Journal 2005 08 30
Old Toby
The young men knew the work they had already expended to get to this stage of their journey. Heavy work, pulling boats, paddling canoes and carrying cargo on their backs. Work usually resigned to horses and mules. On this expedition only men could perform this work. Little did they realize that their hard work was but training for the most difficult portion of their journey that they were embarking on this day.
August 30th of any year is usually a fine time in the mountains. I’ve hunted in the Rockies in late October with the temperatures still in the high eighties! I’ve also been in the same place at the same dates in other years when the temperature was a bone chilling fifteen with three feet of snow on the ground.
The Shoshone and the Corps were anxious to get moving in opposite directions this day.
The men had learned from their generous hosts that game was almost non-existent on their route and passage would be difficult. The Captains kept reasoning that if Indian women and children could safely make the passage certainly this band of hardy soldiers would find a way. They had procured twenty-nine horses and were of the mindset that they would use several for food if so needed! Less time in this rugged mountains meant less exposure to the elements and less strain on their strength.
The Indians knew they needed the safety of the other tribes to help protect them from warring nations as they hunted buffalo. Hides and meat would carry them through the winter until the salmon returned up the rivers on the west side of the mountains.
Now the fate of the Corp appeared to be in the hands of Old Toby and his son who would lead the Expedition through the mountains to the west. The Corps was going north on today’s Lemhi River.
Have you ever had to place your life in the hands of someone who may have appeared to be less than able to complete the task? How many would follow an old man into the wilderness when their very existence depended upon his decisions? How many of us would follow a guide who didn’t speak our language? What would be the fate of the mission if something happened to the old man during the trip?
Trust. The men were self-sufficient but they knew they needed help. We are self-sufficient, but are reluctant to call for and accept help. I am anyway. Why would we attempt a dangerous journey without a guide who knows the way? If our children were to go someplace dangerous without a guide we would call it foolishness. Yet we do it all the time. We call it independence. It is still foolishness.
God has shown us a way and given us a guide for a journey that will surely end in death. Have you trusted your course through life to Him who is utterly trustworthy? Or are you still independent and making your own way through life? Death awaits all who live. Only the Living God can lead you on a path were death has no eternal consequence. Can you trust Him and follow His Son who made the way and His Spirit who guides us?
Inspiration for today from America's Greatest Expedition, the Corps of Discovery!
Tuesday, August 30, 2005
Tuesday, August 23, 2005
Camp Fortunate
Journal 2005 08 23
Camp Fortunate
Hot days, cold nights. Water in buckets is crusted over with ice in the mornings in the high mountains on the Montana-Idaho border. Now poised over six thousand five hundred feet above sea level the Corps is preparing to cross over the Continental Divide and into the Columbia River drainage. The Captains find the Shoshone to be true to their word and very helpful in their desire for information. An old Shoshone guide, known as Old Toby, agrees to guide the Expedition through the rough mountain passage.
The Captains were hoping to navigate the Salmon River to the Columbia. The Shoshone told the Captains the Salmon was not passable because of its course through a long narrow gorge. Clark and a small crew were sent to confirm that information. They discover that the river was indeed impassable. Clark sends Private Colter with a note to Lewis to begin negotiations in earnest to purchase more horses. The next phase of the journey would be overland.
The main party camped in a place they name Camp Fortunate in recognition of their good fortune at finding the Shoshone with an abundance of horses. Good fortune was also manifested when Sacagawea, who was interpreting for them, stopped interpreting, appeared overcome with emotion and spoke directly to Cameahwait, the Shoshone chief. She stood up and the chief and Sacagawea exchanged a long hug. Cameahwait was her brother! Good fortune had indeed shone on Meriwether Lewis and his men once again!
The men freely shared venison, corn, beans and sugar with their hosts. The Indians were delighted with the “feast”. All the Indian tribes the men have observed fish with a variety of hooks and barbs. Clark shows his Shoshone guides on their exploration of the Salmon River a dragnet and catches over five hundred fish that are given to any and all takers.
I have had problems breathing and keeping my respiratory system from drying out while at the same altitudes our travelers are operating in. They are crossing the Continental Divide with ease and carrying cargo with them (lots of fish!). No complaints of any effects of altitude. Lemhi Pass sits at an elevation of seven thousand four hundred feet. This is their main route over the Continental Divide.
