Pasco and sister cities Kennewick and Richland, with a combined population around 100,000, generate the commercial energy at the southern entrance to the Columbia River Basin, where the Yakima and Snake rivers join The Great River of the West. Known today for fruit, vineyards, and as development site for the first atomic bomb at Hanford, two hundred years ago the area was dominated by the river Indians' salmon economy.

The Corps arrived the third week in October 1805 on the westbound journey and were welcomed by the Columbia River tribes, mostly Wanapums and Yakamas. The adventurers had traveled 3,714 miles from Camp Wood by October 16^th. Reaching the canyons of the Snake River between the mouth of the Clearwater and the Columbia at the low water season, they were still at the mercy of the many rapids. A dugout had been lost on October 14^th when it struck a rock and overturned. With the dugout went some of the precious and small remaining stock of trade goods that the Corps exchanged for food, information, native labor and other services.

On October 16^th, the Corps of Discovery may have become the first white men to ever see the Columbia River east of the Cascade Mountains.

"After Smokeing with the Indians who had collected to view us we formed a camp at the point near which place I saw a few pieces of Drift wood after we had our camp fixed and fires made, a Chief came from this camp which was about ¼ of a mile up the Columbia river at the head of about 200 men singing and beeting on their drums Stick and keeping time to the musik they formed a half circle around us and Sung for Some time, we gave them all Smoke, and Spoke to their Chief as well as we could by signs informing them of our friendly disposition to all nations, and our joy in Seeing those of our Children around us . . . . The Chiefs then returned with the men to their camp; Soon after purchased for our Provisions Seven Dogs." (Captain William Clark's journal, Wednesday, October 16, 1805)

"Salmon are very plenty but poor and dying, and therefore not fit for provisions." (Sergeant Patrick Gass' journal, Thursday, October 17, 1805)

"The number of dead Salmon on the Shores & floating in the river is incrediable to say-and at this Season they have only to collect the fish Split them open and dry them on their Scaffolds on which they have great numbers . . . The waters of this river is clear, and a Salmon may be seen at the deabth of 15 or 20 feet . . . . I was furnished with a mat to set on, and one man set about preparing me something to eate, first he brought in a piece of a Drift log of pine and with a wedge of the elks horn, and a malet of Stone curioesly carved the log into Small pieces and lay'd it open on the fire on which he put round Stones, a woman handed him a basket of water with the fish which was sufficiently boiled for use it was then taken out put on a platter of rushes neetly made, and set before me . . . ." (Captain William Clark's journal, Thursday, October 17, 1805

"Those people respect the aged with Veneration. I observed and old woman in one of the Lodges which I entered, She was entirely blind as I was informed by signs, had lived more than 100 winters, She occupied the best position in the house, and when She Spoke grat attention was paid to what she Said." (Captain William Clark's journal, Thursday, October 17, 1805)

"The fish being very bad those which was offered to us we had every reason to believe was taken up on the shore dead we thought proper not to purchase any, we purchased forty dogs which we gave articles little value, such as beeds, bells & thimbles, of which they appeared verry fond . . . . . . . at the Commencement of this high countrey on the Lard. Side a Small riverlet falls in which appears to have passed under the high country. In its whole course. saw a mountain bearing S.W. conocal form Covered with Snow." [this is Mount Hood] (Captain William Clark's journal, Friday, October 18, 1805)

"At 8 o'clock, we proceeded on; passed some islands and bad rapids, but no accident happened . . . . We went 36 miles halted opposite a large Indian camp [probably the Umatilla Indian village]; and about thirty-six canoe loads of them came over to see us; some of whom remained all night; but we could not have much conversation with them as we did not understand their language . . . .Amongst these savages when any of them die, his baskets, bags, clothing, horses and other property are all even his canoe is split into pieces and set round his grave." Sergeant Patrick Gass journal, Saturday, October 19, 1805

"At noon we came to an Indian camp on the point of a large island, where we stopped and got some fish and other provisions. We here saw some article which shewed that white people had been here or not far distant during the summer." (Sergeant Patrick Gass' journal, Sunday, October 20, 1805)

"At 10, we came to the lodges of some of the natives, and halted with them about 2 hours . . . . We saw among them some small robes made of the skins of grey squirrels, some racoon skins, and acorns, which are signs of timbered country not far distant." (Sergeant Patrick Gass' journal, Monday, October 21, 1805)

By the 24^th, the Corps of Discovery had reached the great Indian trading center near Wishram.

