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Friday, April 28th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Had a very steady group of visitors through camp today with
many home-school kids that came out to visit. In the afternoon I
went into town with Alec to run some errands. Had a great evening
meal prepared by Mad Jack and his crew. In the evening we had a
“party” of sorts around the fire. We presented Jim Drew
with a 15/15 flag and a gold crew medal. We also gave him a plaque
and medal for his boss, Sherriff Garry Lucas. Without his boss’
desire to see this done and Jim’s willingness, flexibility,
and overall outstanding performance we would never have been able
to do it. He not only has been an absolute pleasure to work with
but he has become a great friend to me and our whole crew. Many
of the men were up late into the night.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today I spent largely in camp. Throughout the morning and into
the early afternoon, school kids visited us somewhat erratically.
I volunteered to work the weapons station with Derek, which involved
firing the blunderbuss for the schoolchildren as a farewell salute.
I gave my first presentation, with Derek’s supervision. He
gave later presentations, while I worked to keep the blunderbuss
loaded and firing. It involved wiping the frisson after each shot
and cleaning out the touchhole. Fortunately, it fired every time,
bringing my total of consecutive shots to 7 and the combined total
to 8. That’s great, for a weapon which has a shoddy lock. The
school kids enjoyed the boom greatly. We had a lunch of sloppy joes
between student visits. After we were finished with school children,
Josh and I headed into Pasco to Wal-mart and the Post Office. Josh
picked up some photos of us with Mt. Hood to present to Jim Drew
as an appreciation present. We then visited the Post Office, but
I didn’t receive the contacts I was looking for. I found out
from Josh that we’re riding horses on the good road, which
was great news! We returned for formation and dinner; I made guacamole
to complement the venison fajitas we enjoyed. We were on the front
cover of the Tri-Cities Herald today. It’s an aerial shot,
which the photographer took from a bridge we passed under. Tonight
we’re having an “end of water movement” celebration,
and the girls (Ragan, Ana, and Kris) along with Laura are visiting
us. We’ll even fire off the blunderbuss tonight, in the dark.
O! The joy!
Saturday,
April 29th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Open camp today. Talked with a lot of the public and worked
on the logistics for the remainder of Phase 1 on the “Good
Road”. I took the evening away from camp to spend with friends.
I got a disturbing call while I was away. The winds and storm which
had been steadily increasing through the evening apparently got
strong enough that they lifted ITs WOOT into the air and sent her
flying. From the men who saw, they said she unbelievable twisted
through the air spinning until “touching down”, I was
very concerned. When I finally reached camp later the storm had
passed and most of the men were tucked away in their tents. I saw
ITs WOOT in the corner of the camp with ropes over her staked to
the ground. I looked over her very carefully to assess the damage
myself. Both ears split and there were a few scrapes but nothing
major. I sat on the ground near the front of the canoe and said
a prayer thanking the Creator for taking care of “Black Bear”.
Went to sleep.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
I awoke early (after a long night of laughing and partying with
Colonel, Falvo, and the others) and stumbled outside to work kitchen
duty with Derek. With Mad Jack, we made toast, eggs, and also had
donuts, which Ragan brought with her. Today we were advertised as
having open camp from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. I volunteered to work
the weaponry station with a few others. I helped collect the rifles,
muskets and accoutrements. After talking with a few people, Mike
volunteered to man the station while I traveled into Pasco with
Sid. Of the many men on this trip, I feel especially close to Sid.
He and I see many things similarly, and I think we also have the
same temperament. Sid almost always carries a bright and upbeat
attitude with him, even when others are in inclement moods. He works
hard to maintain our group cohesiveness and brotherly spirit. We
were looking for my contacts, which were supposed to have arrived
yesterday but failed to do so, since they were sent from rural Montana.
We drove to the main branch in Pasco, only to find out the package
had been sent (since it was general delivery) to the downtown branch
office. We drove back and picked up the package from the back entrance.