Our modern world causes problems not foreseen in days gone by. Their gradual ascent from the Great Plains to the top of the continent allows our forefathers to adjust to the thinning oxygen at a rate they don’t even notice. Flying from sea level to eight thousand feet in a few short hours causes my body to cry for more oxygen. Hiking to ten thousand feet a few days later interferes with my ability to sleep soundly and I notice that my muscles require more time recuperating from exertion. Returning to sea level a few days later feels like I’m breathing an enriched elixir that fills me with great delight.
Our spiritual journey is designed to work much as the ascent to this Continental Divide illustrates. By setting our destination on Mt. Zion, where our Great God resides, we determine to complete the work the pilgrimage requires. God uses the work of the journey to prepare us for working at His elevated altitudes. Attempting to short circuit this journey causes us the work to be harder than it needs to be. Let Him guide you.
Camp Fortunate
Hot days, cold nights. Water in buckets is crusted over with ice in the mornings in the high mountains on the Montana-Idaho border. Now poised over six thousand five hundred feet above sea level the Corps is preparing to cross over the Continental Divide and into the Columbia River drainage. The Captains find the Shoshone to be true to their word and very helpful in their desire for information. An old Shoshone guide, known as Old Toby, agrees to guide the Expedition through the rough mountain passage.
The Captains were hoping to navigate the Salmon River to the Columbia. The Shoshone told the Captains the Salmon was not passable because of its course through a long narrow gorge. Clark and a small crew were sent to confirm that information. They discover that the river was indeed impassable. Clark sends Private Colter with a note to Lewis to begin negotiations in earnest to purchase more horses. The next phase of the journey would be overland.
The main party camped in a place they name Camp Fortunate in recognition of their good fortune at finding the Shoshone with an abundance of horses. Good fortune was also manifested when Sacagawea, who was interpreting for them, stopped interpreting, appeared overcome with emotion and spoke directly to Cameahwait, the Shoshone chief. She stood up and the chief and Sacagawea exchanged a long hug. Cameahwait was her brother! Good fortune had indeed shone on Meriwether Lewis and his men once again!
The men freely shared venison, corn, beans and sugar with their hosts. The Indians were delighted with the “feast”. All the Indian tribes the men have observed fish with a variety of hooks and barbs. Clark shows his Shoshone guides on their exploration of the Salmon River a dragnet and catches over five hundred fish that are given to any and all takers.
I have had problems breathing and keeping my respiratory system from drying out while at the same altitudes our travelers are operating in. They are crossing the Continental Divide with ease and carrying cargo with them (lots of fish!). No complaints of any effects of altitude. Lemhi Pass sits at an elevation of seven thousand four hundred feet. This is their main route over the Continental Divide.
Our modern world causes problems not foreseen in days gone by. Their gradual ascent from the Great Plains to the top of the continent allows our forefathers to adjust to the thinning oxygen at a rate they don’t even notice. Flying from sea level to eight thousand feet in a few short hours causes my body to cry for more oxygen. Hiking to ten thousand feet a few days later interferes with my ability to sleep soundly and I notice that my muscles require more time recuperating from exertion. Returning to sea level a few days later feels like I’m breathing an enriched elixir that fills me with great delight.
Our spiritual journey is designed to work much as the ascent to this Continental Divide illustrates. By setting our destination on Mt. Zion, where our Great God resides, we determine to complete the work the pilgrimage requires. God uses the work of the journey to prepare us for working at His elevated altitudes. Attempting to short circuit this journey causes us the work to be harder than it needs to be. Let Him guide you.
Friday, August 19, 2005
Shoshone – Meager Provisions, Handsome Character
Journal 2005 08 19
Shoshone – Meager Provisions, Handsome Character
William Clark and the main party struggle up the high mountain river with their loaded canoes. Captain Lewis agonizes over their anticipated arrival as he “smokes pipe” with the Shoshones. Lewis is many things; biologist, horticulturist, astronomer, explorer and an ever more curious cultural anthropologist. He writes quite a bit about the Shoshones. I believe it is because of two reasons, three when you factor in his natural curiosity as one of the reasons.
