So what happens at night while we are sleeping? The ship has to go through another lock. This time, we are in our room and I am able to get a picture what they are hooking up to which will keep the ship in the lock while the water level goes down to allow the ship to pass beyond the dam. Here we are in Little Goose Dam lock tying up the ship.

Our ship is arriving early in Richland, Washington which is up the Columbia River. Much more populated here.

We were here in 2021 with friends where we saw our first American Cruise Line ship pictured here. The park along the shore is nice with large trees and people enjoying their summer. Children are cooling off later in the day even though there are posted no swimming signs. Too hot to care!

Today, Friday, our bus tour takes us to Pendleton, Oregon, about 1 hour 20 minute drive from Richland, Washington. This old west town was first settled in 1851 and became a major trading post. When the railroad came through, the town’s population exploded with Chinese immigrants and many people from all walks of life coming west to seek their opportunity through gold digging, farming or to start a new life.

At the tour office, there is a display of Duff Severe’s saddles and art that he made over the years. He is a famous craftsman from Pendleton who is also is featured in a Smithsonian’s folk art display. Beautiful works of art carvings in leather!

The town is built on underground tunnels (believed to have been built with basalt rock by the Chinese immigrants). These basement/tunnels were used for many reasons besides storing things. In prohibition it was a good place to setup a speakeasy bar and gambling.

Light from above the underground came from glass blocks placed in the sidewalk which would provide the light below. No electricity yet, so candles and kerosene lamps provided the light even though the town buildings above had electricity and running water in the late 1880’s.

The underground tour guide brings it all to life by describing each exhibit from drinks paid with gold dust, Hop-Sing’s laundry and baths, ice cream cooler and butcher.

The last exhibit was also nicely done. It was about “The Triple Nickels,” the 555th Parachute Infantry Battalion during WW2 stationed at Pendleton Field. If you don’t know about the Fu-Go Balloon bombs Japan sent to the US during WW2, and about Operation Firefly, read up on this history!

Back up on top of the Main Street of Pendleton, we walk to our lunch destination admiring the bronze statues of famous cowboys and cowgirls along the way.

Our buffet lunch is at Hamley’s Steakhouse & Bar plus a Store next door and underground there is Video Poker game room. Then we have some free time to walk around Pendleton.

Pendleton is also known up until the 1950’s for its brothels. However, Pendleton is most famous (started in 1910) for the annual Pendleton Round-Up every September. It features PRCA (Professional Rodeos Cowboy Association) and also the local Native American tribes perform their dances and display of horsemanship. Largest in the country and still going strong. I wasn’t able to take a good picture of the stadium from the bus window – but it was big!

Next stop is the Pendleton Mills. Inside lots of beautiful items plus some displays of Indian artifacts. Yes, I bought a blanket. Pendleton started in 1909 and became the blanket provider to the National Parks starting with the Glacier National Park Lodges.

Well, this is another long blog! Our last stop is the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute. This museum has outstanding exhibits, displays and videos providing the long history of the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes. These tribes were here on this land way before the trappers and fur traders, Oregon Trail people, Missionaries and immigrants who headed west in the 1800-1900’s.

Now, there is the Wildhorse casino, resort and golf course next door to the cultural institute – all developed by the tribes for you to enjoy and reflect on the history.

End of blog except for these “funny” signs Steve saw in Pendleton!