Lewis and Clark

I just started reading the journals of Lewis and Clark, not because I think it might hold any hints to our missing clues, but because it's really entertaining.

I can see why Forrest wanted to follow in their footsteps as they explored the West. If you can look past the rain and Mosquitos in Louisiana, you can almost hear the wonder in the writing as Clark sees a badger for the first time. And I had to laugh out loud as he describes pursuing an antelope:

"...we found the Antelope extreemly shye and watchfull insomuch that we had been unable to get a shot at them; when at rest they generally seelect the most elivated point in the neighbourhood, and as they are watchfull and extreemly quick of sight and their sense of smelling very accute it is almost impossible to approach them within gunshot; in short they will frequently discover and flee from you at the distance of three miles. I had this day an opportunity of witnessing the agility and the superior fleetness of this anamal which was to me really astonishing...I made the best of my way towards them, freqeuntly peeping over the ridge with which I took care to conceal myself from their view... I got within about 200 paces of them when they smelt me and fled; I gained the top of the eminence on which they stood, as soon as possible from whence I had an extensive view of the country the antilopes which had disappeared in a steep reveene now appeared at the distance of about three miles on the side of a ridge, so soon had these antelopes gained the distance at which they had again appeared to my view I doubted at ferst that they were the same..., but my doubts soon vanished when I beheld the rapidity of their flight along the ridge before me it appeared reather the rappid flight of birds than the motion of quadrupeds. I think I can safely venture the asscertion that the speed of this anamal is equal if not superior to that of the finest blooded courser."

I can picture Clark trying to sneak up on the antelopes, peeking over rocks, only to be frustrated when they inevitably "smelt" him and took off. 

I also love the way he describes the prairie dog as a "barking squirrel." He seems to take a delight in all the animal he sees, almost like a child as he makes notes in his journal. "I saw a buffalo, and a beautiful bird, and a lot of barking squirrels, elk and antelope and..."

Anyway, I am fascinated by both the beauty and danger of their adventure. The reading is not difficult, but strange, as many of the spellings are more phonetic than "correct." For me, it's fun to read about a time when places and animals are being discovered for the first time. If I didn't have three kids and a mom to take care of, I could totally see myself out there, exploring. As long as I had a hot bath and warm bed at the end of the day. Lol.