On down the road toward Portland, we have to be on the interstate for a little way before getting off on the more fun, adventurous, and scenic historic route which will take us by the waterfalls. The camper bus does fine on the interstate without any real slow down, but we prefer driving on the quieter ‘back roads’.

Of all the different attractions suggested by our Dalles Dam Tour Guide, Helen, we thought viewing “Herman” the Sturgeon at the fish hatchery at Bonneville Dam would be fun. Having grown up with an ominous resident sturgeon at the Clear Lakes fish hatcheries in the canyon along the Snake River, Julia is intrigued by the reputation Herman seems to have. This fish hatchery is quite different, almost like a small village with several large buildings, and seems to be designed for educational purposes, probably getting lots of school field trips.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

During childhood, the Clear Lakes’ sturgeon was viewed by peering into the dark green waters of a pond from a small foot bridge. If lucky, what appeared to be a shadow could be seen…a long dark shape in the water.

Here at the Bonneville Hatchery, we follow the ‘fish’ path to locate “Herman”  and discover a large viewing tank where we can see sturgeons of all sizes as well as some of the other fish (salmon mostly). Aquariums are always fascinating and we stand mesmerized by the movement.  We can see why the dark shadowy shape at the Clear Lakes Fish Hatchery was so ominous. These sturgeons–considered to be pre-historic creatures–are extremely large and move very slowly. “Herman” has the reputation of being one of the largest known sturgeons alive.  The variety of fish in the aquarium helps give a size-comparison to the sturgeons. White sturgeon are the largest freshwater fish in North America and can weigh over 1,500 pounds, be 20 feet in length, and live for over 100 years. Herman is about 60 years old, 400-500 pounds, and about 10 feet long — our VW Camper is only 13 feet long!