Out With The Old ~ In With The New

Welcome 2012 

7 Miles Today;  It's was unseasonably warm
today. What a treat for me this morning......When I left the house it was a balmy 40 degrees. That's right, 40 degrees.  Forrest had completely dry roads to navigate, that includes neighborhood streets as well. Being the last day of the year it was my last day on my current pair of shoes.  I started wearing these shoes on Aug. 29.  These current shoes have over 800 miles on them.Tomorrow it's a new year with new shoes (pair #19). My December miles where 219. For the year of 2011 Forrest logged 2,611 miles.  (2,767 miles last year) 2,796 in 2009. (In 2008 I walked 2,826 miles) The year 2007 in logged 2,285 miles) and my first year of walking which started in late October I recorded 375 miles. That's a whole lot of SHOES !! I wouldn't be walking if I didn't enjoy it. Forrest's consecutive days of walking stands at 1,899 and counting.  Until tomorrow, (milestone 1,900) God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest Visits Gettysburg, South Dakota

7 Miles Today;  With rain bearing down on Mid-Michigan Forrest decided to get his walk in early.  With the temperature above freezing and the roads free of my biggest enemy, "ICE"-- I had a pretty nice walk, even though my lower back and hips gave my some discomfort.  Just one more day on these old shoes.  My brand new NB Shoes are ready for the Walking Guy to lace up on Sunday morning.  Until New Years Eve, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest Following The Lewis & Clark Trail

Forrest Virtual Journey

Gettysburg, South Dakota was named for the Gettysburg, Pennsylvania battlefield by a group of Union Civil War veterans who first settled here. Gettysburg, SD was founded in 1881 and is the county seat of Potter County. The Cheyenne River Reservation, lies close by to Gettysburg. This large reservation covers parts of three counties. Gettysburg is a friendly and thriving town of 2,200 on Hwy 212.the Lewis and Clark Trail nearby is a popular tourist attraction.  Forrest's journey is just 60 miles from the North Dakota state line....to be continued...............HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL

7 Miles Today;  It was cold and windy this morning.  The temperature was in the mid-20's.  Cold weather is no problem for the walking guy but ICE scares me.  I fell yesterday but didn't do any damage.  That's only the 4th time I've fallen in my walking career, I hope it's the last.  Just two walking days left in 2011.  My walking log says I'll be about 150 miles less than last year.  With all the ankle and hip problems I've dealt with this year my miles will surpass 2,600.  I'm looking forward to wearing my new shoes.  I received them last week but waiting for Jan 1st to slip on my 19th pair of shoes since I started this insane project (I'm happy I did).. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

 First Week In October 1804

On October 8, 1804, the Lewis & Clark expedition made contact with the Arikara; and stayed with them for five days.. Relations between the Corps and the Arikara were good. They observed and recorded descriptions of their hosts, noting in their journals “Arikara men wore buffalo robes, leggings, and mocassins. Women were clad in fringed antelope dresses.”

The Arikara Indians were primarily an agricultural society. Their major crops were corn, beans, and squash; but they also grew tobacco, watermelon, and pumpkins. They also hunted buffalo, deer and other native game as well as being fishermen. Women did much of the farming. Much of the communication between the Lewis & Clark expedition and the Arikara centered on future trade with America, which the Indians showed interest. As other Indian Tribes had already done, the Arikara agreed to dispatch a representative east to visit President Jefferson. Lewis also encouraged the Arikara to make peace with their chief enemies, the neighboring Mandans, and the tribal chiefs consented to his suggestion.

The Arikara Indians were primarily an agricultural society. Their major crops were corn, beans, and squash; but they also grew tobacco, watermelon, and pumpkins. They also hunted buffalo, deer and other native game as well as being fishermen. Women did much of the farming. Much of the communication between the Lewis & Clark expedition and the Arikara centered on future trade with America, which the Indians showed interest. As other Indian Tribes had already done, the Arikara agreed to dispatch a representative east to visit President Jefferson. Lewis also encouraged the Arikara to make peace with their chief enemies, the neighboring Mandans, and the tribal chiefs consented to his suggestion....to be continued