Close to Pasco on SR 124 is Sacajawea State Park, built by the Works Projects Administration in 1939 and upgraded in 1978. The park features a small interpretive center. On the eastbound journey in the spring of 1806, the Corps passed south of present-day Pasco and went overland from the mouth of the Walla Walla River northeast to the confluence of the Clearwater and the Snake, using a route that is close to today's US 12.

Portage Route Chapter members hosted an extraordinary LCTHF Annual Meeting-a very special week which will be remembered for years to come. The Heritage Inn provided a delightful venue as "base camp" for 450 meeting attendees. The opening reception at the Charlie Russell Museum provided a viewing of a special collection of Lewis and Clark-related art accompanied by a delightful buffet, and the gift shop staff was kept very busy. Kids' Camp provided a special day for 65 youngsters-a great way to help them learn about the Expedition. Singing entertainment from Jack Gladstone included a rousing rendition of the "Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery Rag" which had toes tapping all around the room. Three presentations about Sakakawea/Sacajawea/Sacagawea fueled members' ongoing debates about the spelling, pronunciation and origination of our heroine's name. Heavy rains provided a high and fast-running Missouri River, fueling spectacular waterfalls that nearly represented what Lewis and Clark witnessed in 1805. Members were mesmerized by the Great Falls at Ryan Dam, while savoring the hospitality of the Great Falls Chamber of Commerce. The Honor Guard (a group of local enthusiasts who portray the various Corps' members in living color and accurate detail!) provided exciting opportunities to further our Lewis and Clark experience: a sunrise launching of a bull boat on the Sun (Medicine) River; preparation and serving of elk jerky, hard tack, and Charbonneau's Boudin Blanc ("white pudding" made from various bison parts, a favorite treat of the Expedition members); demonstrations of loading & firing their ancient firearms (even occasionally hitting the target "deer"!) and putting volunteers under the harness to portage a canoe at Willow Run (Box Elder Coulee). Some members bravely sampled the water from Sulphur Springs and fancied feeling healthier within minutes. A side benefit of some rainstorm-created "gumbo" (the slipperiest and stickiest mud ever encountered!) was an alternate trip to the mouth of the Marias River for many members. Dayton Duncan treated us to one of his marvelously crafted stories-this one of the grizzly chasing an unprepared Lewis into the Missouri ( to be reprinted in an upcoming issue of We Proceeded On). And James Ronda mesmerized an entire banquet room on closing night. Of course, one of the major highlights of the week was our tour of the new Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center-a truly spectacular and inspiring presentation of our favorite adventure. Many members stayed on to participate in Great Falls' annual Lewis and Clark Festival featuring raft trips, an authentic encampment, and scholars' discussions. Our hats are off to all the Portage Route members-their hospitality and enthusiasm will be the hallmark for future meetings. They truly exemplified their theme of "Peace and Friendship." The Washington State Chapter was represented by 42 members. And 30 states were represented at the meeting, in addition to Great Britain and British Columbia!

At our July 1 evening meeting, Doc Wesselius presented a "Pog-gar-mag-gon" to Sue Hattois of the Idaho Chapter in appreciation of her efforts in hosting the joint Idaho/Washington Chapters during dinner in Lewiston. Details of future meetings were outlined. Dee Roché-Coons presented the Treasurer's Report and announced the Chapter received official non-profit status from the State of Washington. Martin & Barbara Snoey reported on their Lewis and Clark Trail Ride as part of a charity fund raiser for Children's Hospital in Seattle (see p. 7 for full report). Don Payne reported that Dick Williams of the National Park Service advised him of the availability of grant money; members are invited to present ideas for projects the Chapter might want to undertake. He also encouraged Chapter members to advise officers or board members if they are interested in serving the chapter in an official capacity; their interest will be considered when the Nominating Committee meets to recommend the slate of officers and board members for 1999.

