Canoeing the Course of HistoryOn the Lewis and Clark Trail in Montana
From June until September, ROW (River Odysseys West) will offer 13 four-day, and three six-day "safari-style" canoeing and walking adventures departing from Great Falls, Montana. Two special departures highlight the 1999 schedule. On the August 1 trip, Robert Carriker, author of "Peter John DeSmet, Jesuit in the West" and Smithsonian study tour leader, will be in attendance, focusing on the history of Lewis and Clark and their "Corps of Discovery." And on the August 9th departure, Otis Halfmoon, Chief Interpreter at the Nez Perce National Historic Park, will join the canoeists bringing his unique knowledge of the history of Native Americans who lived in the area. Itinerary highlights include a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, followed by the canoe launch near historic Fort Benton, Montana. The journey travels through the famous White Cliffs area, where the Missouri River cuts through cliffs uncovering 10 million years of geological history. This is truly inspirational wilderness country with its unique sandstone cathedrals, natural amphitheaters and landscape marvels.
And for wildlife lovers, there's the chance to see soaring golden eagles, hawks and falcons as well as beaver, antelope, deer, elk and bighorn sheep who live in the cottonwoods, junipers, pines sagebrush and cactus which grow along and near the river providing food and shelter for the animals. According to Peter Grubb, who heads family-owned River Odysseys West, "We were the first outfitter to offer 'safari-style' wilderness voyageur canoe trips on the Upper Missouri. We built special voyageur canoes based upon the designs used by 19th century fur trappers, but with comfortable seats, and we offer 17-foot Mad River canoes for experienced canoers who want some physical challenge. By design, we provide a modicum of comfort and pampering to add to the experience. We provide a guide for each four to five guests, and our camp canoe carries tents, sleeping gear, dining tables and chairs, supplies, sleeping gear and even portable toilets, all of which we set up in advance of our arriving guests." Grubb continued, "We include meals in the package. Our outdoor cuisine might include baked Idaho trout, Cornish game hen stuffed with wild rice, juicy Montana rib-eye steak fajitas, fresh local vegetables, fruits and salads; as well as desserts made in our special Dutch ovens including double fudge brownies or pineapple upside down cake. Beer, wine, juice and soda are also provided." "We have great fun around the campfire at night telling stories, singing songs and carrying on. And we're careful to preserve the environment bringing out our fire ashes and wastes to minimize our impact on this beautiful land." These trips can be enjoyed by anyone in "reasonable physical condition" and prices start at $850 for adults with reduced rates for children from the ages of five to 16 years. Special family and 50+ departures are also offered. ROW is headquartered in scenic Coeur d' Alene, Idaho. For reservations or additional information on the Upper Missouri River "Journeys of Discovery," contact... ROW Edited by Dave Shultz courtesy of River Odysseys West |
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The legends of Lewis and Clark, bearskin-clad mountain men, heroic native American warriors and "bet-it-all" pioneers come alive for adventurers who join voyages of discovery on Montana's Upper Missouri River this summer. Participants travel in modern, 34-foot long replicas of voyageur canoes used by early fur traders. 
A feature of these excursions is shore time to visit nearby attractions. One of the shore visit sites is Eagle Creek where Lewis and Clark camped in 1805. There's even a chance to visit Hole-in-the Wall and its surrounding coulees where Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid and Kid Curry hid out in the late 1890's.