Spring, 1806

Dear Mr. Jefferson,

The journey was the Corps at its best.  The journey was America at its best.  We made history by discovering new animal species and plants, but more importantly we found new american land.  I personally found some new recipes by spending time with all of the indian tribes and experimenting of new foods and flavors.  I would have gladly given my life for the Corps Of Discovery.  I am forever dedicated to this amazing country of ours.  I am also glad that we could all vote, using democracy on decisions so Sagagawea  and York's vote would count and we could hear what they had to say.  I thank you for giving me the privilege of being a part of the crew.

Sincerely,

Graham Collector

P.S. For my weekly labors, discoveries, recipes and all of my endeavors I have brought to this journey, I believe I should be paid the grade of an A-

The Pacific!

Winter/Spring 1806

We have gotten to the pacific ocean, and although it is wet rainy and foggy the fact that we made it with only one death in three years and that all the men are in great health is amazing.  I hope President Jefferson is happy with all the animals we sent back and will be pleased with the Captains drawings, and the rest of the corps's exquisite notes and journal entries.  We left as brave adventurers but will come back as heroes.  This has been an amazing journey that I should not soon forget, and hope the people living in america will now settle where we have explored.

For now,

Graham Collector 

Delicious Venison

At Fort Clatsop 1806

3 lbs. venison roast 1 large onion, chopped fine Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of rosemary 1 large carrot, grated Pinch of oregano Grease a large sheet of heavily layered paper and place in a roasting pan. Put the  roast in the center of the paper and add all the other ingredients. Wrap the paper securely over the roast, making sure it is leak-proof and that  moisture will not escape. Roast on a blazing open fire for 2½ hours or until done.   Taste.

Roast Elk Steak recipe

At Fort Clatsop 1806

2 lb elk round steak, cut 1/2 inch thick
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 tbsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
2 plum tomatoes -- 28 ounce size, diced
2 tsp garlic, minced (2-3 cloves)
2 medium size onions, peeled and sliced thickly
1/2 cup finely chopped celery
2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
oil or fat for frying

Naked Boy..

September 7th 1805

Today while traveling we came upon a peculiar boy the age of about 13 or 14.  When Sea walked up to the boy he darted away.  We hope he is in a village near by so we can get food and rest our aching muscles.  The boy was Nez Pierce and he was up on the hill finding his spirit guide. also the tribe fed us delicious dog meat.  Seaman didn't seem too interested in it though.  We also met a very wise woman Watkueis, Who's grandson was on the hill, and he was delighted to see "Mountain Dog" or Seaman.

Gun explanation

August 15 1805

The guns we will hunt with are not talked about often.   The Corps shoots a rifle that is very slow reloading and has very bad accuracy.  However it will do its job.  How the gun operated is you pull the hammer back.  You push the slide forward and put your gun powder in the small space.  Then, you close the slide you take a small ball round and drop it down the barrel.  I suggest after you drop the round down the barrel you stick a rod (wooden or metal) down the breech to make the ball touch the gun powder.  When the hammer is released (by the trigger pull) it will snap down on a release and shoot a flame, thus making the gun powder explode and shoot the ball out of the barrel.  as I said, this is not very accurate, but it has significant force and will stop an animal dead in its tracks, and can be dry fired to get attention or intimidate someone or something  because of its loud bang.

Story of how I got the deer...

September 6 1804

Today, Sea, the cook, and I went out to hunt.  We would have to find something big or two animals, like a buck, a bison, or a grizzly bear.  I had hoped we would get at least two of the three because we use everything on the animal and these creatures have a lot to provide.  The Deer has antlers that can make knives along with the bones of a grizzly.  and the hide on all of them will provide us with materials for moccasins, bedding and clothing.  I love the meat on all except I do not love bear meat.  Oh well on an expedition who is complaining?  Meat is Food and food is health and energy!  We ended up killing a giant buck and a decent sized buffalo.  I am very grateful for our luck!  We will soon be tanning the hide of the deer and making new shirts and shoes.  We also will use the fur of the buffalo's fur for clothing and bedding for warmth because winter is coming fast.  Did I mention we will dine like kings tonight also?

Food Discovery!

November 3 1804

Many of the men on my mess, after a hard day of travel and work will drink the whisky from the barrels we have.  Recently I made a dish (of buffalo and venison) along with some sauteed onions, but I also added a splash of the whiskey!  I thought I messed the dish up and got very cross!  Until I tried it.  It is much better and not bland!  Try it!

