Time for some falls on the way to the ship

After a crowded but included breakfast from Embassy Suites, we returned back to the room just in time to see our luggage collected for its journey to American Harmony. We soon donned our lanyards and embarkation group tags and joined everyone down in the lobby. We didn't have much chance to mingle as our multiple tour coach buses arrived right on time. 

Today's tour was called The Multnomah Falls Exploration. It was a complimentary (aka included) tour that was listed as lasting three hours. We chose to reserve this excursion pre-cruise believing that it was the only way to get a transfer to the ship. This decision was made before the change in embarkation dock so ACL provided a transfer for everyone. 

During our sailing, most every tour coach bus used was one branded and owned by ACL. It was a nice touch to see that ACL always had the first couple rows of seats marked for those with disabilities as well as anyone who suffers from motion sickness. The ACL buses were always locked when we got off so it was safe to leave any belongings onboard during the tour. We did have a few buses that had a few rows of seats on one side of the bus locked and unusable because they were where the wheelchair lift operates. We never saw it in use but that was the explanation the driver gave when asked why the seats weren't able to be used.

It did take a little bit of a drive to get to Multnomah Falls but our guide provided a good running commentary and took questions from passengers. The only downside of this excursion is the lack of time that was left for us to explore once we arrived. We were told to not walk further than the path up a hill and around the corner that leads to the middle bridge because we would not be able to make it back to the bus within the 45 minute time allotment we were given. The site has various levels with paved ground that can be accessed via steps or a ramp. There was also a small museum on site, a coffee counter, and a gift shop. 

After walking through a paved path under a bridge with views of the creek fed by the falls, you reach an open paved section with a slight incline. You can see the falls right from this level and the museum, coffee counter, and gift shop are just to the right.

If you continue up to a decent sized viewing platform (accessible via steps or a ramp), you can enjoy a closer view of Multnomah Falls without other people in your pictures. Several people chose to use the falls as a backdrop for their selfies. The bridge in the middle of the picture below is named Benson Bridge. Simon Benson bankrolled Lead Engineer for the Columbia River Highway Samuel Lancaster's idea to build a footbridge so visitors can stop in the middle to see both levels of the falls. When the bridge was nearly completed in 1914, subcontractor Robert Ringer asked to put his name in the concrete of the bridge. While most everyone seemed happy with his request, the bridge company engineer made him cement over the inscription. Left alone to cover up his work, Ringer purposely spread a layer of wet clay between the letters and the cement. This gave the appearance of a cemented over surface but the cement wore away after being exposed to nature's elements over the next two years. Ringer's signature work can now be seen by all who visit Multnomah Falls.

Looking back at both options for reaching the viewing platform - it had recently rained the night before so the surface was wet but not slippery.

Looking back at the paved path under the bridge:

Make sure when visiting to take a moment to look back at the sign posted on the bridge:

The gift shop was super crowded with people and displays but I managed to pick up another wooden magnet for my collection:

We spent our last few minutes on site cheering marathon runners whose route weaved through the walkway up to the falls. Everyone got back to the bus on time and we were soon arriving at our ship now docked at Washougal Waterfront Park Dock in Washougal, WA. With our first tour and first time crossing back and forth between state lines done, we arrived at the ship just as the crew was unloading everyone's luggage to load onto the ship. Several ports offered a golf cart ride if you needed assistance traversing the pier. Plenty of crew was on hand to help anyone needing extra support to make their way up the gangway. 

Tune in to the next post to find out what embarkation day is like on American Cruise Lines and of course plenty of menu and food photos to come!