Traveling Through the Bitterroots

Friday, June 12
For five days the Corps of Discovery struggled against cold, wind, snow, and fallen trees as they took the Lolo Pass through the Bitterroot Mountain range of the Rocky Mountains trying to get to the western side and the Columbia River that would take them to the Pacific Ocean.  It is a wonder they made it considering all the problems including the lack of food but they did.  So we set off to follow as best we could the path they took (impossible of course because we had to take the 2 lane road that now provides a way)

But even for us with a paved road it was a tough but beautiful drive - especially when driving a 40 foot motorhome with a car attached. (our friends Frank and Bette Foulke are in front of us here on what seemed like a million switchbacks)

The climb took us up to Lolo Pass which was at 5325 feet where there was this visitor center and displays about the Corps of Discoveries travels through the Bitterroots both in September 1805 headed to the Pacific Ocean and again in the spring of 1806 on their return East.

The trip followed the Clearwater River which had loads of little creeks contributing to it.  Just about every mile or so we'd see another sign with the name of the creek we were passing that was dumping water into the river.  In addition we passed signs for "moose crossing" and "game crossing" plus warnings to watch for rocks in the road (they fall off the rock face of the tall mountains we rode close to almost the whole way) We stopped briefly at a pull off so I took this picture of the rock which is behind Ken, Frank and Bette.

I also was able to take a picture of the river

 We saw a couple of groups of rafters enjoying the challenge of the rapids

The trip took us from Missoula, Montana through Idaho to Clarkston, Washington (right on the border of Idaho.  Part of the time in Idaho we were traveling through a Nez Perce Indian Reservation. This was taken just after we entered it.

The river had grown much wider and the landscape more stark.  It is near this point that Lewis and Clark and company rested after the arduous trip through the mountains and made dugout canoes for their travel to the Pacific Ocean.

We are now on Pacific Time so gained an hour during the trip.  That allowed us time to get into our campground, get set up in this beautiful spot on the Snake River (the shot is taken through our front window)

and do the usual cleaning of the front of the vehicle.  The bugs (you will notice them in most of my pictures) "splat" the windshield from the moment we take off and leave quite a mess.  Here are our friends the Christian's cleaning up their RV.

Once we had our chores done, it was time to gather at the clubhouse for a delicious catered dinner together with "entertainment."  James Spencer, a Nez Perce Indian, played songs on two different flutes, sang and played the drum, told stories and folk tales and answered our many questions about his dress, life, and traditions.  He was an outstanding speaker with a gift for story telling as well as a terrific sense of humor that constantly had us chuckling.

We fought strong winds a good deal of the drive and they about knocked us off our feet once we were parked and out admiring our view.  They quieted down for a bit but as I write this they have picked back up and are rattling the awnings alot.  One of the campers here told us this is not usual but is bringing a big change in temperatures.  It was 105 here two days ago, in the mid-80s today and suppose to drop into the 50s tonight with a high of 70 tomorrow.  We'll see