Today was my birthday. I didn't ask for much and got just what I wanted. I had a great feast and extra whiskey. We even did gambling and I won some fur. It was an excellent party and I thank the whole Corps.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A Special Birthday
May 2, 1805
Today was my birthday. I didn't ask for much and got just what I wanted. I had a great feast and extra whiskey. We even did gambling and I won some fur. It was an excellent party and I thank the whole Corps.
Today was my birthday. I didn't ask for much and got just what I wanted. I had a great feast and extra whiskey. We even did gambling and I won some fur. It was an excellent party and I thank the whole Corps.
A Hurt Animal
Week 12 Corps of Rediscovery 2002
I did not choose to discover animals when I wrote the blog about what I wanted to discover and what my talents would be on the trip, but today I was forced to. Not to long after the time of my last journal entrie did I run into a limping animal. I was riding my bike casually until Roxy pointed out an animal in the dog family. It was limping and he was licking his wounds on his leg. I wanted to help it but when I got near it just slowly trodded away. The saddest part was that it looked fairly young and was completely alone besides us there. I wish I could have helped the sad creature.
The Prickly Pear
Week 12 Corps of Rediscovery 2002
Today we ran into some cacti. Instantly after seeing them we realized the type of cacti we were looking at was the prickly pear (the same cacti that the Corps of Discovery hated). I decided to take some pictures with it and don't worry... I was acting in all the pictures.
Bodies Taking a Beating
May 28th 1805
Prickly Pear Cacti covered the ground causing havoc for our men and the poor Captain’s dog. All the walking over sharp rocks puncturing our moccasins was bad enough…but the thorns of the Prickly Pear hurt much more brutally. Besides the cacti there were also giant hailstones to ruin our day. After many injuries from the cacti we figured out a valuable use for them. We cut up the leaf and made a stew out of it. We also took the fruit of the cactus and peeled it carefully then ate it plain.
Prickly Pear Cacti covered the ground causing havoc for our men and the poor Captain’s dog. All the walking over sharp rocks puncturing our moccasins was bad enough…but the thorns of the Prickly Pear hurt much more brutally. Besides the cacti there were also giant hailstones to ruin our day. After many injuries from the cacti we figured out a valuable use for them. We cut up the leaf and made a stew out of it. We also took the fruit of the cactus and peeled it carefully then ate it plain.
Pride and Stupidity
July 1805
Poor Captain Lewis could not see that his cherished iron boat would be useless. Everyone tried to tell him. He was just too prideful about him choosing the right direction to the great falls through a fork. He was determined to see his boat work. But, as expected, after five minutes in the water, every seam burst and the mode of transportation was useless. Captain Clark was prepared to make dugout canoes, and finally Captain Lewis accepted that fate. But, boy did he beat himself up about it…yelling at himself, shouting all his failings, beating wood against a tree until he bled, feeling stupid and upset that he cost the Corps two weeks that it would take to make the canoes…not to mention the hassle of dragging that useless iron boat the great distance. Lewis was beyond normal…I had to wonder about him.
Poor Captain Lewis could not see that his cherished iron boat would be useless. Everyone tried to tell him. He was just too prideful about him choosing the right direction to the great falls through a fork. He was determined to see his boat work. But, as expected, after five minutes in the water, every seam burst and the mode of transportation was useless. Captain Clark was prepared to make dugout canoes, and finally Captain Lewis accepted that fate. But, boy did he beat himself up about it…yelling at himself, shouting all his failings, beating wood against a tree until he bled, feeling stupid and upset that he cost the Corps two weeks that it would take to make the canoes…not to mention the hassle of dragging that useless iron boat the great distance. Lewis was beyond normal…I had to wonder about him.
Slippery Slope
May 1805
The weather was unreasonable. The rain was relentless. The rain made it difficult to continue on…sopping the ground so intensely…making our feet stick in the mud and slip continually. Our own Captain Lewis had to save a man from a dangerous cliff. Private Windsor was sure to be dead, but thanks to Captain Lewis’s calm and steady demeanor, he is still here today. Private Windsor was barely holding on to a narrow ledge with one hand and one foot. Captain Lewis was probably internally fearful for Windsor’s life, but was able to carefully and calmly talk Windsor through the near disaster. He told him to take his knife out and dig a hole in the cliff so he could put his foot in the hole. He was able raise himself up a bit. Captain Lewis told him to shed his moccasins and climb forward…holding his knife in one hand and gun in the other. That’s what makes true leaders – calmness under pressure.