First, he knows the best course to success for his mission is dependent upon understanding these people well enough to engage their help in bartering for horses. Second, he has time to observe them and record what he sees. Time has not been a luxury for him. And time allows him to contemplate the existence of this tribe of people.
Lewis observes a tribe of about four hundred people possessing about seven hundred horses. They are poor, except for the horses, lack a regular, abundant source of food and live in the highest mountains in our land to secure some measure of safety from their raiding neighbor tribes. I can almost see the wonder and head shaking realization that these people exist by moving across the Continental Divide pursuing salmon on the west and buffalo on the east. They are gearing up even now to meet with other smaller tribes to hunt buffalo on the plains and return into the mountains undetected by their enemies.
Lewis’ promises of peace with their neighbors and weapons to defend themselves elicit the response hoped for. Horses for their crossing of the mountains! And Clark and the main party finally join with Lewis and his scout party. Sacagawea was wearing a beautiful Shoshone dress in anticipation of meeting her relatives. She was overjoyed at being reunited with old friends and sad to hear of the deaths of many of her family.
The men busy themselves preparing packsaddles for carrying gear overland since overwater is no longer possible. Oars are being cut and used for boards in the saddles. The people of this nation are generous, trustworthy and genuinely fine people. The Captains describe them with many favorable terms including “handsome”. The more that Lewis pondered their “meager” existence the more he admired their human attributes and good character. Of all the people who had reason to steal and covet their weapons and provisions this nation did. To their credit, they did not steal, extort or attempt to wrangle goods from the Corps. They did trade for horses, their only real commodity, and valued knives, beads and colors for paint and dyes.
Is there a common bond between apparent poverty and good character and humility? Our grandparents and great-grandparents might say there is. Many of them grew up with “meager” supplies and didn’t know they were “poor”. Humility and good character drew gratefulness and satisfaction from their hearts. Entitlement seems to come with perceived wealth and “easy living”. Can we learn a lesson today from this small group of people who live along the spine of our countries highest mountains? We can if we see our human traits as a reflection of our Creator and as more valuable than anything we may own.
Shoshone – Meager Provisions, Handsome Character
William Clark and the main party struggle up the high mountain river with their loaded canoes. Captain Lewis agonizes over their anticipated arrival as he “smokes pipe” with the Shoshones. Lewis is many things; biologist, horticulturist, astronomer, explorer and an ever more curious cultural anthropologist. He writes quite a bit about the Shoshones. I believe it is because of two reasons, three when you factor in his natural curiosity as one of the reasons.
First, he knows the best course to success for his mission is dependent upon understanding these people well enough to engage their help in bartering for horses. Second, he has time to observe them and record what he sees. Time has not been a luxury for him. And time allows him to contemplate the existence of this tribe of people.
Lewis observes a tribe of about four hundred people possessing about seven hundred horses. They are poor, except for the horses, lack a regular, abundant source of food and live in the highest mountains in our land to secure some measure of safety from their raiding neighbor tribes. I can almost see the wonder and head shaking realization that these people exist by moving across the Continental Divide pursuing salmon on the west and buffalo on the east. They are gearing up even now to meet with other smaller tribes to hunt buffalo on the plains and return into the mountains undetected by their enemies.
Lewis’ promises of peace with their neighbors and weapons to defend themselves elicit the response hoped for. Horses for their crossing of the mountains! And Clark and the main party finally join with Lewis and his scout party. Sacagawea was wearing a beautiful Shoshone dress in anticipation of meeting her relatives. She was overjoyed at being reunited with old friends and sad to hear of the deaths of many of her family.
The men busy themselves preparing packsaddles for carrying gear overland since overwater is no longer possible. Oars are being cut and used for boards in the saddles. The people of this nation are generous, trustworthy and genuinely fine people. The Captains describe them with many favorable terms including “handsome”. The more that Lewis pondered their “meager” existence the more he admired their human attributes and good character. Of all the people who had reason to steal and covet their weapons and provisions this nation did. To their credit, they did not steal, extort or attempt to wrangle goods from the Corps. They did trade for horses, their only real commodity, and valued knives, beads and colors for paint and dyes.
