The Oregon Trail - Day 19

After a night in Clarkston, Washington, we were trying to get on the road today toward Lewiston, Idaho.  Being still so traumatized  and awed by the drive through Hell's Canyon, we were determined to get a t-shirt and Christmas ornament to remind us of the bragging rights.  That ended up costing us about three hours of travel time.  We could not find a shirt that did not have Idaho on it.  We were in Washington and wanted it to say so.  Well, we decided that side of the mountain has claimed all the bragging rights and you could not find one with Washington on it for all the tea in China.  After crossing the Lewiston Bridge over the Snake River between Washington and Idaho five times (Johnny was a real trooper), we gave up and ended up buying some trinkets at Hell's Gate State Park and heading for Missoula, Montana. 

As we crossed the state line into Idaho we saw a road sign that said the grey wolf is the #1 poacher in the state.  Comforting!!

I know that all kids study about the Lewis and Clark's expedition in high school, but I must admit I remember little to nothing about it.  Just looking at the terrain today and remembering the trip through the Canyon yesterday, I have a renewed appreciation for anyone who braved this territory before modern day SUV's, restrooms every 30 or so miles, GPS's and cell phones!  Those pioneers really wanted to vacation and see the great outdoors!  I plan to do a little studying up on Lewis and Clark in my spare time.  So much of what we saw, the places we went and all the names of places and events relate to Lewis and Clark.    The statue just over the Lewiston Bridge is of Chief Twisted Hair.  He must have been a really important leader during the time of the expedition and instrumental in the relations with the white men.  I just like his name. 

 We arrived in Missoula, Montana just in time to find a room for the night at a local motel - The University Inn.  The University of Montana is in Missoula and it is a pretty little college town.   Supposedly you can hike us to the big "M" on the side of the mountain you can see from the hotel and see Hell's Canyon and lots of other sights surrounding the area.  One day we need to come back to this area and really take time to enjoy the beauty of Montana and all the great things to see and do.  This leg of the trip, however, was fast and furious - must get to Yellowstone. 

Marmalade's Side of the Story

Washington is a very cold place.  Baker, did you know that it is at the very top of the United States?  Nonnie let me use her scarf in the car to get my ears warm.  Do you know there is a Snake River here, too?  I think Lewis and Clark should have named it something else.  We did not see a snake anywhere, but I had my picture made there anyway.  I am really glad we have not seen any Indians on horses with spears.  Even ones with twisted hair.  Do you think Indians like giraffes?  I think they used to shoot buffaloes and make tipis out of their skin, but I don't know about giraffes.

This is me.  I was getting all warm, but I still needed my snuggy, buggy Sidney.  I am coming home really soon, but Nonnie says we have to go see a yellow stone first.