Terrible Walking Conditions

8 Miles Today;  There's a reason Forrest didn't see anybody  ICE ICE ICE....I fell once but didn't get injured.  (just my pride).  A couple of motorist saw the walking guy on all fours.  Embarrassing to say the least.  More later when I get out of my walking gear...................  I had a doctor's appointment this morning.  Not all of my results are back.  The doctor has scheduled a MRI (lower spine).  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk 

Lewis & Clark Update

. Several days were spent interacting with local Indian tribes, including some distinctly unfriendly encounters, and it was not until September 28 that they again departed upstream. They soon passed several abandoned villages of the Arikaras Indians  and by October 8 met the first band of that group near the mouth of the Grand River. The "Corp of Discovery" set up camp  in what is now Sully County South Dakota the following is an excerpt from the journal of William Clark on this day in October 1804.October 2, 1804.

(camped on a sandbar just above later Plum Island (now submerged), with Sully County, South Dakota on the east and Dewey County on the west.) we discovered a number of Indians on the hills on the North side of the river, one of those Indians came on the bank of the river and fired off his gun, and holler to us...observe great caution this day expecting the Sioux.

Black Mountains (South Dakota)

Lewis & Clark Update
October 1, 1804
Forrest's virtual journey has him at the exact same location where the "Corp of Discovery" camped for several days approximately 85 miles from the North Dakota/south Dakota state line..  According to the expedition's journals, navigating the river was very difficult.  The crew encountered sand bars all along this stretch of the Missouri River.
Silver Sagebrush above the mouth of Cheyenne River, South Dakota

The sacred Black Hills, known as Paha Sapa to the Sioux Nation, were shrouded in mystery to early explorers. West of the Lewis and Clark trail, the range that Lewis and Clark described as the "Black Mountains" are the highest mountains east of the Rockies.

Slushy Tuesday

8 Miles Today;   It wasn't cold but slushy roads were what Forrest had to deal with today;  I had wet feet and clothes from the wet snowfall this morning.  Only a little over an inch fell but that was enough to make walking and driving messy.   Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Sunny Day

8 Miles Today;  The weather today is very unusual for late December.  It's very sunny and temperature is around 45 degrees.  It seems like October.  Now it's off to another family get together.  More food which translate to to more calories.  Thank the good lord Forrest walks...........Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Christmas Day

8 Miles Today;    Clear roads and a temperature around 45 degrees, not bad for late December.  Absolutely no snow on the ground for Mid-Michigan.  Compared to last year (see pic at right) it seems like Florida to Forrest.  My walk is done and Forrest is cleaned up and headed to Okemos for Christmas dinner with my Brother John and his family.   Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Christmas Eve, 2011

7 Miles Today;  It's 6 am and very dark this morning.  We received a light dusting of snow  last night.  Waiting until daylight to leave for my seven mile route.......My morning walk was enjoyable.  I saw 3 walkers all women with their dogs.  The weather was cold but dry but most of all NO snow this Christmas.  The picture at right is Forrest on Christmas Day (last year 2010).  What a difference a year makes.  My walking week ended with 54 miles walked.  Forrest is on track to end December on by reaching his monthly goal of 200/mi....With one week left in 2011 I'm confident everything will work out.  On this Chrishms Eve Forrest would like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Christmas Eve,Eve

8 Miles Today;  It was cold and dry this morning, with a temperature in the 20's.  Even though I'm still having some discomfort during the last half of my walk I feel a lot better than the last couple of weeks.  My miles tell the story, Forrest will be well over his weekly average.  Tomorrow, Christmas Eve looks like  no snow for Mid-Michigan.  Until then, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk 

No White Christmas This Year

8 Miles Today;  The weather is unbelievable  for this time of year.  I was outside an hour before daylight and the temperature was in the high 40's and no wind.  My hips felt much better this morning.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

