September 30 – October 6, 2010 with Barbara Oberg, General Editor of the Papers of Thomas Jefferson. Take in the beauty of the Columbia River Gorge while traveling through the history of America’s westward expansion.

Relive a vital chapter in U.S. history with your fellow Princetonians on an adventure along the Columbia River—the grand gateway to the West, pioneered by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, roamed by fur traders, and traversed by courageous settlers as they forged their way over the Oregon Trail. Small-ship cruising allows for intimate exploration of the Pacific Northwest on this journey that encompasses both the historical narrative and the marvels of modern engineering.

Pass through the center of picturesque Portland and under its many bridges, before heading toward the region's wine country for special tastings and through the Columbia River's series of eight navigation locks. Follow in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark along the Clearwater River, visiting several of their actual campsites, and walk through the reconstructed Fort Clatsop, where explorers hunkered down for the wet winter of 1805-06. Travel by jetboat up the Snake River into Hell's Canyon, stopping to take in the old homesteads and the ever-changing geology of the river and to search for Rocky Mountain Bighorn sheep.

Our group's home for the week, the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Bird, is the ideal vessel for exploring the rivers of the Northwest. She can easily maneuver through locks, into small ports, and up close to the scenic shoreline. Please note: Princeton travelers will be joined by another group of like-minded travelers aboard the Sea Bird.

About the Study Leader
Barbara Oberg, Lecturer with the rank of Professor in the History Department and General Editor of The Papers of Thomas Jefferson, will serve as study leader for this Journey.

A graduate of Wellesley College, Oberg received MA and PhD degrees from the University of California, Santa Barbara. A documentary editor for most of her professional life, she is a historian of the colonial period and the early Republic. Co-author of Benjamin Franklin, Jonathan Edwards, and the Representation of American Culture and Federalists Reconsidered, Dr. Oberg was the Editor-in-Chief of the Benjamin Franklin Papers and a senior research scholar in the history department at Yale University for 12 years prior to coming to Princeton in 1999. Aboard the Sea Bird, her commentary will be complemented by that presented by the onboard naturalist staff from Lindblad Expeditions.

To make a reservation, fill out the form in the brochure or contact Princeton Journeys at (609) 258-8686 or journeys@princeton.edu for further information.