Is there a common bond between apparent poverty and good character and humility? Our grandparents and great-grandparents might say there is. Many of them grew up with “meager” supplies and didn’t know they were “poor”. Humility and good character drew gratefulness and satisfaction from their hearts. Entitlement seems to come with perceived wealth and “easy living”. Can we learn a lesson today from this small group of people who live along the spine of our countries highest mountains? We can if we see our human traits as a reflection of our Creator and as more valuable than anything we may own.
Thursday, August 18, 2005
Happy Birthday, Meriwether Lewis!
Journal 2005 08 18
Happy Birthday, Meriwether Lewis!
Captain Lewis is thirty-one years old this day and celebrates it with deep reflection worthy of a theologian. Lewis more mirrors his mentor and leader, Thomas Jefferson, than he does the great preachers of his day. His thoughts, however, are worthy of notice by any man striving to live beyond the muck and mire that attempt to hold our souls to existence instead of the fulfillment of aspiration.
Lewis begins his day trading for three horses. He feels as though he got a bargain. Three knives, a uniform coat, some leggings and handkerchiefs for three good horses. A bargain in the United States. Less than twenty dollars of value. He will become a more shrewd trader as time goes on and his store of trading goods dwindles. Today, he is satisfied with his transaction.
Lewis’ words, “This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least indeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestoed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.
I hope to expand on this principle later, but suffice it for now to say that I believe when anyone experiences great accomplishment they see that they could have accomplished even more. They find they had no need to be fearful of the effort. We must risk greatly.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf.” Similar words spoken by a great expeditionary almost two thousand years ago are reflected in the words of Meriwether Lewis on his birthday in the wilderness. A life lived for others, not for self.
Today’s words beg the eternal question, “Are you living your life for selfish gain?” Or, have you learned from those who risked and were rewarded with the slaying of fear and a measure of courage undaunted as they poured their lives out in service to God and man?
Happy Birthday, Meriwether Lewis!
Captain Lewis is thirty-one years old this day and celebrates it with deep reflection worthy of a theologian. Lewis more mirrors his mentor and leader, Thomas Jefferson, than he does the great preachers of his day. His thoughts, however, are worthy of notice by any man striving to live beyond the muck and mire that attempt to hold our souls to existence instead of the fulfillment of aspiration.
Lewis begins his day trading for three horses. He feels as though he got a bargain. Three knives, a uniform coat, some leggings and handkerchiefs for three good horses. A bargain in the United States. Less than twenty dollars of value. He will become a more shrewd trader as time goes on and his store of trading goods dwindles. Today, he is satisfied with his transaction.
Lewis’ words, “This day I completed my thirty first year, and conceived that I had in all human probability now existed about half the period which I am to remain in this Sublunary world. I reflected that I had as yet done but little, very little, indeed, to further the happiness of the human race or to advance the information of the succeeding generation. I viewed with regret the many hours I have spent in indolence, and now soarly feel the want of that information which those hours would have given me had they been judiciously expended. but since they are past and cannot be recalled, I dash from me the gloomy thought, and resolved in future, to redouble my exertions and at least indeavour to promote those two primary objects of human existence, by giving them the aid of that portion of talents which nature and fortune have bestoed on me; or in future, to live for mankind, as I have heretofore lived for myself.
I hope to expand on this principle later, but suffice it for now to say that I believe when anyone experiences great accomplishment they see that they could have accomplished even more. They find they had no need to be fearful of the effort. We must risk greatly.
“I have been crucified with Christ, and I live; yet no longer I, but Christ lives in me. And that life I now live in the flesh, I live by faith toward the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself on my behalf.” Similar words spoken by a great expeditionary almost two thousand years ago are reflected in the words of Meriwether Lewis on his birthday in the wilderness. A life lived for others, not for self.
Today’s words beg the eternal question, “Are you living your life for selfish gain?” Or, have you learned from those who risked and were rewarded with the slaying of fear and a measure of courage undaunted as they poured their lives out in service to God and man?
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Horses and a Good Night’s Repose
Journal 2005 08 13
Horses and a Good Night’s Repose
“This evening the Indians entertained us with their dancing nearly all night. At 12 O’Ck. I grew sleepy and retired to rest leaving the men to amuse themselves with the Indians. … I was several times awoke in the course of the night by their yells but was too much fortiegued to be deprived of a tolerable sound night’s repose.”