Thursday, September 27, 1804

Excerpt from William Clark's Journal

I rose early after a bad night’s sleep. Found the chiefs all up and the bank as usual lined

with spectators. We gave the 2 great chiefs a blanket a piece (or rather they took off
agreeable to their custom the one they lay on) and each one peck of corn. After breakfast
Capt. Lewis & and chiefs went on shore. I [stayed on the boat and] wrote a letter to Mr.
P. Durion & prepared a medal and come certificates & sent [them] to Capt. Lewis.
After about half an hour, I went with them on shore. Those men left the boat with reluctance. I went first to the 2nd chiefs lodge, where a crowd cam around. After speaking on various subjects, I went to [other lodges] until the dance began, which was similar to the one of last night. Capt. Lewis came on shore and we continued until we were sleepy and returned to our boat. The 2nd chief 7 one principal accompanied us…. The man who steered not being much accustomed to steer, passed the bow of the boat & the perouge came broad side against the cable and broke it which obliged me to order in a loud voice, “All hands up and at their oars!” [This shouting] alarmed the chiefs. The chief hollered and alarmed
the camp. In about 10 minutes the bank was lined with men armed. About 200 men
appeared and after about _ hour returned all except about 60 men who continued on the
bank all night. [We] all prepared on board for anything which might happen. We kept a
strong guard all night in the boat. No sleep.  To be continued

Pierre and Fort Pierre South Dakota

8 Miles Today;  It seemed like a spring morning when I headed out at 7am.  It was misting and very foggy.  The temperature must have been around 50 degrees.  Who needs to go to Florida when it's this warm in Michigan in December.  Forrest saw one jogger and one walker today.  I also saw a friend of mind.  Dave L. waved to Forrest from his vehicle.  I think Dave was headed to MacDonalds for coffee with the boys.  I also have coffee with the guys when it works out for me.   Forrest  and Jessie-Marie (the dog) are trying to make a go of it, because my Bride Joanne is in Chicago checking out my daughter Renae's new hardwood floors in her condo.  I think Renae has some tasks for her mom to do before they head back to Michigan tomorrow.  So until then God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Forrest's stopover today on his Lewis & Clark Virtual Journey has him visiting two of South Dakota's oldest settlements, Pierre and Fort Pierre South Dakota with combine  history, heritage and culture of the American West.

Lewis & Clark Update

September 25, 1804

By the time Lewis and Clark encountered them near present-day Pierre, South Dakota, the Teton branch of the Sioux Nation were masters of the plains on both sides of the Missouri River. Nomadic and warlike, the Teton attacked the region's sedentary peoples at will and were determined to control trade on the river. It was imperative, Clark wrote, that the expedition treat the Teton Sioux "in the most friendly & conciliatory manner."
But on September 25, 1804, when the expedition prepared to head upriver after contentious meetings with the Teton, a large crowd of well-armed Teton warriors and Chief Black Buffalo challenged them, demanding a toll of tobacco. The expedition members drew weapons and prepared to fire.
Finally, the expedition granted the Teton some tobacco and Black Buffalo waved his men off, averting what would likely have been an early and deadly end to the expedition.
On his return down the Missouri in August 1806, Clark was still angry enough with the Teton that he forbid any contact with the tribe across the river.....to be continued

Another Great Weather Day

8 Miles Today;   Ordered my 19th pair of NB shoes last nite.  Free overnight delievery from Zappo's.  Forrest has over 800 miles on present shoes which I started wearing Aug, 29th.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

NB-993

Fool Bull Lewis & Clark Update Late September 1804 At the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Teton Sioux occupied two villages near present-day Pierre, South Dakota. One village was located on the Missouri River itself, while the other was situated off a tributary, the Bad River. Among French and Canadian traders, as well as other neighboring tribes, the Tetons were known for aggressiveness and power. Intent on controlling traffic through their portion of the river, they would demand large gifts from passing merchants. Sometimes, they even used more violent tactics. Given their reputation, perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of Teton culture concerned the tribe’s relationship with their Arikara neighbors. The Tetons made their military might very clear to the Arikaras, yet the Arikaras had one thing to offer that kept their relationship with the Tetons a good one: corn. The Arikara were great farmers, and their corn crop was essential to the survival of the Tetons. In exchange for clothes, guns and other supplies provided by the Tetons, the Arikaras shared their horses and corn. There would be no kind of similar relationship between the Tetons and Lewis and Clark, however. At the first council with the leaders of the Teton tribe, the expedition went through its practiced ritual for meeting Indians, parading in uniform and demonstrating an air gun. The display did little to impress the Tetons, who perceived the Americans as competitors for control of trade in the region. Tensions increased between the two sides, nearly resulting in an armed conflict. Fortunately, the Teton chief Black Buffalo intervened and brought things back to a more diplomatic level. Sioux Woman with Papoose Over the following three days, the Tetons hosted the Corps, though the expedition kept its keelboat anchored almost a mile away. During the Corps’ stay, Clark made detailed notes of Teton culture. In his journal, the Tetons are described as thin, small and generally ill-looking. Teton men wore hawk feathers about their heads and robes over their bodies, while women dressed in buffalo skins and robes. During the expedition’s stay, the Tetons held a number of celebrations – scalp dances – of a recent war victory over the rival Omahas. A number of confrontations between the Tetons and the expedition brought the Americans visit to an end. No one in the Corps of Discovery spoke Sioux, and the inability of the two groups to communicate effectively played a significant part in several misunderstandings. After another argument between the Tetons and the expedition nearly escalated into fighting, Lewis and Clark continued upriver.

