Clarkston, Hell’s Canyon, and the Clearwater River
Passengers and crew of the Sea Lion embarked on different escapades today. Maybe two-thirds of us headed up the Snake River for about 60 miles on jet boats. This adventure is not to be missed, and I advised first-timers to take advantage of the opportunity. By all reports everyone had a marvelous time. The weather cooperated, with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures all day. Apparently the area’s wildlife was just as interested in us as we were in it. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, including several full-racked males, came right down to the water’s edge to observe the boats. Mule deer were also drinking. River otters cavorted. Golden eagles and osprey (fish hawks) adorned the skies. Veterans reported that the plethora of wild animals far exceeded in number the usual sightings. Swimming was not prohibited. Beeman’s served up a hearty meal. All were pleased.
The rest of us headed up the Clearwater River by bus in the company of the redoubtable Linwood (Lin) Laughy (law’-hee). Lin knows every square inch of Nez Perce Indian country, and teases new meanings out of every line in the Journals of Lewis and Clark. We followed the Corps of Discovery’s return route of 1806 in the morning, and picked up the westbound journey of 1805 in the afternoon. Thanks to Lin, no one thought that confusing. We saw the actual sites, many of them virtually unchanged in 200 years, where Lewis and Clark had walked and camped. Sometimes we were there on the 200th anniversary, not only to the day but to the hour of the explorers’ visit. We learned much about their hosts, the Nez Perce Indians. Nowhere in the United States are so many important Lewis and Clark sites gathered so closely. No Lewis and Clark aficionados anywhere in America can undertake such intense study. If we weren’t fans before, we now hope the Bicentennial doesn’t end!
Sandwiched between excursions, at the town of Kamiah, Idaho, the Corps of Discovery II , a Park Service traveling information and re-enactment venture, had set up its Bicentennial shop. We were privileged to watch the actor, Hasan Davis, a Berea College grad, in the role of Clark’s slave, York. Davis gave a powerful, emotive performance that profoundly moved even jaded Lewis and Clark scholars like me.
At the end of the day, all interested from both parties visited the Nez Perce National Historical Park Interpretive Center in Lapwai, Idaho. The displays and presentations educated us all. We still had time for cocktails, a brisk walk, dinner, videos, and conversation. It’ll be hard to beat or even match this day.
Passengers and crew of the Sea Lion embarked on different escapades today. Maybe two-thirds of us headed up the Snake River for about 60 miles on jet boats. This adventure is not to be missed, and I advised first-timers to take advantage of the opportunity. By all reports everyone had a marvelous time. The weather cooperated, with sunny blue skies and warm temperatures all day. Apparently the area’s wildlife was just as interested in us as we were in it. Rocky Mountain Bighorn Sheep, including several full-racked males, came right down to the water’s edge to observe the boats. Mule deer were also drinking. River otters cavorted. Golden eagles and osprey (fish hawks) adorned the skies. Veterans reported that the plethora of wild animals far exceeded in number the usual sightings. Swimming was not prohibited. Beeman’s served up a hearty meal. All were pleased.
The rest of us headed up the Clearwater River by bus in the company of the redoubtable Linwood (Lin) Laughy (law’-hee). Lin knows every square inch of Nez Perce Indian country, and teases new meanings out of every line in the Journals of Lewis and Clark. We followed the Corps of Discovery’s return route of 1806 in the morning, and picked up the westbound journey of 1805 in the afternoon. Thanks to Lin, no one thought that confusing. We saw the actual sites, many of them virtually unchanged in 200 years, where Lewis and Clark had walked and camped. Sometimes we were there on the 200th anniversary, not only to the day but to the hour of the explorers’ visit. We learned much about their hosts, the Nez Perce Indians. Nowhere in the United States are so many important Lewis and Clark sites gathered so closely. No Lewis and Clark aficionados anywhere in America can undertake such intense study. If we weren’t fans before, we now hope the Bicentennial doesn’t end!
Sandwiched between excursions, at the town of Kamiah, Idaho, the Corps of Discovery II , a Park Service traveling information and re-enactment venture, had set up its Bicentennial shop. We were privileged to watch the actor, Hasan Davis, a Berea College grad, in the role of Clark’s slave, York. Davis gave a powerful, emotive performance that profoundly moved even jaded Lewis and Clark scholars like me.
At the end of the day, all interested from both parties visited the Nez Perce National Historical Park Interpretive Center in Lapwai, Idaho. The displays and presentations educated us all. We still had time for cocktails, a brisk walk, dinner, videos, and conversation. It’ll be hard to beat or even match this day.