Sid was a former postal worker; he educated me along the way about
Postal Service history and business. We stopped by a Baskin Robbins
on the way back as well for cold ice cream drinks. They really suited
the day, as it grew hot into the afternoon. We stopped briefly at
the small museum and gift shop here in the park and chatted with
the very friendly and enthusiastic ladies there. As the afternoon
wore on, I worked the weapons station continually, pausing only
to get some water as my voice wore out. I made several presentations
to groups that came by. We made buffalo stroganoff, salad, and cooked
asparagus spears as well. After dinner, the dust storm which kicked
up in the afternoon had reached its apex. The winds lifted ITs WOOT
into the air, flipping it several times before it knocked over a
charcoal grill and stopped. We all sprinted to save the canoe, and
moved it to a secure place. ITs WOOT suffered some minor damage;
the prow was spit in two places, several cross bars popped out,
and there were a couple chips and scratches. The heart was untouched.
The dust storm created a hazy sunset like a Monet painting. I tried
to capture it on camera, but I don’t think the photos will
carry its mood. We all explored the unopened Sacagawea museum in
the park. Falvo, Walter, and I climbed up to the roof and looked
out over our windblown camp. Tomorrow we move to Dayton, ending
our stay here at the confluence of the Columbia and Snake Rivers.
It will be hard to leave such a beautiful spot.
Sunday,
April 30th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
This being the Sabbath I had the men take a leisurely morning.
Presented medals to some of the staff at the park. Allen and Roberta
were present this morning. Let the men have 90 minutes or so to
go take care of anything before we would leave for the “good
road”. Arrive at Lewis and Clark Trail State Park, the home
of Gary Lentz. After setting camp the men made themselves familiar
with their surroundings and explored the beautiful Touchet Valley.
I met with some of my contacts and went over some plans for the
next few days. Our outfitter, Clod Miller, arrived in camp today.
It was great to see him and the horses. I rounded up some of the
“young bucks” and we helped him unload the horses and
secure them to a line. Introduced Clod to the guys and he instantly
fit right in. He is a great guy and his willingness to help us on
such short notice is greatly appreciated. Fired the blunderbuss
tonight in honor of Ragan Andrew.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today we woke up late and had a leisurely breakfast. Roberta
Berg, (Pocahontas) Allen Berg (Jeremiah Johnson), and Neil, the
ranger of Sacajawea Park, joined us this morning. Neil presented
us with elegant “Down the Columbia” medals, and in turn
we presented some Lewis and Clark medals to him and the volunteer
at the gift shop. Then all the men left for about an hour and a
half. I walked over to the tip of the park, right at the confluence
of the Snake and Columbia. There I met Jeff and Walter, and we read
the Bible and sang “Ripple,” our own small service on
a beautiful day. After the men returned, we traveled in a convoy
to our camp at Lewis and Clark Trail Park near Dayton. As we drove,
the flat area around the tri-cities gave way to rolling farmland.
We entered the compact Touchet Valley, the hills on either side
spotted with crops. This area was a main growing area for Green
Giant asparagus and pea seed crops. The plant only recently shut
down when the company decided it was easier to outsource asparagus
from Peru. Fortunately, wine growers in the Walla Walla region have
expanded into the area, and the future looks bright for tourism
in the region. The small valley here is really very pretty. We unpacked
our camp on the grass just in front of the Park, situated right
next to Highway 12 and the railroad tracks. After setting up, several
of us left to visit Waitsburg and Dayton. Waitsburg is a very small,
almost one-street town, but it had a nice antique shop and a coffee/Laundromat/ice
cream shop. After Waitsburg, we visited Dayton, where we walked
into Mariah and Tracie Barthlow’s gift shop. Mariah, a cute
young teenager who has never cut her hair, entertained us with “Chester;”
we sang along. After the gift shop, we visited the Eagles’s
Lodge. There we relaxed, had a couple drinks, and danced to the
jukebox. Walter, Ragan, and I drove to see the Patit encampment,
a massive silhouette set-up with figures for every member of the
original Corps. Peter Weiser (my persona) was holding the “elegant
white stallion” of Captain Clark, which I thought was pretty
important (no bias whatsoever). We returned to camp, where we met
the outfitter Claude and helped him tether his horses for the night.
We had dinner and enjoyed some more fiddle music by Mariah during
the evening. We have horse movement tomorrow. I’m going to
walk with Sid and get some exercise. We’re planning on firing
the blunderbuss tonight for Ragan, who has never seen it.