Fool Bull

Lewis & Clark Update
Late September 1804

At the time of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Teton Sioux occupied two villages near present-day Pierre, South Dakota. One village was located on the Missouri River itself, while the other was situated off a tributary, the Bad River. Among French and Canadian traders, as well as other neighboring tribes, the Tetons were known for aggressiveness and power. Intent on controlling traffic through their portion of the river, they would demand large gifts from passing merchants. Sometimes, they even used more violent tactics.
Given their reputation, perhaps one of the more interesting aspects of Teton culture concerned the tribe’s relationship with their Arikara neighbors. The Tetons made their military might very clear to the Arikaras, yet the Arikaras had one thing to offer that kept their relationship with the Tetons a good one: corn. The Arikara were great farmers, and their corn crop was essential to the survival of the Tetons. In exchange for clothes, guns and other supplies provided by the Tetons, the Arikaras shared their horses and corn.
There would be no kind of similar relationship between the Tetons and Lewis and Clark, however. At the first council with the leaders of the Teton tribe, the expedition went through its practiced ritual for meeting Indians, parading in uniform and demonstrating an air gun. The display did little to impress the Tetons, who perceived the Americans as competitors for control of trade in the region. Tensions increased between the two sides, nearly resulting in an armed conflict. Fortunately, the Teton chief Black Buffalo intervened and brought things back to a more diplomatic level.

Sioux Woman with Papoose

Over the following three days, the Tetons hosted the Corps, though the expedition kept its keelboat anchored almost a mile away. During the Corps’ stay, Clark made detailed notes of Teton culture. In his journal, the Tetons are described as thin, small and generally ill-looking. Teton men wore hawk feathers about their heads and robes over their bodies, while women dressed in buffalo skins and robes. During the expedition’s stay, the Tetons held a number of celebrations – scalp dances – of a recent war victory over the rival Omahas.
A number of confrontations between the Tetons and the expedition brought the Americans visit to an end. No one in the Corps of Discovery spoke Sioux, and the inability of the two groups to communicate effectively played a significant part in several misunderstandings. After another argument between the Tetons and the expedition nearly escalated into fighting, Lewis and Clark continued upriver.

Fool Bull

Sioux Woman with Papoose

Special Day In The Life Of Forrest

8 Miles Today;  Another very nice day for walking.  The weather was warm for this time of year (45 degrees and no wind).  I walked in the late afternoon.  I arrived home in the dark of night. (6:30pm).  I normally don't walk in the late afternoon but I'm glad I did today because  Forrest had an encounter with The Most Reverend Earl Boyea, Bishop of Lansing Diocese.  The Bishop is also a walker.  The last time we crossed paths was a few days before Easter this year.  Here it is a few days before Christmas and we meet again.  I felt so good after talking to the Bishop I added another mile to today's route.  The medical tests I took the last couple days days won't be known to me until Dec 28.  That's when I see my primary doctor for the results.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk.