Lewis rested in peace as his spirits must have been lifted and relieved by his successful meeting with the Shoshone. They had an abundance of horses and seemed to genuinely welcome the white men into their camp.
Three days earlier Captain Lewis determined to not quit until he found the Columbia River or Indians with horses. Two days ago he spotted an Indian on horseback two miles distant. He attempted to approach the rider but as he made what he hoped was a peaceful, unarmed invitation to meet the Indian, two of his men did not interpret his signals and continued their approach on his flanks. The Indian would not allow Lewis closer than about 150 yards before turning and leaving at full speed. Lewis was furious with his men who failed to understand his signals and the importance of not appearing to stalk and provoke the lone rider. It would be two more days before peaceful contact would be made. Lewis and his three men set out to track the rider in hopes of finding the camp.
The next day they came upon some women working but even they were able to elude the men. Later in their pursuit, an old women with young girls realized they could not escape the strange men and simply sat down resigned to capture and even death. The Minnetares had attacked them this spring killing about twenty of their men, destroyed most of their lodges and stole many of their horses. They had reason to fear outsiders.
We credit Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery for their bold exploration of land unknown. If we do not read the full account of their journey our independent natures conclude it is a solitary endeavor. In reality, the men of the expedition, like all of us today, were dependent upon other people for the success of their mission. God created us to live and find our value in community with our brothers and sisters. We can do no good thing alone and function best in great numbers under Divine direction.
History resounds with examples of people coming together to accomplish great victories. Many times great armies have been gathered to push back evil dictators and their armies. Nations have allied and rallied together to produce and manufacture the weapons of war to repel their enemies into the abyss of their evil ways.
Labor is required to build cathedrals and hospitals. Labor is required to run them. Research teams pursue new and better solutions to relieve human suffering. We can do no good thing on our own. Truly great work requires truly great effort from many.
You and I are required in creation to find brotherhood with those we live with. Christ came to restore us from sinners to sons with Father God. And in that process we are described as the living, breathing representation of a body of which Christ is the head.
Horses and a Good Night’s Repose
“This evening the Indians entertained us with their dancing nearly all night. At 12 O’Ck. I grew sleepy and retired to rest leaving the men to amuse themselves with the Indians. … I was several times awoke in the course of the night by their yells but was too much fortiegued to be deprived of a tolerable sound night’s repose.”
Lewis rested in peace as his spirits must have been lifted and relieved by his successful meeting with the Shoshone. They had an abundance of horses and seemed to genuinely welcome the white men into their camp.
Three days earlier Captain Lewis determined to not quit until he found the Columbia River or Indians with horses. Two days ago he spotted an Indian on horseback two miles distant. He attempted to approach the rider but as he made what he hoped was a peaceful, unarmed invitation to meet the Indian, two of his men did not interpret his signals and continued their approach on his flanks. The Indian would not allow Lewis closer than about 150 yards before turning and leaving at full speed. Lewis was furious with his men who failed to understand his signals and the importance of not appearing to stalk and provoke the lone rider. It would be two more days before peaceful contact would be made. Lewis and his three men set out to track the rider in hopes of finding the camp.
The next day they came upon some women working but even they were able to elude the men. Later in their pursuit, an old women with young girls realized they could not escape the strange men and simply sat down resigned to capture and even death. The Minnetares had attacked them this spring killing about twenty of their men, destroyed most of their lodges and stole many of their horses. They had reason to fear outsiders.
We credit Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery for their bold exploration of land unknown. If we do not read the full account of their journey our independent natures conclude it is a solitary endeavor. In reality, the men of the expedition, like all of us today, were dependent upon other people for the success of their mission. God created us to live and find our value in community with our brothers and sisters. We can do no good thing alone and function best in great numbers under Divine direction.
History resounds with examples of people coming together to accomplish great victories. Many times great armies have been gathered to push back evil dictators and their armies. Nations have allied and rallied together to produce and manufacture the weapons of war to repel their enemies into the abyss of their evil ways.