Saturday, May 30, found a contingent of members from Washington and Idaho chapters assembled on the campus of Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston. Members caught Mike Venso's excitement as he described his "Rediscovering Lewis and Clark" project. Lewiston Morning Tribune photojournalist Mike and his brother-in-law, Greg Balsmier, departed that afternoon for Cape Disappointment to begin a three-month trip retracing the Lewis and Clark trail from west to east. Using various modes of transportation-U.S. navy vessel, tug/barge, jet boat, logging truck, horseback, foot, mountain bike, canoe, and powerboat-the two young men are filing weekly reports with the newspaper, portraying the perspective of the people who live along the trail today. [Note: Log on to their Internet site each week to follow their progress.] Carole Simon-Smolinski, member of the Washington Governor's Lewis and Clark Committee and professor of history, presented a glimpse into geology's influence on the history of navigation and transportation on the rivers and attempts to tie the east and west. And Bob Hoyle, Idaho chapter member, shared a map and observations about the expedition's route between the Walla Walla and Lewiston areas. Attendees visited Lewis and Clark commemorative sites on campus and formed a car caravan under sunny skies to visit the Alpowai Interpretive Center at Chief Timothy State Park and other sites in Clarkston and Lewiston. Thanks to the hospitality of Sue Hattois, member of the Idaho Governor's Lewis and Clark Committee and of the Clearwater-Snake Bicentennial Committee, the enjoyable day ended with a relaxing social get-together at the home of the college president. All present agreed that our first joint meeting was a gratifying success.

Here's your opportunity to determine what we do. Our May/June newsletter included a member survey form for you to tell your Board what YOU feel our chapter should be doing. What are your goals for our chapter? What do you want us to work on? Have an idea or suggestion for a program or activity? Is there something you'd like to see in your newsletters or on the web page? Do you have ideas for interesting articles? Like to write an article? Please-take a moment right now to find it, fill it out and send it in.

Treasurer's Report submitted to the Board on May 28: Income (dues, donations) - $185; Expenses (postage, Ilwaco Museum)- $76.20; Balance - $871.82.

Treasurer's Report submitted to the Board on July 1: Income (dues, raffle proceeds) - $93; Expenses (postage & copying) - $35.15; Balance - $929.67.

Our February 27, we'll meet in the Mezzanine at the Washington State Historical Society Museum in Tacoma. Program and speakers will be announced in the winter issue of the newsletter.

On April 25, 1999, plan to join us in Longview for a 2-hour champagne brunch cruise with Cascade Sternwheelers on the Columbia River (11:30 a.m. -1:30 p.m.). Cost will be $27.95 for adults and $17.95 for children. The newly formed Oregon Chapter is being invited to join us. More details and sign-up info will be in the winter newsletter.

The chapter will hold its third meeting of 1999 during the Foundation's Annual Meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota, during the week of July 31-August 4.

And on September 18, 1999, we'll have our second joint meeting with the Idaho Chapter at the Lewis and Clark Trail State Park between Dayton and Waitsburg in eastern Washington. Plans are for a potluck picnic and a tour of the area of the 1806 return route. We'll also be able to participate in the local Bruce Mansion Days in Waitsburg. Details will be included in the spring newsletter.

Congratulations to Barb Kubik! She was honored twice during the Foundation's Annual Meeting in Great Falls. First she was elected as Vice President for 1998-99 (Barb notes she is following in the footsteps of two previous presidents from Washington, including the Foundation's first woman president, Hazel Bain from Longview, in 1982-83). And second, Barb was given the Distinguished Service Award, recognition from her peers for her many years of successful and hard work for the Foundation.

You'll see a new segment of our newsletter on page 6-Corner of Discovery: Profiles of Our Members. Cheryl Essary will be contacting members by phone (no , she isn't one of those obnoxious telephone solicitors!) from time to time to "interview" you. So be thinking of what you want to tell her-and watch for more member profiles in each issue.

Hats off to Doc Wesselius for stepping up to the challenge of Program Chairman on a temporary basis. Check the listing elsewhere in this newsletter announcing the exciting plans he has in place for our 1999 meetings.

A big thank you to Steve Lee and Sue Hattois of the Idaho Chapter for organizing a great joint meeting in Lewiston. The fun and fellowship will long be remembered by all those who participated.

Congratulations to Dee Roché-Coons and her family. They held the winning ticket on May 30 for the videotape of Ken Burns' documentary and Dayton Duncan's book donated by Bea Sweeten.

Members are encouraged to advise an officer or board member (see list on p. 3) if you are interested in serving the chapter in an official capacity. Your interest will be considered when the Nominating Committee meets to recommend the slate of officers and board members for 1999.

If you wish to have a copy of our chapter bylaws, contact Dee Roché-Coons, 2703 8^th Avenue, Clarkston, WA 99403, or Pam Andersen, 2374 Crestline Blvd NW, Olympia, WA 98502.