Near Fort Pierrer South Dakota

7 Miles Today;   A quiet cool Sunday morning.  Sunday mornings walks are always peaceful in Forrest's world.  Tomorrow I'm undecided about walking before or after my procedure.  I guess it doesn't make much difference.  It's a good thing I have Christmas and my Lewis & Clark experience keeping me on track.  Until tomorrow, God Bless and a Merry Christmas to all...............Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

Walk Forrest Walk present day location

MEDICINE KNOLL RIVER

On September 22, 1804 Lewis & Clark passed by this river and camped a couple of miles up the Missouri. The Expedition's campsite was less than 20 miles from present day Fort Pierrer SD. They called it Reuben River for Reuben Fields, one of their hunters from the "Corps of Discovery". In 1839 however it was renamed Medicine Knoll River.

Hope Is Eternal

7 Miles Today;  A cloudy cold day (28 degrees).  My week ended with 50 miles walked.  Left ankle and hips didn't cooperate this morning.  Forrest had his hips an lower back X-ray on Thursday.  Monday I'm having a Doppler procedure  (Ultra Sound) of my arteries from my hips to my feet on Monday morning.  It's been a trying year for the walking guy.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  Walking is my life..........  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

What A Difference A Day Makes

7 Miles Today;  Yesterday the weather was spring like,  sunny skies and near 60 degrees.  But today is was back to reality.  It was windy, cloudy with a temperature of 31 degrees.  It looks like the weekend will follow suit.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

Forrest's Virtual Journey Location

Fort Pierre National Grassland is a United States National Grassland in central South Dakota, south of the capital, Pierre. It is primarily a short grass prairie. It has a land area of 115890 acres (181.08 sq mi, or 468.99 km²).   Part of the movie "Dances With Wolves" was filmed here.

Spring Like Weather Today..............

This guy has nothing over my Bride

8 Miles Today;  It was a very warm day for December.  It was a day when my Bride Joanne also joined me in my daily trek.  The temperature at the bank read as we completed our walk registered an unbelievable 57 degrees.   My Bride walks at a faster pace than I do,  I kept using the excuse that my left foot, hips and back as the reason I wasn't keeping up with "Speedy Gonzales"....    I have to admit that she was good company on such a beautiful day.....Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk                               . 

Lewis & Clark Update

Forrest has made the 30 mile loop called the Great Bend in the Missouri River.  The third week of September 1804 Lewis & Clark and the crew of "The Corps of Discovery" had a not so pleasant camping experience.  The following are exerts from the L&C Journals.,,,,,,,
Passed a long chain of bluffs on the north side, of a dark colour. From these and others of the same kind the Missouri gets its muddy colour. The earth of which they are composed dissolves like sugar; every rain washes down great quantities of it, and the rapidity of the stream keeps it mixing and afloat in the water, until it reaches the mouth of the Mississippi.
September 21, 1804 (Camped on an island in Hughes County, South Dakota)
At half past one o'clock this morning the Sand bar on which we Camped began to under mind and give way which alarmed the Sergent on Guard, ... we had pushed off but a few minutes before the bank under which the boat &prorogues (canoes) lay give way, which would certainly have sunk both prorogues, by the time we made the opposite shore our camp fell in, ... proceeded on to the gouge at this Great Bend.  (see map at right...to be continued)

1000 River Miles

7 Miles Today;  On July 25th this past summer Forrest began his virtual journey of retracing the river route of The Lewis & Clark Expedition.  Today I reached the 1000 mile plateau.  Forrest is located at the exact location where Lewis & Clark set up camp on September 20, 1804.  The Corps of Discovery departed near St Louis, Missouri on May 14, 1804.  Forrest reach this point on the Missouri River in 4 months compared to 6 months it took the Lewis & Clark Expedition to navigate the same distance.  They wrote in their journals that the Corps of Discovery wanted to average 12-20 miles per day.   I'll give the expedition a pass,,,,,,,,they are sailing upstream.....walked in the early morning darkness.  It rained all seven miles.  My feet got wet but I was dressed properly with rain gear so it wasn't too bad.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Sunny Day In December

7 Miles Today;  Forrest was out early today, walking in the early morning darkness was nice with the mild temperatures for this time of year.  The only people I encountered was two ladies on their bicycles.  The girls looked awfully familiar but Forrest couldn't tell with all the flashing lights the bikers were wearing.  Tomorrow heavy rain is forecast for early morning.  Until then, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lower Brule, South Dakota

7 Miles Today;  A great day for walking, mild tempetures and no wind.  My Lewis & Clark virtual journey has Forrest near the town of Lower Brule, SD (pop  725), home to the Lower Brule Sioux Resveration.  Until Tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

The Native American Scenic Byway winds through the reservation with  spectacular views of the Missouri and the vast grasslands that extend west over the horizon to the Black Hills.

