On the Snake & Clearwater Rivers
A very chilly morning greeted us as we began our adventures. Frost covered the grass, the deck, and walkways as this first cold morning of the fall arrived. The motor coach destined for the Clearwater River headed upstream on a highway that would take us to a dozen or more locations where Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery traveled in the years of 1805-06.
Lin Laughy, a wonderful local historian, shared his wealth of knowledge with us throughout the day. The day became sunny and warm and as we walked in the footsteps of the expedition, we felt a bit of a kinship with them, even though it was across more than two hundred years. I’m sure that our lunch at the Hearthstone Bakery in Kamiah was superior to their menu in 1806, but our thoughts were with them anyway. A special treat was the session with Lee Hamilton where we participated in learning primitive skills
Meanwhile, back on the Snake River, a jetboat carried another contingent of guests into Hell’s Canyon. The dramatic basalt cliffs and lava flows framed the roaring waters of the rapids, as we traveled upstream into the canyon. Birds and animals were in evidence. Bald Eagles, Golden Eagles, Osprey, Great Blue Herons, and many others watched us as we sped by. Petroglyphs at Buffalo Eddy reminded us that people lived in this country for a long time.
To conclude our outings both groups met at the Nez Perce National Historic Park for an interpretive talk and visit to the museum. Thus concluded a very full day and we retreated to a very fine dinner on board.
