WHEN YOU GO

Staterooms on the Harmony have individual temperature controls and a veranda; free washers and dryers are available. American Cruise Lines voyages include at least one daily shore excursion; a variety of on-board lectures, enrichment programs and other activities; gourmet meals and round-the-clock snack availability; cocktail hours; gratuities, port charges and other fees; and pre- or post-cruise hotel stay, if required: americancruiselines.com or 800-460-4518.

(SET IMAGE) tad050425adAP.jpg (END IMAGE) (SET CAPTION) An onboard presentation by members of the Nez Perce tribe was a highlight of an American Cruise Lines' cruise along the Snake and Columbia rivers. Photo courtesy of Victor Block. (END CAPTION)

(SET IMAGE2) tad050425bdAP.jpg (END IMAGE2) (SET CAPTION2) American Cruise Lines' Harmony traverses a lock during a cruise along the Snake and Columbia rivers. Photo courtesy of Victor Block. (END CAPTION2)

(SET IMAGE3) tad050425cdAP.jpg (END IMAGE3) (SET CAPTION3) A statue of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark marks their 1805 arrival on the Pacific Coast. Photo courtesy of Jethani/Dreamstime.com. (END CAPTION3)

Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.