Day 33 - Clarkston, Washington

Today is June 23 in Clarkston, Washington.  We are camped at the Hells Canyon Resort, Gateway to Hells Canyon.

We left on the Jet Boat “River Quest” piloted by Butch and assisted by Mark.

River Quest

Early history tells us that the Nez Perce Indians occupied this canyon for thousands of years.  We spent the morning cruising up the Snake River while Butch informed us of the history of many of the locations.  Around noon we stopped at the Garden Creek Ranch, established in 1933, and presently leased by our Captain Butch.  They provided a wonderful buffet lunch with a lovely view of the river and surrounding mountains.

Lunch at Garden Creek Ranch

Betty Jo and I decided if we attempted to describe all the places we saw, it would take several pages to do the job.  Therefore we will simply list some of the sights and let your memories take over to relive the day’s activities.

Beautiful cliffs formed by volcanic activity, and riverside quarries of rocks, many very shiny due to the action of the sand during Spring flooding.

BEAUTIFUL CLIFFS

Osprey and their nests, geese, Rocky Mountain sheep on hillsides, herons, numerous deer, wild turkeys, and a couple of eagles.

Location and sinking of the stern wheeler lost in 1903.

Description and operation of the weekly River Mail operation, still in use.

Site of the Eureka Bar Mining town and works.

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce crossing of his tribe in 1877, not losing one life.

The Snake River depth varies from 2 feet to 125 feet, and is 1037 miles long, while the Salmon River is 430 miles long, but runs free as there are no dams on it.

Several picked ripe cherries at our lunch stop, including our Wagonmaster Phil, whole celebrated his birthday all day long.

Roger and John picking cherries

"Birthday Boy" Phil gets serious

We traveled 62 ½ miles today and only a few actually were wet from the boats spray on the return to camp.

The day ended with a Driver’s Meeting to discuss Monday’s drive to Pendleton, Oregon.

In conclusion, it was a great, beautiful day on the Snake River and we hope the following pictures will bring back good memories.

Group Photo Op

Heading back

Guy and Betty Jo Patterson, #15