Snake River, Hell’s Canyon and Clearwater country
This morning as we wandered out to the bow, the Sea Bird was approaching the town of Clarkston on the Snake River. As soon as the ship was tied up and we finished breakfast, we were off the ship exploring. Some of us followed the trail of Lewis and Clark by land, while others went up stream by jet boat.
Traveling up the Clearwater River by coach, we visited campsites that the Corps of Discovery used on the way west in 1805, and also on the return in 1806. Clearwater historian Lin Laughy captivated us with stories of the travels of Lewis and Clark. Lee and Carol Hamilton taught our group the finer points of fire building, and making cordage for ropes, lines, and fishing tackle. These wilderness skills were commonplace to the Corps two hundred years ago but are seldom seen now. We came away with increased respect for their everyday chores.
Those of us who cruised the Snake River were able to get into the rugged back country of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Step-sided walls of basalt and limestone provided a very dramatic backdrop for local vegetation and wildlife. Just a few miles from town, Eric and Frank, local guides from Clarkston, spotted Rocky Mountain big horn sheep along the eastern cliffs of the river. With massive horns curling about their heads like regal crowns, the male sheep and some ewes were feeding and rubbing along the basalt cliffs. Further along the river we passed a series of boats fishing for steelhead trout. This time of year adult steelhead are working their way upstream from the ocean for spawning.
Also out on the river and cliff sides were hunters looking for flocks of chukers. These introduced game birds are quite abundant in the Snake River hills. They prefer vegetation that thrives in arid, mountainous regions and tend to flock and feed together during the fall months.
This morning as we wandered out to the bow, the Sea Bird was approaching the town of Clarkston on the Snake River. As soon as the ship was tied up and we finished breakfast, we were off the ship exploring. Some of us followed the trail of Lewis and Clark by land, while others went up stream by jet boat.
Traveling up the Clearwater River by coach, we visited campsites that the Corps of Discovery used on the way west in 1805, and also on the return in 1806. Clearwater historian Lin Laughy captivated us with stories of the travels of Lewis and Clark. Lee and Carol Hamilton taught our group the finer points of fire building, and making cordage for ropes, lines, and fishing tackle. These wilderness skills were commonplace to the Corps two hundred years ago but are seldom seen now. We came away with increased respect for their everyday chores.
Those of us who cruised the Snake River were able to get into the rugged back country of Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Step-sided walls of basalt and limestone provided a very dramatic backdrop for local vegetation and wildlife. Just a few miles from town, Eric and Frank, local guides from Clarkston, spotted Rocky Mountain big horn sheep along the eastern cliffs of the river. With massive horns curling about their heads like regal crowns, the male sheep and some ewes were feeding and rubbing along the basalt cliffs. Further along the river we passed a series of boats fishing for steelhead trout. This time of year adult steelhead are working their way upstream from the ocean for spawning.
Also out on the river and cliff sides were hunters looking for flocks of chukers. These introduced game birds are quite abundant in the Snake River hills. They prefer vegetation that thrives in arid, mountainous regions and tend to flock and feed together during the fall months.