The weather was unreasonable. The rain was relentless. The rain made it difficult to continue on…sopping the ground so intensely…making our feet stick in the mud and slip continually. Our own Captain Lewis had to save a man from a dangerous cliff. Private Windsor was sure to be dead, but thanks to Captain Lewis’s calm and steady demeanor, he is still here today. Private Windsor was barely holding on to a narrow ledge with one hand and one foot. Captain Lewis was probably internally fearful for Windsor’s life, but was able to carefully and calmly talk Windsor through the near disaster. He told him to take his knife out and dig a hole in the cliff so he could put his foot in the hole. He was able raise himself up a bit. Captain Lewis told him to shed his moccasins and climb forward…holding his knife in one hand and gun in the other. That’s what makes true leaders – calmness under pressure.
Natures Artristry
May 26th 1805
“Nature’s artistry” is what my grandmother called it. It was almost indescribable and definitely impossible to draw with paint. What extraordinary mountains….snow-peaked and reaching up to heaven. These were the Shining Mountains we anticipated. But, they were more gorgeous and more daunting. The thrill of seeing them was softened by the reality that we had to conquer them. I was grateful that we were nearly at the end of the Missouri. Now the hard part starts. I tried not to be fearful of crossing them, but knew what a huge challenge it would be.
“Nature’s artistry” is what my grandmother called it. It was almost indescribable and definitely impossible to draw with paint. What extraordinary mountains….snow-peaked and reaching up to heaven. These were the Shining Mountains we anticipated. But, they were more gorgeous and more daunting. The thrill of seeing them was softened by the reality that we had to conquer them. I was grateful that we were nearly at the end of the Missouri. Now the hard part starts. I tried not to be fearful of crossing them, but knew what a huge challenge it would be.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Ways to Survive the Cold Winter
January 12th, 1805
Most of our men had not experienced the severe weather they had in the north Dakota area. Below zero weather and tons of snow and freezing wind filled most days in January. The group had to do something to get food, because hunting wasn’t going so well. The captains had the smart idea to doctor the Indians in exchange for meat and vegetables. There were plenty of Mandan Indians who needed medical help with different things, from treating wounds, to bad teeth and frostbite. They would bring food and get medical help. It was a win-win.
Most of our men had not experienced the severe weather they had in the north Dakota area. Below zero weather and tons of snow and freezing wind filled most days in January. The group had to do something to get food, because hunting wasn’t going so well. The captains had the smart idea to doctor the Indians in exchange for meat and vegetables. There were plenty of Mandan Indians who needed medical help with different things, from treating wounds, to bad teeth and frostbite. They would bring food and get medical help. It was a win-win.
A medicine kit.
Sacagawea and Charbonneau
May 14, 1805
Who would have thought that a 14 year old, Indian girl with a baby would be so valuable to the expedition? It’s too bad she was tied to the incompetent and obnoxious Toussaint Charbonneau. Charbonneau talked his way into the expedition, promising that he was a great boatman, and that his wife could interpret for the Shoshone Indians. Well, he was probably right about his wife, but when it came to boating he was an idiot! Steering the boat on this day in May on the Missouri, west of Yellowstone, Charbonneau flaked when the boat caught wind and turned sideways, filling it with water. Charbonneau LET GO of the rudder! If Cruzatte didn’t threaten to shoot Charbonneau if he didn’t grab the rudder and turn into the current, everything would have been lost. The good news is that Sacagawea was totally calm and in control. She carefully bent over the bow with Pomp on her back, and grabbed important journals and everything within her reach. She impressed Lewis & Clark…..fortunately for Charbonneau.
Who would have thought that a 14 year old, Indian girl with a baby would be so valuable to the expedition? It’s too bad she was tied to the incompetent and obnoxious Toussaint Charbonneau. Charbonneau talked his way into the expedition, promising that he was a great boatman, and that his wife could interpret for the Shoshone Indians. Well, he was probably right about his wife, but when it came to boating he was an idiot! Steering the boat on this day in May on the Missouri, west of Yellowstone, Charbonneau flaked when the boat caught wind and turned sideways, filling it with water. Charbonneau LET GO of the rudder! If Cruzatte didn’t threaten to shoot Charbonneau if he didn’t grab the rudder and turn into the current, everything would have been lost. The good news is that Sacagawea was totally calm and in control. She carefully bent over the bow with Pomp on her back, and grabbed important journals and everything within her reach. She impressed Lewis & Clark…..fortunately for Charbonneau.
