On the Trail of Lewis and Clark
July 17 |
| Tuesday morning, certain that we would find the coast more interesting, we headed out early past Tacoma, and then along the northern side of the Columbia River to the Pacific. I knew that at this point we were following the path of Lewis and Clark, but wasn't sure just what vestiges of their trip we could find. Just before the Astoria (as in Waldorf and the fur trade...) we found a visitor center where we were able to learn all about the expedition on the Washington side, but nothing, not even a map, about anything in Oregon. Could it be that these two states are such rivals that they can't even offer a map of the adjoining state? Surely don't half of the tourists must start from the north and head south as we were doing? There was no answer to this question. . |
| In fact Lewis and Clark landed first on the northern side, stayed for a few days, and then learned that they could make a better winter camp on the southern side (now Oregon). We began by heading to Washington's Interpretive Center, where we found a short film about the trip and a view from a hilltop down to the beach where they presumably landed. Crossing the river (and finding a pro-Oregon visitor center) we learned that there was a larger, more complete interpretive center located where the winter camp had been. Indeed this does appear to be the actual site of the camp (although archeological findings are meager) and an enthusiastic "interpreter" in bucksin gave us details as we explored the small six-room log encampment that has been rebuilt on the site.. |
| It would be fair to say, that with the exception of our afternoon with Lewis and Clark, we really hadn't given the state of Washington a fair chance. After all, this was designed as an Alaska trip, and there is certainly more to be seen here if I were to go back again.. |
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| For Oregon, we are allowing three nights, partly because of my affection for Ashland.. |