Deer Stew

November 3 1805

2 Pounds cubed deer meat, 2 medium turnips -- cut up, 1 Large cup chicken broth, 16 (oz) smashed tomato, 1 Onion -- diced, 4 Pinches of Salt, and 2 Table spoons Freshly ground black pepper 

Cook cubed Deer (or buffalo) and Put browned meat in a slow cooker and pour in the liquid from the broth. Add the tomato and, the diced onion and cut up turnips. (Add water as needed to obtain desired consistency.) Cook in pot 3 to 4 hours on a high fire until meat is very tender.  It should look something like this.      

November 4 1804

Heres an actual picture of the grilled chicken!

looks good huh?  Today I will be bringing it in to my mess.   thanks for reading and i hope you like my meal!

November 3 1805

Tomorrow you will have some chicken! It will be really good.  I seasoned it will a few of the same spices and grilled it on a cast iron pan.  I hope you enjoy my chicken feast! and it will look something like that!

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update on cooking

June 12 1804

I have already some of my crew and hope you will like my buffalo also.  Here is a picture

Recipe:  

1.) Cut up buffalo into small strips.

2.) Tenderize fresh buffalo.

3.)Chop and caramelize onions in cast iron pan.

4.)Gather: fine chopped and dried sage, pepper (preferably ground pepper) and ground salt.

5.)Add to the raw buffalo, the seasonings, along with the onions and mix. 

6.)Shape the buffalo mix in the shape you want.

7.)Cook until the meat is brown.

8.)Serve on two warm soft buns.

Remember, buffalo has less fat than beef, so low and slow is the way to go!

captains dog

Hello fellow corpes members!!!

today my mess caught a Buffalo 

I was very interested in Seaman's comments today about the old fashion guns Lewis and Clark carry.  I thought they sounded very fun and historic.  I would love to shoot any gun they have, but if I chose to shoot one I would shoot the Captain's Swivel Gun, the most powerful gun in the corps.  I also want to find out about the rounds they shoot.  Seaman says they are like balls but I am used to more recent bullets.  Who knows, I shall look into that later!  I was very exited and surprised when Seaman told the story of Captain Lewis falling off the cliff, but saving himself by a knife he jabbed into the mountain.  Gladly he returned to the group safe and no harm whatsoever done to him.  I would have seen it if I were not sick and resting on the keelboat.

My mess

Katie

Katie's hard working personality will be great for the crew.  She will be an all around good worker.

Erin 

Erin's talents with painting and rock collecting will help a great amount when we are making maps and uncovering rocks,  she will help a lot.

Sam

Sam is a good cook and will help us have a healthy hearty good meal every night.  He can provide us with good fresh fish every night.

Connor

Connor is a good hiker and boater.  He will help keep us in good moods.  it will be fun listening him and Chris's skill on violin during the campfire.

Alex

Alex is handy and can comfort and cheer up the crew.  his skill for finding herbs will be very helpful also.

Chris

Chris will be very helpful in keeping the group cheerful and entertained.  he will also help us cook if we need him to.

Nike

Nike will help us a lot on the expedition from horses and cooking to clothing she will help us all the way

Jessica

Jessica has a keen eye for special artifacts and valuable gems.  Her guitar will be very entertaining

Maddy

Maddy's skills for hunting and gathering will help a lot in our trip.  we will love her fresh eggs also

Will

Will will be a great help entertaining our mess and also he can help talk and find directions

Dear Captain john

March 2, 2009

Dear Captain John, 

 

I am Graham.biker and I think I am qualified to accompany our group on our 4 month 5,000 mile expedition.  I am a very determined fellow who never gives up.  You can appoint me to do most everything.  I have most experience as a cook, navigator, and worker.  My mind and body are strong.  As a boy, I learned recipes and how to cook them correctly and well.  I love to cook.  I can navigate well and have been doing it since I was young.  I have been working manually and I can lift heavy objects like piles of wood or pull a cart.  

During the trip I hope to discover herbs and spices for my meals.  I am good at navigating so I hope to discover new routes to help Americans have an easier time traveling from coast to coast.  I also hope we can find more land, expand the USA, and draw other people from other places to this beautiful country of ours.

-Graham.biker

Introduction

Dear captain john...