Kul Wicasa Oyate



Sunny But Very Cold

7 Miles Today;  This morning's weather was definitely winter conditions.  Brisk winds and a temperature of 20 degrees.  The sun did appear about the time I arrived home.  As least the roads were clear and dry.  Forrest encountered one jogger, one walker, and one deer today.  It's a good thing I have my virtual journey of Lewis & Clark Expedition to keep my interest.  My Bride Joanne & I are attending our Mid-Michigan Irish American Christmas breakfast brunch and meeting this morning at a restaurant in East Lansing.  Looking forward to seeing everyone.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

                                                    

Lewis & Clark Update

      (photo at right)

The Big Bend of the Missouri River - Near Present day Fort Thompson, the Corps of Discovery comes to the "Great Bend" in the Missouri. They measure the distance by land, which is a little over a mile, by water it is over 30 miles.
  On Sept. 20, 1804, the expedition reached the Big Bend of the Missouri River. It's here that the river makes a huge loop, almost creating a full circle. In his journal entry for the day, Clark reported that the distance of the Narrows, the area between the two ends of the loop, on foot was only 2,000 yards. By water, the same trip was 30 miles! Now, 200 years and four dams later, the river still makes that huge loop. The West Bend Recreation Area located 26 miles east and nine miles south of Pierre off Highway 34 is a great place to visit and view this portion of the Missouri River where Lewis & Clark camped the third week of September, 1804.   to be continued

South Dakota's Native American Scenic Byway

Among the countless beautiful drives in South Dakota, one stands out as a unique opportunity for travelers. The Native American Scenic Byway is one of South Dakota’s Great Places.

7 Miles Today; My week ended with 46 miles walked (4 below my average). I'm still dealing with discomfort in my lower back and hips but not as bad as last week. Today it was very cold. The temperature was in the mid-teens this morning at daybreak. Starting this coming week Forrest begins his virtual journey of South Dakota's Native American Scenic Byway. This beautiful stretch of highway cuts through the middle of South Dakota, and crosses through the reservations of four tribes: the Crow Creek Sioux, Lower Brule Sioux, Cheyenne River Sioux, and Standing Rock Sioux. With 305 miles of roads, the byway passes by numerous memorial markers, monuments, museums, and sites sacred to Native Americans.
The South Dakota portion of the byway (it also extends into North Dakota) begins in Chamberlain, South Dakota, and snakes its way northwest, along the Missouri River, through the Lower Brule and Crow Creek Sioux reservations.
It continues toward Fort Pierre, and shortly after passes Fisher's Lilly Park, the historic site where Lewis and Clark met with the Teton Sioux. It is also near the site where they held the first council.
and north through the Eagle Butte and Cheyenne River Sioux reservations. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Light Snow Last Night

7 Miles Today;  
Forrest's virtual journey of the Lewis & Clark Expedition has him located near Fort Thompson and Big Bend Dam, South Dakota.  The Corps of Discovery arrived here on 18 Sep 1804. The dam's construction began in 1959 and open in the mid-60's. Fort Thompson is a small town of 1500 persons along Hwy 47 on the north side of the Missouri, River..

Big Bend Dam, SD  Missouri, River

Lewis & Clark Update

September 18, 1804

Journal entry from crew member (Whitehouse)

September 18th Tuesday We set off from Pleasant Camp early this morning, having Clear & pleasant weather; we proceeded on, and passed by fine timbered land, lying on the South side of the River, the land on the North side being hilly Prairies. we met with a great number of sandbars, and an Island lying on the north side of the river, Captain Lewis killed in his hunt Yesterday, a bird, which is uncommon in the United States It was a bird of prey, and had some resemblance of the Magpie.— The hunters who had went out early this Morning returned to us; having killed 11 deer, and one wolf, which was brought to us. We encamped in the afternoon on the south side of the river, in order to jerk the meat (known as beef jerky) which had been killed these two days.... to be continued........