Labor is required to build cathedrals and hospitals. Labor is required to run them. Research teams pursue new and better solutions to relieve human suffering. We can do no good thing on our own. Truly great work requires truly great effort from many.
You and I are required in creation to find brotherhood with those we live with. Christ came to restore us from sinners to sons with Father God. And in that process we are described as the living, breathing representation of a body of which Christ is the head.
Wednesday, August 10, 2005
The End of Navigation by River
Journal 2005 08 10
The End of Navigation by River
Their minds set on finding horses, Lewis sets off with three men by foot much to Clark’s dismay. Clark remarks that but for the large and painful abscess on his ankle this part of the mission should be his responsibility. I am not enough of a Lewis and Clark historian to yet understand this assignment of Clark to the initial contact with Indian nations but it does seem to be the pattern. Clark leads the party with canoes and gear further up the Jefferson River.
On the 6th George Shannon, the first and youngest member of the Corps, was sent ahead to hunt with the overland party. The party determined they were headed up a deadend and corrected their course leaving a note for Shannon. On the 7th Reubin Fields was dispatched to find Shannon, as he is yet to return. Shannon is the same soldier who was separated from the main party for fifteen days back on the plains of the Missouri. My guess is they were afraid of the letting him get too far afield in these rugged mountains. At camp that night the men fired their guns and sounded the trumpet hoping to alert Shannon to their location. He still had not arrived. Finally, on the morning of the 9th, Shannon rejoined the main party after coming back down the river and chasing the party up the Jefferson. It is not recorded in Lewis or Clark’s records, but being the youngest soldier in the Corps must have received some good-natured ribbing regarding his extended hunting trip.
Sacagawea again recognizes the area they are in as near the summer grounds of her nation. It gives Lewis hope. He laments and vows that he is determined to proceed with a small party to find the Columbia and press on until he finds some Indians with horses even if it takes a month. He has arrived at a point where he determines that further river navigation is not possible. So, with this simple proclamation, the journey up the Missouri River is over. Some 2475 miles upstream. Very near the Continental Divide. Lewis notes the extraordinary nature of the river system and it navigability to such heights as they have attained. He also deduces from their nearness to snow-covered mountaintops that they have gained much more elevation than they could estimate based on the relatively gradual nature of their assent. They left the prairie at about 2,000ft of elevation and now reside at just about a mile, or 5280ft. above sea level.
Lewis still holds out hope that the Columbia could be as easy to navigate as the Missouri has proven to be. Leaving the possibility of a navigable portage alive.
Have you ever gone as far as you can go and ended up somewhere where you needed help to keep going? That is exactly where Meriwether Lewis stood. The success of the mission depended upon help from a source out of reach to him.
In our Kingdom of God world, we would say that God had them right where He wanted them! At the end of their abilities and dependent upon His intervention for their success. My guess is most of us, I know I am, are in this very place. Take courage! He is faithful.
The End of Navigation by River
Their minds set on finding horses, Lewis sets off with three men by foot much to Clark’s dismay. Clark remarks that but for the large and painful abscess on his ankle this part of the mission should be his responsibility. I am not enough of a Lewis and Clark historian to yet understand this assignment of Clark to the initial contact with Indian nations but it does seem to be the pattern. Clark leads the party with canoes and gear further up the Jefferson River.
On the 6th George Shannon, the first and youngest member of the Corps, was sent ahead to hunt with the overland party. The party determined they were headed up a deadend and corrected their course leaving a note for Shannon. On the 7th Reubin Fields was dispatched to find Shannon, as he is yet to return. Shannon is the same soldier who was separated from the main party for fifteen days back on the plains of the Missouri. My guess is they were afraid of the letting him get too far afield in these rugged mountains. At camp that night the men fired their guns and sounded the trumpet hoping to alert Shannon to their location. He still had not arrived. Finally, on the morning of the 9th, Shannon rejoined the main party after coming back down the river and chasing the party up the Jefferson. It is not recorded in Lewis or Clark’s records, but being the youngest soldier in the Corps must have received some good-natured ribbing regarding his extended hunting trip.