Sacagawea and Charbonneau atop a hill
The Fearless Dog
May 19th, 1805
They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. Captain Lewis’s dog has been the best. He stands up to Grizzlies, Wolves and Big Cats…and even a Beaver. Jumping in the water to retrieve that beaver was helpful to us (since Cruzette didn’t quite get him), but was not helpful to the captain’s ‘ole dog. Right when Seaman grabbed the beaver’s leg, the beaver went under water and bit Seaman’s leg good – severing an artery! We nursed him back to health – I’m sure glad he’s still with us.
They say that a dog is a man’s best friend. Captain Lewis’s dog has been the best. He stands up to Grizzlies, Wolves and Big Cats…and even a Beaver. Jumping in the water to retrieve that beaver was helpful to us (since Cruzette didn’t quite get him), but was not helpful to the captain’s ‘ole dog. Right when Seaman grabbed the beaver’s leg, the beaver went under water and bit Seaman’s leg good – severing an artery! We nursed him back to health – I’m sure glad he’s still with us.
The Monsters of the West
Spring 1805
We had to learn about the animals we hadn’t encountered before. One was the grizzly bear. At first, we thought we could bring down the large animals with our good rifles and ammunition. The first time, I thought it was easy. A couple shots and the bear was down. But the next time, we found a bigger, meaner bear. It took 10 rounds to bring down that monster. We now had a new respect for this beast. We learned to be careful and that they could not be easily killed.
We had to learn about the animals we hadn’t encountered before. One was the grizzly bear. At first, we thought we could bring down the large animals with our good rifles and ammunition. The first time, I thought it was easy. A couple shots and the bear was down. But the next time, we found a bigger, meaner bear. It took 10 rounds to bring down that monster. We now had a new respect for this beast. We learned to be careful and that they could not be easily killed.
Thursday, April 16, 2009
9 POUNDS OF MEAT!!!!!!!!!!!
Week 2 of The Corps Of Rediscovery 2002
As We Begin Climbing Skyline Dr. in Shenandoah National Park
We were very hungry and we went to a local shop to fill up on food for the next three days. As we were in there I remembered something in Lewis and Clark's joirnal about how each man in the Corps was eating 9 pounds of meat a day. I decided to ask some one working there if they could weigh 9 pounds of meat ao I could take a picture of it. I was amazed with the result. This is what it looked like:
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Lewis and Clark Games
August 24th 2002
Week 10
Bismarck,ND
Today we had to update the website. I of course did my part in the website than seized the opportunity of Internet access. I played a few Lewis and Clark games such as Onward!, Buffalo Dodge, and Meriwether's Memory Match Game. Onward! was a difficult game because the answer was always surprising. Buffalo Dodge was an easy game to get used to and before I knew it I was dodging every buffalo that came at me! Meriwether's Match Game was also easy and I beat it. No problem. Playing the games was fun but it was sure hard to play them with Brads techno music blasting in the backround.
Week 10
Bismarck,ND
Today we had to update the website. I of course did my part in the website than seized the opportunity of Internet access. I played a few Lewis and Clark games such as Onward!, Buffalo Dodge, and Meriwether's Memory Match Game. Onward! was a difficult game because the answer was always surprising. Buffalo Dodge was an easy game to get used to and before I knew it I was dodging every buffalo that came at me! Meriwether's Match Game was also easy and I beat it. No problem. Playing the games was fun but it was sure hard to play them with Brads techno music blasting in the backround.
A Good Hunt
August 23th, 1804
Today was a great day. Although some of the men argued about who shot the first buffalo, it was Joe Fields. I could tell how happy he was. The animal was really a huge beast. So many men had to go help him carry it back to camp. Everyone was grateful for the huge feast it provided. The men ate and ate and ate – and the leftover meat was made into jerky by salting it and putting it in the sun. Seaman also had a great feast from our leftovers.
Today was a great day. Although some of the men argued about who shot the first buffalo, it was Joe Fields. I could tell how happy he was. The animal was really a huge beast. So many men had to go help him carry it back to camp. Everyone was grateful for the huge feast it provided. The men ate and ate and ate – and the leftover meat was made into jerky by salting it and putting it in the sun. Seaman also had a great feast from our leftovers.