The 1999 Annual Foundation Meeting is set for July 31 - August 4 in Bismarck and Mandan, North Dakota.

While in Great Falls, we took orders from our members for a 1999 Lewis and Clark Calendar to be published by the Travelers Rest Chapter. This is a "mini" fund raiser for our chapter. We still have seven copies available at a cost of $8 each; if you're interested, contact Dee Roché-Coons.

Our chapter and the Foundation lost member Allee Margaret Parker Olsen this past spring. She was a 4^th generation descendent of Alexander Hamilton Willard, gunsmith and blacksmith and member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Allee was born and spent most of her life in Washington. She and her husband, J. Louis Olsen, had three sons: Terry, Tom and George, all of whom are members of our chapter, as are Tom's daughter, Debbie Sidenquist, and her son, David.

And on July 26, the chapter and Foundation lost long-time member Harry Hubbard. Born and raised in the Puget Sound area, Harry served as an officer in the Pacific Fleet during WWII and led an active life of service to his community and the environment. He was founding president of the National Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Council and, though received in absentia, he was greatly moved by the recognition and good wishes received from the Council and the Foundation earlier in July. His widow, Ruth, and daughter and son-in-law, Penney and Mike Ewing, are members of our chapter.

The members of our chapter extend our sincere condolences to Allee's and Harry's families.

Here's a great opportunity for you, extended from the soon-to-be formed Oregon State Chapter and Cindy Orlando. On September 19 at 2:00 p.m., Washington State Chapter members are invited to attend their meeting and also hear a pair of presentations on "Archeological Research at Fort Clatsop National Monument" by Professor Ken Karsmizki of the Museum of the Rockies and Jim Thomson, Senior Archaeologist, National Park Service. At 5:00 p.m., there will be a reception to include the Clatsop County Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Association, Inc. and various community leaders. If you plan to attend, please RSVP before September 12 to Cindy Orlando at Fort Clatsop, (503)861-2471, ext. 211.

We are beginning a new column in our chapter newsletter in which we will feature various members and their comments concerning their interest in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We are pleased to inaugurate the series with the following two essays, submitted in response to our spring survey form which encouraged members to share this information. Look for more member profiles in coming issues!

Bea Sweeten: My interest in the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation stems from the fact that I am a child of the Three Forks of the Missouri area. I was born in Bozeman, Montana, and lived in nearby Belgrade, both of which are only a few miles from Three Forks. As a result, I knew about Lewis and Clark and Sacajawea long before starting school. We went to Three Forks frequently on family outings and always stopped at the Sacajawea statue at the Sacajawea Inn in Three Forks. My cousins and my little sister all remember playing on and around the statue. Imagine my shock when I learned this winter through Don Payne, Chapter President, and David Walter, Montana Historical Society, that there never was a statue of Sacajawea-only a big boulder with a bronze plaque placed there by the Daughters of the American Revolution. However, that piece of news has not diminished my interest in the LCTHF. It is still fun to think of my little sister and cousins and me crawling all over Sacajawea standing on that big rock.

Penney Hubbard Ewing: History has been a life-long interest of mine. Many vacations are spent exploring what I call the "story" behind some little town or geographic area where we are camping. Born in Washington, my family moved east when I was young which gave me wonderful opportunities as a child growing up to explore colonial history when we went places like Williamsburg, Philadelphia and other historical places. But I always identified with the theme of "going west", where my own roots were. The Lewis and Clark Expedition is the ultimate "go west" trip, full of adventure and discovery, both of the natural world and through the stories of the people involved, the native populations as well as the members of the Corps. I wish I'd been there! It meets my criteria for the perfect vacation! Lots of nature to explore and lots of new places and new stories of cultures and people. The long-time interest and appreciation my father, Harry Hubbard, has had for the Corps of Discovery led me to discover what a study of the history of the expedition had to offer. As the founder of the Bicentennial Council, his own enthusiasm for celebrating this amazing trip of discovery and his desire to educate others of its significance has contagiously spread to both my husband, Mike, and myself. We camped last fall near Fort Clatsop and visited the fort on a day (much like today!) that was cold, dark and rainy. It was wonderful to really feel what that winter in the future northwest states was like for the Corps! Amazingly what those first "tourists" described as a pretty lousy experience has not kept people from moving to and visiting Washington and Oregon every since!

As of July 31, our new chapter has 97 memberships (some memberships consist of two or more people)-we've almost doubled our size since the inaugural meeting in November 1997. Remember to share the attached Membership Application form with friends and family and encourage them to join us for fun, adventure and education.