Sacagawea again recognizes the area they are in as near the summer grounds of her nation. It gives Lewis hope. He laments and vows that he is determined to proceed with a small party to find the Columbia and press on until he finds some Indians with horses even if it takes a month. He has arrived at a point where he determines that further river navigation is not possible. So, with this simple proclamation, the journey up the Missouri River is over. Some 2475 miles upstream. Very near the Continental Divide. Lewis notes the extraordinary nature of the river system and it navigability to such heights as they have attained. He also deduces from their nearness to snow-covered mountaintops that they have gained much more elevation than they could estimate based on the relatively gradual nature of their assent. They left the prairie at about 2,000ft of elevation and now reside at just about a mile, or 5280ft. above sea level.
Lewis still holds out hope that the Columbia could be as easy to navigate as the Missouri has proven to be. Leaving the possibility of a navigable portage alive.
Have you ever gone as far as you can go and ended up somewhere where you needed help to keep going? That is exactly where Meriwether Lewis stood. The success of the mission depended upon help from a source out of reach to him.
In our Kingdom of God world, we would say that God had them right where He wanted them! At the end of their abilities and dependent upon His intervention for their success. My guess is most of us, I know I am, are in this very place. Take courage! He is faithful.
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Wisdom and Philanthropy
Journal 2005 08 06
Wisdom and Philanthropy
The Expedition sets out again, “proceeding on” in their words. Lewis takes a party overland in search of the Shoshone, or Snake, Indians. Clark brings the canoes and rest of the party up the Jefferson River. The going is extremely tough and at this point the journey would be easier overland. Thus their search for Indians with horses.
It continues to amaze me that these guys cover over twenty miles daily in these rugged conditions. I’m compressing about a week in today’s entry because of the similar work and observations. The work of pulling the canoes upstream is so difficult that the men prefer walking through the prickly pears and bearded, barbed grasses than traversing the river bottom. And remember that the prickly pears were included in their list as one of their “three plagues”!
One fresh footprint is discovered and tracked to a mountaintop where the party concludes a Shoshone observed them. The hope of the Captains is that the tribe won’t retreat into the safety of the mountains depriving them of the opportunity to trade for horses.
The overland party and river party meet up at a critical junction of the river and a stream flowing into it. The overland party came upon a herd of elk two days ago and secure fresh meat. Lewis again regards the good fortune that has accompanied them on their journey as he recounts a near mishap to Private Whitehorse while pushing a canoe through shallow rapids. Whitehorse slips, falls to the bottom of the river and the canoe slips back over him nearly crushing him. Clark tells Lewis that had the river been only an inch or two shallower that the weight of the canoe and its cargo would have surely crushed Whitehorse. As it is, he suffers only a scraped and bruised leg where the canoe passed over him. Several of the men, including Clark, are nearly lame with aggravating foot and leg cuts, bruises and boils from their extended and extreme exertions. Yet they continue on with little complaint. Tough.
If you’ve ever attempted to make your way in the wilderness you have without doubt at some point had to observe your surroundings, evaluate your circumstances and then formulate a course of action. The Captains and men read the signs at this joining of the rivers. They read the grass on the river bottom; observe the channels for signs of yearlong stream flow and the possible source of increased water during this hot season. Much thought, discussion and reasoning must have filled the process causing the men to name the bold, rapid and clear stream Wisdom and the more mild and placid one Philanthropy “in commemoration of two of those cardinal virtues” that have marked President Jefferson’s “deservedly selibrated character though life.”
Meriwether Lewis served as aid and secretary to Thomas Jefferson to be schooled and prepared for this undertaking. In today’s language Jefferson mentored his protégé Lewis. Lewis took on the “flavor” of his teacher and mentor. That “seasoning” is seen here as Lewis, deep into the wilderness, exercises wisdom and reflects on philanthropy and marks these virtues in the naming of two rivers.
Many streams of thought come to mind as I process my “mentoring” for today from the Spirit of God, sent to teach, counsel and guide me. Primary among them is the reflection, “Am I being seasoned and allowing myself to receive the flavoring of my Mentor, the Lord Most High, the Captain of the Host of Heaven, the Prince of Peace and Lamb of God?” Do I approach all problems with the deductive reasoning that I’ve learned from the work of the Spirit of God on my life? Do I look at the world through Kingdom eyeglasses? Is my vision clouded or shifted because I’ve allowed some other “teacher” to flavor me?
