Clarkston, Washington and Lewiston, Idaho
Sometimes slow is better. Traffic in the Snake River locks held up the National Geographic Sea Bird this morning, but positive results of that delay were quick early-morning Zodiac trips from boat to shore. Local Lewis & Clark expert Lin Laughy and his Clearwater Connection motor coach were waiting on a small dock. Soon after the Zodiacs departed, a second group of guests walked from the fantail to a large jet boat aimed at Hell’s Canyon.
The jet boat adventure meandered southward on the scenic Snake River to the mouth of the famous Salmon River. Guests investigated a former riverside ranch called Cache Creek – plenty of apple trees and north/south vistas of the river. A second stop was lunch at Beamer’s restaurant and moorage. Jet boat passengers saw big horn sheep, great blue heron, mule deer, osprey, and a variety of ducks. Russian olive trees lined the river banks. Another jet boat stop was at Buffalo Eddy to see 6,000-year-old pictographs (faded) and petroglyphs (deeply etched and clear).
The Clearwater Connection – a narrated mile-by-mile examination of Corps of Discovery campsites through Idaho’s panhandle – was highlighted by Lin Laughy’s story-telling and light touch with a dramatic American saga. Among memorable stops were Lawyer’s Canyon where an agreement (treaty?) was arranged between the Corps and the Nez Perce leadership; Canoe Camp, where the Corps burned and chopped out five pine tree dugouts under harsh circumstances; the Nez Perce genesis story, referred to as the Heart of the Monster.
Participants from both groups – jet boat and Clearwater motor coach – met at the National Nez Perce Interpretive Center for a presentation on Indian traditions and history, followed by a visit to the museum which holds some the oldest and most valuable Nez Perce artifacts in the country.