Monday,
May 1st, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Today marks the first in overland movement till we hit the other
side of the divide. We went up to L&C’s “good road
decision point” where one of their guides wanted to take a
Valley N and the captains decided to stay along the Touchet River
going E. I was given a spirited gelding named “Fast Spot”.
He is an appaloosa that was used previously for breeding racing
horses. He is beautiful. We rode along on an old access road right
next to the river. Eventually we had to come up on the highway for
some sections and ride on the shoulder. We were met by some very
friendly people and even some farmers who let us take their horses
over their untilled fields. Took lunch tucked away in some trees.
We proceeded on some distance and then Clod asked me if I would
take the horses the rest of the way. I was complimented and quite
shocked at this request that a man would allow people he barely
knew to take his horses on 5 miles without him. I said yes and we
proceeded on. Clod is a really great guy and I wish all of our guys
could have met him. I led us on till we reached Boles Junction,
very near the campsite where the original Corps slept 200 years
ago. Back at camp all the guys were in great spirits and the morale
is high. Said goodbye to Ragan and our friends from the coast.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today we woke early and left camp to begin the horse riding
trek. After the men mounted up, we started up a frontage road, passing
by silos and weaving along next to the Touchet River. I walked along
behind, following the men along the road and through farmland. The
furrowed fields were hard for walking, and the horses kept a much
faster pace than I. We eventually came onto the highway. I stayed
on the road, while the horse convoy moved along the shoulder. I
would jog to catch up to the front of the convoy, then gradually
fall behind. Ragan, Patti, and Kris provided a vehicular escort.
I walked until my feet began to hurt, then I took a break to cover
some hot spots with mole skin. I resumed walking just before lunch
break, which was taken off the highway some distance. After lunch,
I alternated riding/walking with Sid for awhile, then rode on Captain
Clark’s white steed for the last section to Bolles Junction.
Claude trusted us so much, he left to pick up his trailer, leaving
us to finish the day’s ride alone. We returned to camp and
I helped Dick cook steaks on the campfire grill. Mariah and Tracey
joined us with a few others around the campfire after dinner. We
said goodbye to Ragan and the girls. I retired to the tipi, talking
with Josh for awhile before turning in for the evening.
Tuesday,
May 2nd, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Today will be a full day. We left early for a commemoration
with the good people of Waitsburg and a great event headed by Loyal
Baker. I couldn’t believe all the people who were there. It
was a great event and we were all given gifts from the town and
a proclamation was read by the mayor. This is a true example of
small town love for the story. As soon as the formalities were over
we mounted our horses and away we rode. We took a back road near
the old mill. Only a short 6 or 7 mile ride today. Derek marches
steadily keeping up with the horses. After we rode into camp we
secured our horses then quickly went to Dayton as we were asked
to join the town for a L&C musical the kids were putting on.
Afterwards we made a presentation and enjoyed talking with all the
kids about who we portray. Sid, Dick, and I along with our friends
“Retro” and “Aqua-Soldier” took to the road
to recon our route we would be taking tomorrow which will be our
longest day in the saddle. The country is beautiful. We met a lady
at our halfway point who graciously is allowing us to stop here
to rest ourselves and our horses. As soon as we were finished we
returned for the community walk from Dayton out to the Patit Creek
Campsite. I offered to take vehicles up along with Dick since we
both aren’t in the greatest conditions to walk. There we set
up some displays and got things ready for the public. When everyone
arrived from the walk Capt. Clark led us into the area with a flag
that we retired and then Derek fired a salute. Spent the rest of
the evening talking with public till they were all gone. The recon
group that was before mentioned will be sleeping out tonight near
the original campsite. The large fire they gave light to all the
people here now was warmth as the night wore on and got increasingly
colder. We took the hay bales and circled them a good distance from
the fire and made our beds between them and our “white man
fire”. Mariah and her mom brought out some drinks for us. We
could see many deer on the S hill as the sun was setting. After
staying up and talking some time with the guys we turned in and
fell asleep to a beautiful array of stars.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today was a full schedule. We left early for an commemoration
event in Waitsburg. As we drove into town, I marveled at the enthusiasm
of the town: schools had shut down, people of all ages flocked to
the town park for the event. The park event had all the trappings
of classic Americana: a barbershop quartet, the school pep band
playing martial songs, and the mayor reading a proclamation naming
the day “Lewis and Clark” Day. We marched to our seats
of honor at the front of the crowd. We all received gift bags from
the city, which included candles and booklets on the area. A local
pastor read blessings for the ceremony, and Bud spoke a few words
to the crowd. Right after the ceremony, we left on horses from the
north side of town. We moved along a frontage road on the north
side of the valley. I rode a Paint named Dot. We crossed onto a
farm road before coming into camp at Lewis and Clark Trail Park.
