Lewiston, Washington
Today we split into two groups of intrepid explorers: we could explore the upstream reaches of either the Snake River, or the Clearwater River valley. Those of us who ventured further up the Snake River did so by jetboat, and those of us who explored the Clearwater River valley did so by motorcoach, with the ever enthusiastic Linn Laughy as our guide.
Whichever route we followed we could not be disappointed, for we were treated to beautiful clear blue skies and the sun shone brightly – lighting up the dramatic autumn landscape. Those who ventured by jetboat up the Snake River traveled far into Hell's Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, and along the way we saw Bighorn sheep grazing at the waters edge, as well as steelhead fishermen lining the banks trying to catch their quota of the Fall run.
Linn Laughy took a group up the Clearwater River valley and visited several of the campsites that the Corps of Discovery stayed at during one of the more challenging periods of their travels, and Linn was able to relate so many details of what the Corps witnessed, what they ate, wrote and drew. Indeed, it was easy to close your eyes and imagine yourself witnessing the very events firsthand, as the landscape has changed so little in some places.
We came back to the ship in time for a magnificent sunset and were able to swap stories of our different adventures. A thoroughly enjoyable day indeed!
Today we split into two groups of intrepid explorers: we could explore the upstream reaches of either the Snake River, or the Clearwater River valley. Those of us who ventured further up the Snake River did so by jetboat, and those of us who explored the Clearwater River valley did so by motorcoach, with the ever enthusiastic Linn Laughy as our guide.
Whichever route we followed we could not be disappointed, for we were treated to beautiful clear blue skies and the sun shone brightly – lighting up the dramatic autumn landscape. Those who ventured by jetboat up the Snake River traveled far into Hell's Canyon, the deepest gorge in North America, and along the way we saw Bighorn sheep grazing at the waters edge, as well as steelhead fishermen lining the banks trying to catch their quota of the Fall run.
Linn Laughy took a group up the Clearwater River valley and visited several of the campsites that the Corps of Discovery stayed at during one of the more challenging periods of their travels, and Linn was able to relate so many details of what the Corps witnessed, what they ate, wrote and drew. Indeed, it was easy to close your eyes and imagine yourself witnessing the very events firsthand, as the landscape has changed so little in some places.
We came back to the ship in time for a magnificent sunset and were able to swap stories of our different adventures. A thoroughly enjoyable day indeed!
