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.