Sneaking Into the Unknown
Journal 2005 07 20
Sneaking Into the Unknown
Eighteen miles over land. Fifteen miles by water. Feet so sore and poked that Captain Clark and his small party camp by the river to wait for Lewis and the river party to catch up. Lewis notes smoke rising nine to ten miles up a creek from the river. He concludes that either the Shoshone have discovered their presence or Clark’s land party has accidentally set fire to the grass.
Clark sees the same smoke and concludes they were indeed seen by the Shoshones who are signaling their presence to other tribal members. The party later learns that the Shoshone heard rifle shots from Clark’s party (as they hunted) and assumed it was probably their old enemy the Blackfeet.
Ever try to sneak anywhere? I love sneaking around unseen. My poor wife may have a coronary some day because of my sneaking up on her. And I’m like the six hundred pound gorilla in the room. Most of want to be able to sneak into areas unknown in order to maintain anonymity. But let’s think about sneaking into uncharted areas.
Would you enter a biker bar wearing a white tennis outfit with a sweater tied across your shoulders and expect to “blend in”? Of course not! Why would the Captains expect that they could enter lands unknown to them and expect to remain unseen? The first rifle shot to obtain game would alert anyone within earshot to their presence. They were traveling on the equivalent of I-90 for their time. (I-15 actually branches off I-90 and runs nearest to their current position.) Travelers would be noticed, as the Shoshones would have security set up around their camps and activities.
We are best equipped to “sneak” in areas where we are most familiar. The Corps of Discovery was interested in making contact with all tribal nations along their route. In this case, they were aware that if they were discovered prematurely, the Shoshone might retreat to safety. So they attempted to sneak in and make surprise contact. The Captains were always at a disadvantage in any attempt to arrive without notice.
How do we enter unknown territory? Do we come with great fanfare or do we attempt to pass through unnoticed? The bigger question for most of us is, “Do we ever leave familiar ground long enough to even know the answer to this question?”
Ancient travelers sent advance parties bearing gifts to show their peaceful intentions. The Corps of Discovery carried small gifts and tokens showing their peaceful intentions. We tend to leave small gifts and tokens showing our peaceful intentions. I believe the timing has changed in our gift giving because of the safe, simple travel we enjoy. Increased danger would bring increased caution and increased attempts to signal our good will.
When we enter into new territory, physical and spiritual, we need to remind ourselves that others are watching to determine our intentions. Gifts from honest people signal intentions and open the door to friendships. Trust follows and is earned, not given.
Looking to enter new ground? Send or bring a gift and give it early!
Sneaking Into the Unknown
Eighteen miles over land. Fifteen miles by water. Feet so sore and poked that Captain Clark and his small party camp by the river to wait for Lewis and the river party to catch up. Lewis notes smoke rising nine to ten miles up a creek from the river. He concludes that either the Shoshone have discovered their presence or Clark’s land party has accidentally set fire to the grass.
Clark sees the same smoke and concludes they were indeed seen by the Shoshones who are signaling their presence to other tribal members. The party later learns that the Shoshone heard rifle shots from Clark’s party (as they hunted) and assumed it was probably their old enemy the Blackfeet.
Ever try to sneak anywhere? I love sneaking around unseen. My poor wife may have a coronary some day because of my sneaking up on her. And I’m like the six hundred pound gorilla in the room. Most of want to be able to sneak into areas unknown in order to maintain anonymity. But let’s think about sneaking into uncharted areas.
Would you enter a biker bar wearing a white tennis outfit with a sweater tied across your shoulders and expect to “blend in”? Of course not! Why would the Captains expect that they could enter lands unknown to them and expect to remain unseen? The first rifle shot to obtain game would alert anyone within earshot to their presence. They were traveling on the equivalent of I-90 for their time. (I-15 actually branches off I-90 and runs nearest to their current position.) Travelers would be noticed, as the Shoshones would have security set up around their camps and activities.
We are best equipped to “sneak” in areas where we are most familiar. The Corps of Discovery was interested in making contact with all tribal nations along their route. In this case, they were aware that if they were discovered prematurely, the Shoshone might retreat to safety. So they attempted to sneak in and make surprise contact. The Captains were always at a disadvantage in any attempt to arrive without notice.
How do we enter unknown territory? Do we come with great fanfare or do we attempt to pass through unnoticed? The bigger question for most of us is, “Do we ever leave familiar ground long enough to even know the answer to this question?”
Ancient travelers sent advance parties bearing gifts to show their peaceful intentions. The Corps of Discovery carried small gifts and tokens showing their peaceful intentions. We tend to leave small gifts and tokens showing our peaceful intentions. I believe the timing has changed in our gift giving because of the safe, simple travel we enjoy. Increased danger would bring increased caution and increased attempts to signal our good will.
When we enter into new territory, physical and spiritual, we need to remind ourselves that others are watching to determine our intentions. Gifts from honest people signal intentions and open the door to friendships. Trust follows and is earned, not given.
Looking to enter new ground? Send or bring a gift and give it early!
posted by @2007 Dick Cinkovich | 11:03 PM
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