White Cliffs of the Missouri
Missouri River, Montana
The white cliffs section of the Missouri River in Montana were absolutely captivating to the Lewis and Clark expedition as they moved up river in 1805. The account of their travels through this area are among the most lyrical of all of their journals writings. The geology hasn't changed in 200 years, and I've enjoyed the sights on more than a dozen floats just as much as they did. Letting the current take my canoe under the blue skies of this historical route of Lewis and Clark, Chief Joseph, early trappers, and homesteaders, with no sounds except the cooing of mourning doves and the songs of meadowlarks on either side, is among the most peaceful experiences I've ever had. That's what I've tried to express in my photographs. Photo © copyright by Stephen Penland.