We lunched, very briefly, before moving off to Dayton. Along the
way we saw a large Green Giant picture on the hillside, another
reminder of the farming culture here. In front of the old train
station the elementary schools/middle schools hosted a Lewis and
Clark Musical for the day. It was really cute; afterwards, the kids
crowded around asking for autographs and questioning our portrayals,
compared to theirs. We also sang our stock rendition of “Kentuck’
Gals”, which we modify for whatever town we’re in along
the way. Sid, Josh, myself, Dick and Biddle traveled up Patit Creek
to recon our travel tomorrow. We our way up beautiful green and
brown ridges, past large wind turbines, and down surprisingly steep
valleys. We also found a watering spot for the horses. It will be
a beautiful ride tomorrow. After returning to camp, we left again
for Dayton, where we joined a column heading towards the Patit Creek
silhouette encampment. We mingled with the townsfolk and walked
the three miles up the road, where we marched out and fired the
blunderbuss for the people before turning out to mingle and eat
a “scant meal.” We had two stations set up; I helped with
the weapons demonstration. A large fire and several hay bales had
been set up for the people. After most everyone left, the recon
group decided to camp out, at the original campsite, under the stars.
We crowded the hay bales and huddled around the fire. Mariah and
Tracey brought us water and Doctor Pepper for the evening. It’s
an exhilarating feeling of freedom to camp out under the stars,
like the original Corps truly would have done it.
Wednesday,
May 3rd, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Awake at sunrise. Alec isn’t used to this kind of primitive
camping, he’s catching on though. He reminds of how I was in
’03. Headed towards camp to go help Clod gather his horses
that are corralled up the road. To my surprise he had a very early
morning and was already done. We went up to the Delta Connection
in Waitsburg and grabbed some coffee to start the day off right.
Took the horses to the Patit Creek campsite and mounted up. We took
off going N and E. We got out of the valleys and up on top where
we could easily see the extensive country the stretched on for miles.
We stopped to eat and let the horses rest. Saddled up and proceeded
on. Took a slight detour to go ride underneath some of the giant
windmills. The horses weren’t bothered by them except for whenever
a large shadow would come sweeping in front of them. A few of us
ran our horses around them. It was pretty awesome. We continued
on and started our decent down into the Tucannon River Valley. We
stopped again at the river to take a short break. Once we were on
the other side of the river we began our ascent up out of the river
valley back up on top. Rode the ridge E-NE for a while before dropping
down to the highway, our final destination for the day. I received
word from Terry Purcel that her sister in law lives in Pataha and
runs the old flour mill there. We decided to go visit and have dinner
since it was only a few short miles E. The place is amazing. We
were treated to a great meal in which we gave a medal for the kindness
given to us. Soon we left to head back for camp. Threw our hawk
and knives for a while.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
We awoke at sunrise. I passed a somewhat hard evening of sleep,
being unused to sleeping on the ground, but surprisingly warm in
my sleeping bag and wool blanket. We went for a celebratory morning
coffee in Waitsburg, then returned to camp to prepare to leave.
