Historian Mike Crosby will join our August 23-28, 2015, trip on the River of No Return (Main Salmon) for an in-depth study of the Lewis and Clark expedition and early Idaho history. Anyone interested in the history of central Idaho will appreciate this unique opportunity to visit around the campfire with Mike, who has studied the area extensively.

Mike has studied the Lewis and Clark expedition in the Idaho area for many years and conducts weekly demonstrations and discussions at the Sacajawea Center in Salmon.  Mike has also  extensively researched the life of George Shoup, one of the founders of Salmon whose career extended from the gold rush days of Colorado in the 1850s, into the Salmon area in the  1860s when gold was discovered, through the settlement period where he developed an extensive mercantile and freighting business as well as a large ranching operation.  After Idaho became a state in 1890, Shoup became governor, then senator, of Idaho. Mike has also published a book on the Civilian Conservation Corps activity in the Salmon area.

After growing up in northern Idaho, Mike taught history in Salmon for many years.  His time in Salmon shaped his interest in the Lewis and Clark expedition as well as the life of Shoup.  He is very familiar with the Salmon River, having worked as a river guide for several seasons in his earlier years.

We will visit points of historical interest along the legendary River of No Return,  such as Campbell’s Ferry and Buckskin Bill’s home. We’ll camp on sandbars along the river each night.  Meals will be prepared by the Aggipah crew, using Dutch ovens  to prepare a variety of dishes including cinnamon rolls, cobblers, and other baked items. We’ll grill meats over an open fire, prepare fresh vegetables, and provide ice for cocktail hour.  Chairs and dining tables provide a comfortable outdoor dining experience–helped by a selection of Idaho wines.  Aggipah provides tents, sleeping pads, and waterproof duffle bags.

Number of participants is limited to 24 by Forest Service regulations.  We will meet in Salmon the evening of August 22.  Aggipah will provide transportation from Salmon to the end-of-the-road launch site.  The trip ends at mid-day on the 28th upstream from Riggins. Additional detail about this, and other, Aggipah trips is available by calling us directly at  208-756-4167 –day or evening.