Chevy & GMC Vans

Background: My wife, who is a 5th grade teacher, was in a 'History Grant' this past year which entitled her to $1,000 to spend on a "history-related" trip. The money could cover transportation costs, lodging, meals and any other related expenses such as museum entrance fees & etc, she incurred. After talking it over, we decided a camping trip would be the best way to spend the money since most of her costs (campground fees & fuel) would actually benefit the entire family. In addition, money for food was paid on a per-diem basis, meaning what they would pay her anyway would mostly cover meals for all of us.

The origninal plan was to head for the Black Hills and Mt. Rushmore since neither of us had been there. Unfortunately, after looking at both our calendars and seeing the other things we had going on this summer, there was no way we could set aside two weeks to make that trip. (And even then it would be rushed.) The rising cost of fuel was also a consideration...

So instead we decided to follow the path of Lewis & Clark, or at least their path from this area and west. A side benefit was that my wife actually teaches a bit of Lewis & Clark to her students. (Surprisingly, the grant didn't require this. I guess the ideas is to just make the grant participants more 'worldly'!)

After the trip, I decided to surprise my wife with a PowerPoint presentation of the trip. The idea was to give her something she could maybe use in her classroom. Kinda to show her kids you can have fun (camp) and learn something at the same time. So, the link below is to a pdf version of the PowerPoint presentation. (The PowerPoint ended up being something like 20mb! The pdf is still a huge 6mb!)

If you dare open it, you will find 113 (!) pages with a mix of scenery (from central WA to the OR coast) and history (Lewis & Clark obviously, but other interesting local stuff too including the Ice Age Flood, Ft Stevens & the Tillamook Air Museum.)

Enjoy!... (or not!)

Mead History Camping Trip

wow what a great trip! I want one of those cletracs, who needs a 4 wheeler...

Looks like a great trip Matt, just downloaded a copy and will check it out over the next few days

What a good write up, thanks for posting....Johnny

Great stuff, Matt!

Awesome write-up! I love the scenery. Hope to make a trip out that way someday.

that was a great write up & pictorial Matt , thanx for sharing with us . I think thats about the only was this east coaster is ever going to see oregon .

great post and presentation Matt

Wow, that's a really nice PP presentation! And I thoroughly enjoyed reading your narration. LOVED the one of your daughter simulating an aircraft malfunction... Too CUTE!! What a beautiful family you have Mr Mead & those pix are GREAT!!
Skippy's right. Most of us in the East will never see Oregon any other way. It's beautiful!!
Thanks for sharing that with everyone Mr Mead.

I truly appreciate all the positive comments. Thanks folks!

Wow, Matt, what a great trip. You guys coverred a lot of territory! From arid shrub steppe east of the pass, thru the forest to the rugged Oregon seaside. Excellent photos and captions.

What a great way to close out the summer.

T.Low wrote:
What a great way to close out the summer.

If only you knew Tom.

(Actually, this trip was taken the end of June/beginning of July..... It' just takes me this long to get a project completed...... right Petey?!)

Excellent Matt, just finished up going thru it all.Great pics of awesome scenery and good information to go with it,thanks for sharing that with all of us, Tell Ryan good job on the state park badges