After collecting my things, we returned to the Patit Creek campground
to leave on our horseback ride. I saddled a horse named Eureka,
which proved to be the most enthusiastic thus far. She would fall
behind, then trot to catch up. She also insisted on being in the
front of the column for most of the day. It was a constant struggle
to prevent her from trotting, which I imagine she could have done
all day, bouncing me around in the saddle and making things very
uncomfortable. We wound up the drainage, entering steep hilly country
with large wind turbines on the ridge. We walked our horses below
one of these massive turbines and watched the propellers turn above
us. They are tapered, with a twist halfway down the blade to direct
the prop. Combines moved along the rolling wheat fields to either
side of us, as we plodded along the high frontage road. After awhile,
we began our descent into the narrow Tucannon River Valley. Bud,
Derek, and I dismounted to give the horses a break and then hurried
to catch up with the others, who trotted ahead. Next to the river
we took another break. We then mounted another ridge up a steep
grade, followed along the plateau, and descended to the junction
of Highway 12. We corralled the horses in Pataha, then visited the
Pataha Flour Mill, which is now a restaurant, museum, and chapel.
The mill produced the first patent flour in the United States. It’s
apparently owned by a Christian outreach pastor now, who has scripture
verses on all the interpretive signs inside. The mill is large and
drafty, with all the original equipment. I kept thinking of a scene
from the end of the Peter Weir movie “Witness,” when a
crooked cop is buried alive in a grain elevator. We were treated
to dinner afterwards at the restaurant. After returning to camp,
we met several people from the area, including Bill and Josh, Mariah
and Tracey’s brother and father. We threw hawks for awhile,
then sang around the campfire and listened to some fiddle music.
Tomorrow we ride for our last day.
Thursday,
May 4th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Today marks the end of the “good road” for us. Bud,
Alec, Clod, and I rode ahead early to corral the horses and get
their saddles and bridles fitted. We left from Pataha and took off
going E along highway 12 for a while. I am very pleased with Clod’s
horses. They are some of the best I have ever been around, very
surefooted and not jumpy. We split off of the highway onto a road
near the L&C Three Forks Road sign. We rode up and we could
see fields forever. Most of them have not been cultivated yet. In
the W-SW loomed the snow topped mountains in wait. I have a great
love for the mountains since before I ever traversed through them.
Stories from Jim Thom make them sound so majestic. They too, just
like the rivers, have their own way and spirit about them. This
is the Great Wall between us and our final destination. When we
arrived at the end of the road for the day we helped Clod load up
and then said our farewells. He is a great man. Proceeded back to
camp where we got ready to move to Lewiston tomorrow. In the evening
we presented Gary Lentz with a crew medal for his allowing us to
state at the park. He is a true L&C enthusiast and has an immense
wealth of knowledge and expertise.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today I awoke at 6:30 (I was assigned KP) and helped prepare
breakfast by frying bacon. By 8:30 formation had been held and Josh,
Claude, Bud, and I were rolling to pick up the horses. We bridled
and saddled them for the trip in Pataha, where they had been corralled
the night before. We left from a coffee hut parking lot, riding
along Highway 12 before we took off on a frontage road, which wound
up into a plateau of rolling wheatfields, which stretched about
as far as the eye could see in every direction. Mountains, some
covered with snow, loomed far off in the distance. Old combines
in the fields occasionally broke up the beautiful monotony. We turned
off onto another road, which lead us out to the highway again, where
we ended our ride near the Three Forks area (describing the network
of trails which crossed there). Here we stopped, said good-bye to
the horses and Claude, and returned to camp. Derek, Jack, and I
stopped at a grocery in Pomeroy along the way to pick up supplies
for the next few days. We returned and spent a few hours in camp.
I worked on resewing my haversack –the strap had broken two
days ago. Derek and I then spent several hours preparing the dinner-
buffalo mince and mashed potatoes- and then washing up afterwards.
People began streaming into camp; I finished KP and then left with
Bud to go online for awhile. The café where we had gone was
closing, but the Bakers (Loyal and his wife) invited us to their
house for wireless. It was another kind and selfless gesture, which
reminded me of the hospitality we meet with along the way. We’re
virtual strangers, yet people happily invite us into their lives
and homes. We sat in their kitchen for an hour and a half, checking
email and making calls. At 9:30 we returned to the camp, where Gary
Lentz greeted us around the fire. We presented him with a medal,
which he truly deserved, as a genuine Lewis and Clark nut. I exercised
and grabbed a shower before going to bed.
