September 15, 1805 Bitterroot Mountains

The climb is harder than anticipated. Food is beginning to run out, and it snowed nearly a foot in one day. Old Toby says he has lost the trail, but should be able to find it again. Clark doesn't know if he trusts Old Toby. The choice lays in front to either trust Old Toby or return to Bitterroot Valley. I believe that after much conversation we have decided to trust Old Toby to find the trail.

October 2, 1805 Nez Perce

The salmon has not helped. The men, Clark, and I have consented to eating a horse. We know that the horse will not make us sick.

Clark and I talked about what we should do about winter. Moving on seems to be the best choice, it will at least offer more variety in food.

October 12, 1805
Today the Nez Perce helped us make canoes. The process was longer than expected, but it worked. We are still alive, and hoping to continue soon.

Shoshone August 30, 1805

We have met with the Indians and their chief is Sacagawea's brother. He agreed to give us twenty-nine horses and supplies, and now a elderly guide is coming with us. He is an Shoshone who's name is Old Toby. He tells us that there are two routes to the ocean. The south is across a desert which will be easier to cross, but food and water will be scarce. The northern route is through the Bitterroot Mountains which will have food and water, but will be harder to travel. We are going to try our luck with the northern route. The guarantee of food and water is more inviting than the vast desert.

Source, August 11, 1805

Today we encountered an Indian, he appeared not to take much interest in us. When he headed away, we almost followed, but a storm blocked our path.

August 12, 1805
We are sure that it will only take a couple of days to find the Indians. We are heading out to search now, supplies are needed, and soon.

November 7, 1805 Columbia Gorge

We made it to the ocean today! The smell is salty, and brilliant. Very different from the mountain air, but it is a welcome change.

Bad news, we are only at the bay. The ocean is near, but we are not quite there.

We have arrived! Finally! The Indian tribe has offered for us to stay the winter, the decision is for the Corps to decide.

They have decided to stay the winter! Somehow we have managed to keep everyone alive.