Friday, June 19, 2009 Discovery: Choir Tour Compared to Early Lewis & Clark Travels Following the Ohio River from Cincinnati to St. Louis, the Choir retraced the route of Meriwether Lewis, but his mode of transportation was keelboat and ours was nine coaches of the Indian Trails bus line. We took Interstate 71 South and made the trip in a matter of hours. He picked up Captain—really a second lieutenant—Clark and they established their base camp just north of St. Louis in Wood Camp. Our modern transportation was undoubtedly more comfortable than a keelboat. (Click to enlarge). A few similarities and differences between those early pioneers and our latter-day travelers: Then: Lewis and Clark traveled along the Missouri River through Kansas City to Omaha and then north to the Dakotas. Now: The Choir will take a detour to Iowa, go to Omaha and then head on to Kansas City. Then: Lewis and Clark covered over 4,000 miles in two and a half years at a cost of $2,500. Now: We will travel over 3,700 miles in just under two weeks at a cost of $2,500 per person. Then: They were accompanied by Lewis’s Newfoundland, Seaman, and guided by Sacagawea. Now: We don’t have a dog or Indian guide, but we do have Barry Anderson, our intrepid administrative manager, and the guys from the Travel Department. Then: Lewis and Clark didn’t have rest stops, or buses with power strips, Internet access and air conditioning. Now: We have all of these but we have endured a few physical hardships, like long lines at the rest rooms, and slow downloads when we got too far from a cell tower. On a long bus journey from Cincinnati to St. Louis, it’s not surprising that the rest stops were among the highlights of the day. Just west of Louisville across the Ohio River and the state line is a rest stop welcoming you to Indiana. The Choir’s stop was much anticipated by the information specialists who man the small visitor center there and it made their day. By one account, we were the largest group ever to stop for lunch—an event they felt merited a news conference. The media didn’t show up, but the stop was covered by the crew from BYU Broadcasting, who is documenting the tour for a future television program. Choir members pose at the Indiana sign. (Click to enlarge). We came across a truck load of turkeys at the Skeeter Mountain rest stop in Indiana. As Barry looked on the smoking generator at the back of the truck, he promptly exclaimed, “As soon as the fire is out, we’ll have snacks”. Fortunately, there are no turkeys in this Choir, only eagles. Highway construction along the way prompted lead bus driver Becky and her colleague Kerrisha to “walk the dog” as the interstate narrowed to one lane. It prompted this writer to paraphrase our encore number “This Land is Your Land,” in these words: This lane is your lane, this lane is my lane, From Cincinnati through Ohio Valley, From Skeeter Mountain to the arch in St. Louis, This lane was made for you and me! After a long bus ride, the inspirational Gateway Arch in St. Louis signaled the end of the day’s journey. The arch is so near the Choir’s hotel, it is not surprising many Choir members enjoyed the re-enactment of the Lewis and Clark voyage of discovery on the big screen on their evening off in St. Louis.   The Gateway Arch is the prominent of the skyline as we drive into St. Louis. (Click to enlarge). Captain Clark was only 20 miles off on his estimate of the 4,800 mile trek and President Jefferson was able to acquire the Louisiana Purchase for only three cents an acre (including interest). They made remarkable discoveries and contributions then, similar to the ones Choir members hope to make along the way of the Central States Tour. Final note to latter-day travelers: If anyone tries to sell you land for three cents an acre, have them talk to the Choir President, Mac Christensen! By David Bush, 2nd Tenor