 | With a last glimpse of the view from where my tent stood, we are off down the river to our next campsite at Hole-in-the-Wall. The scenery for the first 3.5 miles is a combination of beautiful cliff outcroppings and agricultural operations including cattle grazing. Then in the distance an ingenious rock plug — Eagle Rock — resembling a perched eagle comes into view. |
Shortly past Eagle's Rock the river becomes very shallow — Kipp's Rapids — as we make our way downstream. Named for James Kipp, a trader for the American Fur Company, this section of river was hazardous to steamboats because there is no clear channel.
Further downstream and looming on the opposite bank from Eagle's Rock is the National Historic Landmark known as Citadel Rock, one of the most prominent natural features on the Upper Missouri. This dark igneous rock rises from the river's edge has been the subject of some of the most famous historical paintings of the Upper Missouri including Swiss artist Karl Bodmer, who joined a group of Europeans led by Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp of Wied-Neuwied to explore this area just under three decades after Lewis and Clark's expedition.
Further downstream and looming on the opposite bank from Eagle's Rock is the National Historic Landmark known as Citadel Rock, one of the most prominent natural features on the Upper Missouri. This dark igneous rock rises from the river's edge has been the subject of some of the most famous historical paintings of the Upper Missouri including Swiss artist Karl Bodmer, who joined a group of Europeans led by Prince Maximilian Alexander Philipp of Wied-Neuwied to explore this area just under three decades after Lewis and Clark's expedition.
Only one mile beyond Citadel Rock is Hole-in-the-Wall campsite, which is named for an eight-foot hole near the top of the rock cliff downriver.
Hole-in-the-Wall boat camp is exquisitely situated — with views across the river to towering white cliffs, upstream to Citadel Rock, and its namesake cliffs behind us.
After settling into our tents, it is time for antipasti. As an accompaniment, I've brought along a bottle of Pinot Noir by my friend vintner Deborah Hall under her philanthropic label "Ground Boots." Proceeds from 2015 wine sales benefit Soi Dog, an international organization working in Thailand to keep street (soi) dogs healthy — vaccinated, spayed and neutered, and safe from the meat trade. Kelly has also brought along a bottle of her favorite Saugivnon Blanc by Russian River Valley winery Trecini.
Next up . . . cooking demonstration and fabulous Italian-inspired dinner . . . stay tuned!
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