Wednesday, October 14, 2015

Bandits at 9 O'clock

Posted by MEG

We had a nice evening sitting around the campfire, enjoying the  clear skies, eating s'mores.  Nolan and I played a round of cribbage.  I had a great night - Nolan probably does not want to go on the record on this one except maybe a bit of grumbling about a massive mugging.  (Yeah, you got to play to know what that is all about.)

 Everyone had gone inside.    It was around 9 o' clock when Nolan noticed a critter on the picnic table.  A raccoon had gotten up on the picnic table and stole a bag of graham crackers while Nolan and I were sitting not more than six feet away.  These were some rather bold interlopers.  We got a couple of pics before we called it a night.  Before going in, though, we made sure all of the compartments were shut and locked.

Fort Clatsop

Did you know the Corp saw only six days of sun during their stay at Fort Clatsop? They made more maps and journal entries at Fort Clatsop than any other location on their journey. Collectively, the Corps made 340 pairs of moccasins for their trip home during their stay.
 
We visited Fort Clatsop near Astoria, OR  today. Fort Clatsop hosts a visitor center with interesting exhibits and two film presentations: one from the perspective of the Clatsop tribe and one over-viewing the Corps of Discovery.  I found the varying perspectives captivating - both thinking the other group a bit rude and odd.  Admission fees are $3 in the winter. We were able to  use our National Parks Pass and get in for free.
Taking Jr Ranger work seriously
There are also two trailheads at the fort: Fort to Sea Trail  and the  Netul River Trail and paths to wander through the woods.





We found the replica of the fort, built by the Corps when they wintered here from Dec 1805 - March 1806, to be one of the highlights of the center.  The river is beautiful.
 
We wanted to find the canoe landing outside the fort. Michael opted to stay at the center- too  much walking the past few days. The kids and I  set off....
 
It turns out we were actually on the popular Netul River Trail and not on the way to the canoe landing at all. We did comment several times that it made little sense to land the canoes so far downriver. It was an invigorating two mile hike as we didn't want Michael to be alone too long.
 
On our return to the fort area we noticed the Canoe Landing SAYS it is only 200 yards....ah well...it was a pleasant hike anyway.  

 
This river is actually called the Lewis and Clark River, but the park labeled the trail the Netul River Trail to honor the Clatsop nation. This is the river the Corps came up when looking for a winter encampment in 1805.
 
Hiking the Netul River Trail was one of the activities listed for Jr Rangers. Stacia had visited enough of the sites and done enough activities to earn the "President" ranking as well as a certificate and a nice iron on badge.