Friday,
May 5th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Move to Lewiston, ID. Set camp at Hells Gate State Park. Alec,
Derek, and I set the lodge up on a high knoll next to camp. You
can see the lodge when you are driving up the river valley more
than 1 mile away. Alec and Derek were having fun and wrestling in
the lodge when Alec’s knife fell out of his sheath and stuck
him in the stomach. There was blood everywhere which led me to believe
it was really bad but fortunately for him it was a very small wound.
I dressed it the best I could with what I had and then Bud took
him to get it redressed and possibly get a tetanus shot. He came
back hours later with a sore arm, they gave him the shot. A great
sunset tonight.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
By the time I awoke today, the others had already packed up
most of camp, and breakfast was waiting for me. I felt guilty, but
reveille was scheduled for 8:00. Problem is, most the older men
here fall asleep early anyway, so getting up at 7:00 is natural.
I packed my belongings and traveled with Sid into Dayton, where
we walked into the Bearpaw shop that Tracey and Mariah owned. I
invited them with Sid and I to an old-fashioned soda fountain at
a drug store down the block; they happily agreed, closing up their
shop for awhile. We sipped chocolate sodas and ate sundaes, chatting
for some time before we walked down to the Palous Museum, our meeting
place at 11:00. We browsed inside. The lady had us sign a register
with a quill and inkwell as well. The Museum is focused on Lewis
and Clark and Palous Indian culture, a horse-riding tribe, unrecognized
by the federal government, which lived in the area near the Nez
Perce. The lady told us a creation story of the tribe, and showed
us the shelves of ancient artifacts. She said the oldest human remains
in North America were found in the area, and that scholars think
that natives have lived in the area for over 7,000 years. We walked
next door to the Columbia County Courthouse, which reminded me slightly
of the Beaverhead Co. Courthouse back home. It’s the oldest
Courthouse in continuous use in Washington State. We walked into
the courtroom, admiring the banisters, plasterwork, and myriad volumes
of legal codes shelved in bookcases along the walls. After visiting
the Courthouse, we made our good-byes and traveled to Lewistown.
We’re staying in Hell’s Gate State Park, above the nice
campground on a flat brush bluff used as a trailhead for horseback
riding. Trying to avoid the manure, we set up camp. Derek, Josh,
and I set up the tipi high on a grassy knoll next to camp. It overlooks
the fast-flowing Snake River and the rest of the park. Afterwards,
we were relaxing inside the tipi, and Derek and I began to wrestle
a little. I felt a pinching pain in my stomach, rolled over, and
saw blood on my hands and shirt. My knife had fallen from its sheath,
and I had rolled over onto it, stabbing myself. The wound was about
an 1/8 inch wide and deep. I walked down to camp; Josh dressed and
sterilized the wound. I felt retarded. We decided I should get a
tetanus shot, so Bud and I left for a clinic in town. After a few
awkward phone calls with my parents and some insurance problems,
I was seated in a room where my wound was redressed and I was given
a tetanus shot. I returned to dinner, which had Mexican theme. We’re
making plans to depart early from Lewistown, since there’s
really nothing going on for us here. We’re planning on working
on the internet in town tomorrow.
Saturday,
May 6th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Went with Bud into town to get on the internet and fortunately
for us it wasn’t up to standards so Alec and I were picked
up by my “Idaho Mom”. We used their internet at their
house and she also cooked as awesome brunch for me and Alec. Caught
up with Bud later on and I showed him the layout of the LCSC campus
and where we would be camping etc. In the evening Alec and I threw
on civvies and headed into town. Its great sometimes to just go
somewhere without people stopping you or staring. We saw a movie
and headed back to camp.
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Yesterday I awoke slowly and ate breakfast down in camp with
the others. Bud, Josh, and I left for town shortly afterwards, where
we went to a Starbucks, since Bud had a meeting there in preparation
for the Summer of Peace event. When we realized that wireless internet
was not free there, Josh called his friends the Haynes and they
picked us up from the coffee shop. We spent the rest of the morning
and early afternoon with them. Mrs. Haynes is an art teacher at
a local school, very friendly and hospitable. Her husband Bill is
Sioux, and now is a pastor in Orofino, in addition to working in
the education department at Lewis and Clark State College and also
running an American Indian day center. He was once a hackeysack/footbag
champion who traveled around the U.S., putting on shows and events
for schools. They have four children: three daughters and a boy.
