How do I begin to explain how we felt when we realized the goal of our 4,000 miles of travel? Reliefed, extreme happiness, overjoyed, amazement, accomplishment and thanks to all that the Corps helped me through. The Pacific Ocean was quite a sight! I waited all this time just to see this ocean and boy was it worth it! I enjoyed the smell and taste of the salty air from the sea. It was kind of stinky to some but to me it was the best smell I had ever experienced. The Captains let us relax to the sound of the waves crashing down. There was even a sighting of the bones from a whale. The Captains our also going to let us vote were we want to go next. Their even letting Sacagawea and York vote. Anyway I know the ocean here is so gorgeous but I am ready to seize the challenges that will strike as we return home and I know they will come at me hard and fast even though most of the way will be down river this time.
Nick, I get goosebumps reading and contemplating your journal. You write so sincerely and so well. Your words and pictures breathe so much life and vitality into the trail. Little phrases here and there take me back in time, place me right at an event or discovery.
ReplyDeleteAnd then I realize what you bring to class to share, prickly pear, dog, presentations on dog. You have shown what Jefferson and Lewis and Clark envisioned when they gathered the Corps together.
It's going to be hard when we have to say good bye in St. Louis.
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Indeed it will be hard Captain John. Thank you for your generous payment and word of kindess. I will proceed on the best I can.
ReplyDelete-Nick