The following Lewis and Clark enthusiasts recently joined the Washington chapter-we welcome you!

Mr. & Mrs. George Eisentrout
Margaret & Allen Nelson
Carl & Muriel Carbiener,
Rick & Marilyn Schiefelbein
Kevin Tessmer

A lifetime of memories-that's what member Martin Snoey & his wife, Barbara, collected during their recent four-week adventure. They accomplished all three of their objectives: fulfill Martin's dream of retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail; raise money for kids (pledges toward the 4,000-mile ride benefited Children's Hospital in Seattle); and raise awareness of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Departing from St. Louis on June 24 in 100-degree weather & high humidity (Martin riding his Harley-Davidson bike, Barbara driving the backup/supply vehicle), they spent an afternoon with Glen & Joan Bishop in St. Charles observing their inspiring efforts to rebuild the replica keel boat and pirogue which burned last year. Continuing north through a near-by tornado, thunder and hailstorms in Iowa & South Dakota, then battered by severe winds in North Dakota & eastern Montana, they arrived in Great Falls to participate in the Foundation's Annual Meeting. Martin & Barbara rated the Lewis and Clark encampment and the new Interpretive Center as "truly outstanding." They also enjoyed a customized visit to the Portage Route with Bob Doerk & William Werner and traveled through the Gates of the Mountains with Steven & Moira Ambrose on their boat. Propelled by four-wheel drive and his own legs, Martin slopped through Montana's infamous gumbo mud to reach Camp Disappointment and the fight site-a place where he truly felt a sense of Lewis and his men. They closely experienced portions of the Corps' trip by canoeing 50-miles through the White Cliffs (Martin says this area is every bit as awesome as described by Lewis but one of the low points of the trip was seeing the damage to the Eye of the Needle) and riding 36 miles through the Bitterroots on horseback with Harlan & Barbara Opdahl. After enduring 105-degree temperatures in eastern Washington, they were joined by Martin's Seattle bike group, the Mild Ones, for the final miles from Longview to Ilwaco and thence to Seattle. Three of the most emotional moments for Martin occurred during the last two days of the event: touching the Pacific Ocean after reaching Ilwaco and realizing how sorry he was that the adventure was over; the 67-mile parade/concluding event in the Seattle area (looking in his rear view mirror and seeing the headlights of 400 motorcycles behind him-all there to support Children's Hospital-gave Martin goosebumps); and hearing the tremendous cheers from the crowd at the July 19 rally when he announced they had raised over $100,000.

Looking back on the trip, Martin says he gained new appreciation for the resourcefulness and energy of the Corps of Discovery's men as they met the continual challenges of their trip. When asked "What are you going to do now?", Martin and Barbara's reply is, "We're NOT going to Disneyland; we're going to Boston to see our new grand-daughter, Elise, who was born while we were on the trail."

Both Martin and Barbara extend their thanks to all those who contributed to the success of this project. As of July 22, the total amount raised for Children's Hospital was approaching $110,000! Contributions will continue to be accepted until September 1 and should be mailed to: Rena G. Jones Guild, Children's Hospital Guild Association, P O Box 5371/Mail Stop CL-04, Seattle, WA 98105. (Note: All of the donated money goes straight to Children's Hospital--Barbara and Martin funded 100% of their expenses.)

WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER

Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation

2703 8^th Avenue

Clarkston, WA 99403-1602

CHAPTER MEMBERSHIP

$10.00 per year for any person, Name(s)_________________________________________

family, firm, association or

corporation. Please make checks Street ___________________________________________

payable to:
Washington State Chapter LCTHF City _____________________________________________

Dues are kept as low as possible to State _______________ Zip _________________________

encourage wide membership. In

addition, members are encouraged *Phone: (h)____________________ (w)________________

to make additional donations to

support the organization. *E-mail: __________________________________________

*Optional-will be included with membership roster

Above dues are for Washington State Chapter only. Bylaws state that Chapter members must be current members

of the National Foundation. Annual dues are: Individual, $30 per year; Family, $40 per year; membership includes

the quarterly magazine We Proceeded On. Send Foundation dues to: Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation,

PO Box 3434, Great Falls, MT 59403.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

WASHINGTON STATE CHAPTER

Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation

2374 Crestline Boulevard NW

Olympia, WA 98502-4324