Bill left to watch Josh, the son, play tennis. Mrs. Haynes decided
to cook us a late breakfast, which ended up a very filling meal
of toast, bacon, potatoes, chicken and duck eggs. I helped wash
dishes. Mrs. Haynes returned us to Bud in the early afternoon. With
Bud, we drove to the Quality Inn and used their free wireless internet
for a couple hours. I worked on compiling an address list for my
group emails and checked my messages. We drove from there to the
campus of Lewis and Clark State College, where Bud and Josh discussed
the layout of camp for the Summer of Peace event next month. It’s
on a green lawn; hopefully, we’ll be spread out under the trees
adjacent to the sidewalk. We returned to camp, where I took a fast
shower, ate a delicious steak dinner prepared by Norm, and changed
into my civvies. Josh and I left to see Mission Impossible 3, which
was playing at the local cinema. It was a thrilling, fast-paced
movie with an intense opening. Afterwards, we went to Walmart, where
it felt refreshing to fit in and not be stared at. We returned to
camp and walked to the tipi, where we did exercises before turning
in for the night.
Sunday,
May 7th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
A cloudy dreary morning. Several of us went to Orofino to attend
the Hayne’s church. Had a great time. Upon our return the rainfall
had increased. This is our last day in camp. Many of the men are
already in civvies getting their gear together and packing for the
break. I can’t believe it’s over. As intense and laborious
the job of being Phase leader is it was a very rewarding experience.
Those of us who were left held a formation tonight, the last one
for Phase 1. Emotions were high and I thanked all the men for helping
me make this possible because I couldn’t have done it without
them. We are all heading home instead of staying 5 plus weeks at
long camp. Hopefully my leg will get a break and have some time
to get some good healing done!
Pvt.
Peter Weiser (Alec Weltzien)
Today, by decision of the leadership cadre, was our last day
in camp and the last day of this phase. We left early for church
after a breakfast of supper leftovers and eggs. Josh, myself, Jeff,
Walter, and Falvo drove to Orofino to attend service at the Community
Church. Josh had made friends here last year on his descent of the
Clearwater; the Haynes were members and Bill was a co-pastor of
the church. It was a contemporary style worship service with drums
and electric piano, along with a projector screen showing the words
to hymns. We listened to a young missionary speak about his work
in Rwanda and his upcoming work in Croatia, and gave an offering
towards this. Afterwards, we split into Sunday schools. Josh and
I attended the school lead by Mrs. Haynes, which focused on Revelations.
After some conversations and promises given to return, we returned
to camp. It had begun raining in the morning, by time we arrived
back at camp, there was a steady pour which lasted most of the afternoon.
I met Verne of the Hog Heaven Muzzleloaders group, which set up
DESC with dugout canoes last year and participated in several local
events. They come from Moscow, Idaho. Several people trickled into
camp over the afternoon: John Fisher came for dinner, Dick Brumley
returned with his wife from Corvallis, Charlie finally arrived,
and other Muzzleloaders showed up as well. Dinner was fantastic;
we had a large salad and small strips of round steak sautéed
with peppers and onions. Fish supplied us with desserts and gourmet
sodas as well. We had a sentimental formation this evening, as we
congratulated each other on a successful phase and applauded Josh,
Sid, and Dick for their work with us. Tomorrow, the Corps Excursion
will depart for St. Charles, and I will leave with Charlie for Dillon.
We’ll begin activities again on the 12 of June, kicking off
the marathon route home with the Summer of Peace National Signature
Event. I’m sad about our break-up, though it’s temporary.
This was a great group by which to be indoctrinated into living
history. From now on, it will be larger and faster-paced, not the
same, tight-knit group as this was. I’ll miss the interrelationships
in our group, which has bonded closely on our trip up the wide river.
Monday,
May 8th, 2006
Young
Shannon (Josh Loftis)
Said my prayers and farewells this morning. We Proceed On…
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