Our next point of interest as we traveled west on Interstate 90 is Camp Pleasant, where on September 16, 1804 Meriwether Lewis and William Clark camped. In Clark's journal, he wrote of the numerous Elk, Buffalo, Deer, Antelope and the swift Pronghorn.
Their camp looked down upon the most scenic portion of the Missouri River. At that time there was an island in the middle of the river. That island is now gone due to flooding and an addition of a dam on the river. The exploration team needed a peaceful view and some much deserved rest as they had undergone many hardships in the last few weeks including death of one of the exploration team. They came upon a growth of plumb trees that provided rip, juicy plums to replenish their bodies and minds. 
Today, we see none of the hardships, but we do see the reason why they called the area Camp Pleasant. Standing on the cliff, looking left and right is sheer beauty in spite of the clouds and rain. 
We totally enjoyed the short time we spent there. Be sure to stop in the visitor's center and read of this segment of the journey of Lewis and Clark. Where do we head next? Well, you need come back to see, don't you?
Thanks for stopping to read today's blog. God Bless y'all and give you miles and miles of safety.
Boy do we need to give Lewis and Clark a big huge thank you! I wonder who else had the guts to lead such a gigantic expedition? No way would I be among those explorers.
ReplyDeleteNow that you've seen where Lewis and Clark started, you need to see where they reached the end of their journey.
ReplyDeleteI think at some point we will follow the Louis and Clark expedition. . .I find it somewhat interesting. . .but my knowledge is so disjointed.
ReplyDeleteWould want to read a couple of books about it I think before we began the sojourn. . .in much more comfortable quarters than they experienced, I might add!
Loved today's pics. . .and the story of the plums. . .makes me wish I had a plum. . .LOL!
We're watching you!!
ReplyDeleteMost plum trees stand straight up and thus are also plumb trees. This is due to a characteristic called "gravitotropism".
ReplyDeleteHope you two are well and having fun.
Craig & Merikay
Sorry to hear the dam has changed things for the river. Don't you wish the plum trees were still there!
ReplyDeleteLove the teepee sculpture :-) Their expedition seems so exciting through all that beautiful countryside, but truly it must have been more harrowing than adventuress most of the time. Although we have not taken great care of all areas, we are fortunate to be able to enjoy so much of it in comfort and safety. Thanks for sharing the origins of the camp :-)
ReplyDeleteRE: Directions from Custer. Just sent you an email but in case it's an old address I'll post Mike's email here...........
ReplyDeleteHi Al,
I'm a little behind in my blog reading....(and everything else) please forgive me.
We have traveled every route imaginable going from Custer to North Ranch, then returning..:-)
The best route is going to Casper, WY then south OUT OF Casper to Rawlins, WY, then down to Craig ,Colorado, on to rifle ,co then to Grand Junction, Co then over to Moab, UT, then south to Bluff, UT and down to Flagstaff and then to Prescott and on to Congress.
You can go down to Steamboat, CO, then over to Craig and on to Rifle....for a change of pace. No bad mountain roads on any of the roads on these routes. Steamboat is pretty.
I wish I had more time to show these routs to you,,,it gets complicated. I know you will find a great way and enjoy it very much....
Best regards to you and Kelly..
See you in the Fall