Palouse River, and down River along the Snake
Flashing sunlight on wave-swept water! The Corps of Discovery had been underway for nearly a year and a half. During all that time they had turned their faces to the setting sun. Browned and grizzled by the wind and sunshine, they looked far different from the well-groomed young men that they had been at the start of this adventure. Some were very young, hardly more than teen-agers when they started. Even the older members had aged noticeably, due to the hunger and strain they had endured.
This was the last month of their westward journey. They knew that they must follow these westward flowing waters to the Pacific Ocean. They could not afford to spend another winter along the way. They had neither the provisions, nor the will to do so. It is fortunate that history tells us they did make their way to the mouth of the Great River of the West, and over-wintered there at Fort Clatsop. The following spring when they headed home they had the same sun in the early morning hours, shining on their weathered faces.
Today we are traveling in the Wake of Lewis and Clark. We are in the comfort of the Sea Lion, enjoying fine meals, and sheltered from the wind and rain. As we learn what they did nearly two hundred years ago, our respect for them has grown. That same sun shines down on us, helping us to remember their contribution to the story of the early days on these western waters.
Flashing sunlight on wave-swept water! The Corps of Discovery had been underway for nearly a year and a half. During all that time they had turned their faces to the setting sun. Browned and grizzled by the wind and sunshine, they looked far different from the well-groomed young men that they had been at the start of this adventure. Some were very young, hardly more than teen-agers when they started. Even the older members had aged noticeably, due to the hunger and strain they had endured.
This was the last month of their westward journey. They knew that they must follow these westward flowing waters to the Pacific Ocean. They could not afford to spend another winter along the way. They had neither the provisions, nor the will to do so. It is fortunate that history tells us they did make their way to the mouth of the Great River of the West, and over-wintered there at Fort Clatsop. The following spring when they headed home they had the same sun in the early morning hours, shining on their weathered faces.
Today we are traveling in the Wake of Lewis and Clark. We are in the comfort of the Sea Lion, enjoying fine meals, and sheltered from the wind and rain. As we learn what they did nearly two hundred years ago, our respect for them has grown. That same sun shines down on us, helping us to remember their contribution to the story of the early days on these western waters.