Severe Discipline
August 24th, 1804
They mean business on this expedition. It’s no journey for the weak, timid or lazy. When Reed left without telling anyone, Lewis had a group of soldiers go get him. When they found Reed he was whipped hard. He ran between two lines of men, and they whipped his back. It was called: “running the gauntlet.” This was an example to the rest of us, not to run away. It was brutal seeing this type of discipline. You could see the blood dripping from his wounds. He was shrieking in pain. It was a type of torture that no one would want to endure. He was to say good bye to the journey and the team he had run away from in the first place. Others were punished and whipped for getting drunk, sleeping on the job, and stealing whiskey. They made their point and none of us were ever going to think about running away after this.
They mean business on this expedition. It’s no journey for the weak, timid or lazy. When Reed left without telling anyone, Lewis had a group of soldiers go get him. When they found Reed he was whipped hard. He ran between two lines of men, and they whipped his back. It was called: “running the gauntlet.” This was an example to the rest of us, not to run away. It was brutal seeing this type of discipline. You could see the blood dripping from his wounds. He was shrieking in pain. It was a type of torture that no one would want to endure. He was to say good bye to the journey and the team he had run away from in the first place. Others were punished and whipped for getting drunk, sleeping on the job, and stealing whiskey. They made their point and none of us were ever going to think about running away after this.
Death on the Trail
August 20th, 1804
Well, I knew the journey would not be easy, but I was surprised we’d lose a good comrade so soon. Sgt. Charles Floyd became sick. Stomach flu? No, probably appendicitis – undiagnosed – ruptured – lethal. He was well regarded, and given a proper and honorable burial. He was wrapped in a blanket. Clark said a few kind words about Floyd’s service to his country. He was then buried on top of the bluff. Lewis actually presided over the funeral, and there was full military honors and a marked grave. They named the knoll “Sergeant Floyd Bluff” and a nearby river, “Floyd’s River.” I think that is a great tribute to a great man. While death may come swiftly, it won’t be forgotten in haste.
Well, I knew the journey would not be easy, but I was surprised we’d lose a good comrade so soon. Sgt. Charles Floyd became sick. Stomach flu? No, probably appendicitis – undiagnosed – ruptured – lethal. He was well regarded, and given a proper and honorable burial. He was wrapped in a blanket. Clark said a few kind words about Floyd’s service to his country. He was then buried on top of the bluff. Lewis actually presided over the funeral, and there was full military honors and a marked grave. They named the knoll “Sergeant Floyd Bluff” and a nearby river, “Floyd’s River.” I think that is a great tribute to a great man. While death may come swiftly, it won’t be forgotten in haste.
Style In Clothes of the Teton Sioux
September 26, 1804
Southern Dakota
Teton men wore hawk feathers about their heads and robes over their bodies, while women dressed in buffalo skins and robes. They seemed very thin and almost ill-looking. Looks may be deceiving. This tribe seemed fierce and ready to fight. Captain Clark said the tribe was very powerful. We almost got in a blood battle with them on the 24th but their chief, Black Buffalo, calmed the anger down.
Any way hear is some samples of what the Teton Sioux wore.
A Teton Sioux Chief named Fool Bull
A mother with her child
Sunday, April 12, 2009
The First Day (Preparing for the Trip Up the Missouri)
May 14, 1804
Place: Heading up the Missouri from Clarksville
The great journey has started. It was a long and stressful day. We have been packing the keel boat with: weapons, equipment and supplies, medicine, clothes, food, navigation tools, and things to trade with the Indians. I have brought a fiddle to cheer up the corps on the journey and I might even trade it for an Indian musical instrument on the way.
After working the whole corps lined up for dinner. The smell of salted pork and biscuits filled the air. There wasn't a lot of noise in the boat. There was much tension in the air. Everyone was just waiting for their meal and that's all they wanted. When I tried to start a conversation with someone they would just ignore me. So I took out my fiddle to try to burn the stress and grumpiness.
My first song was very catchy and a tune that everyone knew. I started dancing to it by myself then another joined in. Pretty soon the whole boat was dancing. Every one was clapping to the beat. Then someone jumped in the middle and did their best Irish dance. Even Seaman (Captain Lewis's dog) joined in!
The night was great and everyone was happy. They even asked for an encore! I felt as if I did my job and I went to sleep with a smile on my face.
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