Today, the Columbia and Snake rivers look significantly different than they would have 200 years ago. Both used to churn with cascades and rapids and danger could often be found around every turn. I imagine that most of both rivers would be largely unrecognizable to Lewis and Clark if they able to see them now: wide… still…. dammed 8 times.
Part of the fun of this particular cruise was getting to navigate the locks. We passed first through Bonneville (where we stopped to take a tour of the dam and its fish ladders) then The Dalles, followed by John Day, McNary, Ice Harbor, Lower Monumental, Little Goose, and Lower Granite.
Throw dams into the pot of things I previously knew next to nothing about (despite growing up near one which, at the time of its construction, was the third largest and second highest concrete dam in the world).
Navigating the locks are incredibly interesting. First, a ship signals to the dam that she would like to pass through. The dam gives the green light and opens a set of doors, which the ship sails through. The doors then close behind the ship and you’re left in a narrow enclosure. The ship anchors herself to the walls of the locks by hooking onto a buoy (set in the wall) which, once filling begins, rises with the water. The ship also rises (or falls, depending on your direction), until eventually, she sits on the same water level as the river ahead. A second set of doors opens (or lowers, depending on the dam) and the ship sails through, paying no mind to the fact that she’s just risen 100 feet.
The end result is genius: the dams generate power, the locks allow vessels to pass, and the fish chutes and ladders enable the salmon to spawn as normal.
Adventure Life has been an extraordinary travel resource for us over the years and today was no exception. Our River Cruise booking was handled by Jess (who has been our personal trip planner for several years) the same day as our inquiry. Suggestions were given for cabin choice and pre-trip options (that were not shown on the cruise line's website) like airport transfers and prepaid gratuities. Trip insurance recommendations followed and we were assigned a travel co-ordinator till the end of the tour. All we have to do is show up! Great service from friendly folks.
APtravelwell
1 day ago
My representative Kevin was very responsive generally and in crafting our itinerary to our specific priorities.
Rocco Labella
1 day ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
Donna Kirby
2 days ago
Our travel was flawless! The rider pickup (airport, hotel, ship) was seamless. Jane's recommendation for Emerald Cruise Sakara was everything I wanted but the experience was soooo much more. Adventure Life took care of each and every detail and this was the easiest of all my travels.
Anne Petty
3 days ago
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner