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Summer 2018 #7 August 18, 2018

With Lewis & Clark to Trails End

After traveling over 4000 miles across the North American continent, on Nov 7, 1805 the Corps of Discovery had “Ocian in View!” at the mouth of the Columbia River on the Pacific Ocean. For 10 days they explored the surrounding area looking for a favorable site for winter encampment. By Dec 10, 1805 they began to build a fort they named for the local Indian tribe, the Clatsop.

Crossing the Bitteroot Mountains                               Cape Disappointment – farthest point westward

Meeting the Clatsop Indians                                                   Winter at Fort Clatsop

Sacagawea's family room                                         Columbia River meets Pacific Ocean

Three “salt makers” from the Corps of Discovery camped for several weeks near an Indian village about 10 miles from Fort Clatsop at the Salt Works. Here by boiling saltwater day and night they produced a large quantity of salt for flavoring food and curing meat. Meanwhile, in January Lewis & Clark received information that a whale had grounded about 30 miles south of camp and went to investigate. The Tillamook Indians had boiled the blubber and Lewis was able to trade for “a small quantity”.

Salt Works                                                                             Beached whale

On March 22, 1806 the Corps of Discovery departed Fort Clatsop and began their six month journey home.

End of the trail west

Traveling the Oregon Coast

Our trip south through Oregon begins in Astoria, the northern most Oregon city on coastal US 101. While in Astoria we toured the Columbia River Maritime Museum. The displays in this museum highlight not only Columbia River history but the activities of the Coast Guard along the western seaboard of the United States. The day we were at the museum the Cutter Steadfast was open for tours. This 1127 tons ship is manned by 80 personnel – both men and women. Its patrols focus on detecting and interdicting drugs, migrant smuggling activity and Homeland Security operations. They proudly display a huge gold marijuana leaf, symbolizing one million pounds of marijuana seized.

At port in Astoria                                                                     Gold leaf

At the mouth of the Columbia, millions of gallons of fresh water collide with ocean swells and carry sand from the mountains into the ocean. Special harbor pilots are needed to bring ships through the every changing sand bars. In the late 1800’s two jetties were constructed, one on each side of the harbor opening. These jetties help keep most of the sand from collecting in the shipping channel. Due to the action of the surf these jetties need regular maintenance, i.e. additional huge rocks transported by trucks.

Jetties protect the harbor channel                                  Old railway used to move rocks for the jetty

A Surprise at the Beach

We should no longer be surprised at what might be discovered when visiting a new area. So when we walked along the boardwalk in Seaside, Oregon and saw a large gathering of people on this enormous beach, we inquired of a vendor. To our surprise we had happened upon THE LARGEST BEACH VOLLEYBALL TOURNAMENT in the world being held for 3 days at this site with the very best players on center court and many more competitors on the remaining 175 (yes 175!!!) courts set up along this beach. And hundreds of spectators including us.

   

Center court                                                        Outer courts (double click to see movie)

More Wildlife

Eagle at Juan du Fuca Straits                                       After many years in the ocean

A home on driftwood                                                             Common Murre colony

Traveling now south along the Oregon coast we have concluded our journey across the west with Lewis & Clark.