Oacoma, SD (Pheasant Hunter's Paradise)

Historical Marker near Oacoma, SD
Missouri River in background

6 Miles Today;  Forrest had his walk completed by 7:30am....Then it was off to church for 8 o'clock Mass.   The weather this morning was cold but nice for walking.  (no wind and 26 degrees).  The only people I encountered was my Bride Joanne and her friend Audrey riding their bikes.  It's hard to believe that one week ago we were dealing with 10 inches of wet snow.  Forrest's virtual journal has him visiting the small town of Oacoma pop. 450... in the heart of central South Dakota, Chamberlain-Oacoma a mecca for small game hunters who travel here from many states to hunt.  Oacoma rests along the Midwestern bluffs of the Missouri River near Interstate 90 and the Highway 16.
Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

September 17, 1804 ( Remained near Oacoma)
Journal entry: (William Clark)
"Having for many days past confined myself to the boat, I determined to devote this day to amuse myself on shore with my gun and view the interior of the country lying between the river and the Corvus Creek. . This scenery already rich pleasing and beautiful was still farther heightened by immense herds of Buffalo, deer Elk and Antelopes which we saw in every direction feeding on the hills and plains."....The Corps of Discovery crew will spend one more night at this location in South Dakota.  to be continued.

A Day That Will Live In Infamy Dec 7, 1941

Remember Pearl Harbor

6 Miles Today;  Even though I wasn't born on this date 70 years ago I know much of this historic time in our country's history.  I hope future generations follow my generation in remembering what happened at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii....  My walk this morning was much better,  I felt like I could have walked more but decided to keep it at six miles.  No use pushing it.  Wouldn't it be nice if I could walk through my back problems.  Weather today was a balmy 28 degrees with no wind.  I saw two walkers today, a man and his dog and a lady who looked a lot like my Bride Joanne.  It was dark and impossible to be sure the identity of this short woman with all the blinking lights on her person. (Forrest does have a good idea who this person is..) Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

The "Corps of Discovery" at this location of their journey has them just 230 river miles from their winter home, at a settlement called Mandan, North Dakota.    - Sept. 16, 1804 - Near present day Chamberlain, the expedition stops at a place they call Camp Pleasant. In Lewis' journals he describes the numerous buffalo, deer, antelope and elk.

No Snow / Much Colder

6 Miles Today;   It was a lot colder today than yesterday.  It was windy with a temperature in the mid-30's.  Lower back and hips making my walks not too pleasant.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

September 15, 1804

Lewis and Clark camped on the west bank below on a one mile long island in the middle of the Missouri River near present day  Chamberlain, SD.  The island later to be named American Island.  On September 15, 1804 the crew of "The Corps of Discovery" after three days of rain were pleasantly surprised to find a place with pleasing rich scenery. The landscape was beautiful and spectacular.  Immense herds of buffalo, deer elk and antelope grazed on the prairies.  Steep irregular hills and deep ravines challenged the physical spirit of the crew of the expedition.  The strange new animals...jackrabbit, antelope, mule deer, black-billed magpie and coyote were well known to the Native Americans and French trappers, but this was the first detailed descriptions recorded for science by the Lewis & Clark Expedition......... to be continued

Today the entire island is gone; flooded by the waters of the dams.

Plaque located in Chamberlain, South Dakota

First Monday In December

6 Miles Today;  I waited until late afternoon to walk.  I was planning on seven miles but my tender hips and lower back got the last word.  It seems nice to have all the snow melted.  The weather today was breezy and 46 degrees and cloudy.  Perfect walking conditions for this time of year.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

From the journal of William Clark...."Made twelve miles today through a number of sandbars, which make it difficult to find the proper channel. At night the mosquitoes were very troublesome. Killed a Porcupine; found it in a Cottonwood tree near the river. the leaves of the Cottonwood were much destroyed-as were those of the Cottonwood trees in it's neighbourhood. I therefore supposed that it fed on the foliage of trees at this season."
September 14, 1804 ( Camped just below the mouth of Bull Creek, Lyman County, South Dakota)
"During the whole of the day we searched along the southern shore, and at some distance into the interior, to find an ancient volcano which we heard at St. Charles was somewhere in this neighborhood; but we could not discern the slightest appearance of any thing volcanic. Killed a Buck Goat* of this country, his eyes like a sheep- he is more like the Antelope or Gisella of Africa than any other species of Goat.   to be continued