Job 28 tells us it is man’s work to explore the depths of God where no predator or other being can go and find the riches of His treasures in the deepest, most remote areas of our search. I believe we are seeing an example of this throughout this journey as these young men apply what they have learned and taken on in their spirits as they proceed on to complete the mission they have received from those with authority to send them.
Do I, do you, see your life and work in this perspective? It is His divine purpose to press and pound into us His seasoning that we may take on His flavor and be consumed in Kingdom work. May we all be vessels fit for His honor this day.
Wisdom and Philanthropy
The Expedition sets out again, “proceeding on” in their words. Lewis takes a party overland in search of the Shoshone, or Snake, Indians. Clark brings the canoes and rest of the party up the Jefferson River. The going is extremely tough and at this point the journey would be easier overland. Thus their search for Indians with horses.
It continues to amaze me that these guys cover over twenty miles daily in these rugged conditions. I’m compressing about a week in today’s entry because of the similar work and observations. The work of pulling the canoes upstream is so difficult that the men prefer walking through the prickly pears and bearded, barbed grasses than traversing the river bottom. And remember that the prickly pears were included in their list as one of their “three plagues”!
One fresh footprint is discovered and tracked to a mountaintop where the party concludes a Shoshone observed them. The hope of the Captains is that the tribe won’t retreat into the safety of the mountains depriving them of the opportunity to trade for horses.
The overland party and river party meet up at a critical junction of the river and a stream flowing into it. The overland party came upon a herd of elk two days ago and secure fresh meat. Lewis again regards the good fortune that has accompanied them on their journey as he recounts a near mishap to Private Whitehorse while pushing a canoe through shallow rapids. Whitehorse slips, falls to the bottom of the river and the canoe slips back over him nearly crushing him. Clark tells Lewis that had the river been only an inch or two shallower that the weight of the canoe and its cargo would have surely crushed Whitehorse. As it is, he suffers only a scraped and bruised leg where the canoe passed over him. Several of the men, including Clark, are nearly lame with aggravating foot and leg cuts, bruises and boils from their extended and extreme exertions. Yet they continue on with little complaint. Tough.
If you’ve ever attempted to make your way in the wilderness you have without doubt at some point had to observe your surroundings, evaluate your circumstances and then formulate a course of action. The Captains and men read the signs at this joining of the rivers. They read the grass on the river bottom; observe the channels for signs of yearlong stream flow and the possible source of increased water during this hot season. Much thought, discussion and reasoning must have filled the process causing the men to name the bold, rapid and clear stream Wisdom and the more mild and placid one Philanthropy “in commemoration of two of those cardinal virtues” that have marked President Jefferson’s “deservedly selibrated character though life.”
Meriwether Lewis served as aid and secretary to Thomas Jefferson to be schooled and prepared for this undertaking. In today’s language Jefferson mentored his protégé Lewis. Lewis took on the “flavor” of his teacher and mentor. That “seasoning” is seen here as Lewis, deep into the wilderness, exercises wisdom and reflects on philanthropy and marks these virtues in the naming of two rivers.
Many streams of thought come to mind as I process my “mentoring” for today from the Spirit of God, sent to teach, counsel and guide me. Primary among them is the reflection, “Am I being seasoned and allowing myself to receive the flavoring of my Mentor, the Lord Most High, the Captain of the Host of Heaven, the Prince of Peace and Lamb of God?” Do I approach all problems with the deductive reasoning that I’ve learned from the work of the Spirit of God on my life? Do I look at the world through Kingdom eyeglasses? Is my vision clouded or shifted because I’ve allowed some other “teacher” to flavor me?
Job 28 tells us it is man’s work to explore the depths of God where no predator or other being can go and find the riches of His treasures in the deepest, most remote areas of our search. I believe we are seeing an example of this throughout this journey as these young men apply what they have learned and taken on in their spirits as they proceed on to complete the mission they have received from those with authority to send them.
Do I, do you, see your life and work in this perspective? It is His divine purpose to press and pound into us His seasoning that we may take on His flavor and be consumed in Kingdom work. May we all be vessels fit for His honor this day.
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