The morning came with dark clouds hugging the cliffs of the Palouse River. Lewis and Clark traveled by dugout canoe from where they had camped the night before. It was time for their band of travelers to rest a bit. Clark mapped the mouth of the river and named it Drewyer’s River, for one of their group. This name lasted only a few years until it was renamed by French voyageurs. They built a warming fire, ate some venison, and proceeded on, with the sun breaking out to warm them as they drifted toward the western sea.
Today the cold gray dawn broke upon those same cliffs. Nearly two hundred years later we are traveling in their wake. This time though we are in the luxury and comfort of the Sea Bird. We have a hearty breakfast, and travel to the secret reaches where the Corps of Discovery could not go. By motor coach, Zodiac, and kayak we get to see those quiet waters, and share views of wildlife that give us a hint of their great adventure.
Nothing is ever perfect, but as the sun breaks though and warms us: as we return to the ship for a sumptuous buffet, we express our gratitude for a day well done.