Lower Back Issues

7 Miles Today;   It wasn't a happy day, between lower back spasms and getting wet from an all day light rain today's walk was a wash-out (no pun intended)..... We lost almost all the snow that accumulated from our first snow storm of the season.  Maybe tomorrow things will improve...Until then, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

A Close Call

7 Miles Today;  With threatening weather (rain) forecast for late afternoon Forrest had his walk completed by 10:30am.  The roads were relatively clear except for a few spots of "Black Ice"...Forrest has had some unique experiences thrust upon him in his years of walking but today takes the cake.  Like my blog title states.........A close call is what happened to me.. I entered this cul-da-sac for the first time since the snow storm.  With ear buds in place and listening to music I came within inches of a power line that was sagging across the road.  The wire was within 5 feet of the pavement.  I couldn't believe that I was eye level to a power line.  I went to the nearest house and alerted the home owner.  She said she would notify the utility company asap.   I'd rather see wild animals in my path than what I saw this morning.  My walk week ended with a dismal 40 miles walked, ten below my average.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lyman County, South Dakota

6 Miles Today;  It snowed a little over an inch last night.  Between watching out for ice and making tracks in the snow it wasn't too bad today.  I think the reason being is my lower back felt a lot better this morning.  The downside of today's walk was, my shoes did get wet from the slush I encounter.  My miles are down but I guess I will have to work my way back to my regular routine.  Forrest's virtual journey of Lewis & Clark has him twenty miles south of Chamberlain, SD.  The Corp of Discovery reached this location near the mouth of Bull Creek, Lyman County on September 15, 1804.  Today Bull Creek has a population of 43.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

September,15, 1804

Prairie dogs emerge from their burrows in daylight to forage and feed on grasses, roots, and seeds

On this date in history Capt William Clark wrote in his journal....."Met with goats, such as we have seen; great quantities of buffalo, near to which were wolves, some deer, and villages of barking-squirrels."....The barking squirrels were pairre dogs.  Capt Clark killed a goat that weigh 65 lbs.  Buffalo

were seen by the thousands along this stretch of the Missouri River.   to be continued





Digging Out

3 Miles Today; It was sunny and 26 degrees this morning.  A lot of ice on the roads.  I went to the chiropractor first thing this morning.  I decided I would only do the minimum miles this morning with the bad roads and a back adjustment it just made sense.  Today is the first day of the last month of 2011, I'm hoping it treats me better than November.  I close with a thank-you to my son Tony (Dallas Tx) for helping out with my blog during the power-blackout we experienced here in Mid-Michigan.  Also a big thank-you to Mrs Forrest for keeping Forrest walking.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Digging Out

3 Miles Today; It was sunny and 26 degrees this morning. A lot of ice on the roads. I went to the chiropractor first thing this morning. I decided I would only do the minimum miles this morning with the bad roads and a back adjustment it just made sense. Today is the first day of the last month of 2011, I'm hoping it treats me better than November. I close with a thank-you to my son Tony (Dallas Tx) for helping out with my blog during the power-blackout we experienced here in Mid-Michigan. Also a big thank-you to Mrs Forrest for keeping Forrest walking. Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

In Like A Lamb, Out Like A Lion

This Blog post meant for Tuesday the 29th
Note:  Just Seconds From Posting When Power Went Out.

November 30,2011

20  Hours In Darkness 

7 Miles Today;  November Gale is what our area is experiencing right now.  This phenom happens with the convergence of two storm tracks forming what is called "November Gale".  The weather today with high wind and a temperature in the low 30's was awful.  Between the heavy rain in the morning and the high winds and snow late I did however get my miles in.  Forrest wore four layers of clothing plus a rain coat to deal with the conditions.  My hips and lower back acted up on me today.  I struggled most of the way.  Until tomorrow, God Bless Walk Forrest Walk

Lewis & Clark Update

September 12, 1804

"The day was dark and cloudy. We with great difficulty were enabled to struggle through the sandbars, the water being very rapid and shallow. We advanced only four miles in the whole day." ( Clark's journal for this day)