Could You Have Done What Lewis and Clark Did? Probably Not and Here’s Why
Lots of people are into hiking, although very few have the stamina to do what Lewis and Clark did. Can you even imagine making an 8,000-mile cross-country trek into unchartered territory?
Hiking the Uncharted: An 8,000-Mile Test of Endurance
From May 1804 to September 1806, the Corps of Discovery trekked a whopping 8,000 miles, from St. Louis to the Pacific Coast and back.
The vast majority of this trek was through uncharted land, encompassing rough terrains that included jagged mountains, sprawling deserts, and turbulent rivers.
Braving the Elements: From Scorching Heat to Biting Cold
Throughout the expedition, the Corps faced extreme weather conditions. The brutal summer heat in the plains, frigid winters in the mountains, ceaseless torrential rain in the Pacific Northwest, and whipping winds across the plateaus were far from ideal for travel and exposed the men to numerous health risks.
Illness was a constant companion during the expedition. Members of the Corps suffered from dysentery, boils, tick bites, venereal disease, and even suspected appendicitis, all without the benefit of modern medicine.
Surviving Food Scarcity: From Roots and Berries to Tallow Candles
Food scarcity was a daunting issue. The Corps, at times, had to resort to a diet of roots, berries, and even their tallow candles when they were unable to hunt or fish successfully.
Peaceful Negotiations: Maneuvering Through Native Encounters
Encounters with Native American tribes could have easily gone south. Over 50 different tribes were encountered during the expedition, and not all were friendly.