Lost. And founds. A contest.

Stupid GPS. Nag. Nag. Redirect! Redirect until embarrassed radio silence after a furious whack.

Should have followed that instinct for a hard right.

Going retro for better results with predictable stars and dusting of the sextant.

Of course, if there are no familiar landmarks, it’s much more difficult. (Gulf coast)©

There’s always the option of landmarks, familiar routes, or seat of the pants navigation.

But that doesn’t always go well even for famous explorers like Rene-Robert Cavalier Sieur de La Salle.

(With a name like that, you know he’s bound to have a full wig of curls, but have it on authority that there’s no truth to the rumor that Sally’s Beauty Supplies is a descendent or derivative…)

La Salle is that French guy who explored and claimed for France all the land around the Mississippi River and its’ tributaries. Three years after that, about 1685, he once again sailed from France with four ships and 300 colonists planning to established a settlement at the mouth of the Mississippi in order to block expansion by the English, establish a base to strike Mexico and Spanish shipping, and to establish a warm water port for the French fur trade.

Only he missed it. By about 400 miles. 

Ended up on the South Texas coast.

Minus a ship that had been taken by pirates/deserters (which was later intercepted by the Spanish who weren’t happy to hear about the French being in their backyard…)

Another ship ran aground and sank.

(Hearing that theme song from Gilligan’s Island about now? A three hour tour…)

La Salle landed about 100 miles south, but the landscape is basically the same: native grasses, scrubby trees, brackish water, and mosquitoes. ©

The original “Survivor” reality show. (Without commercial breaks) 

Not to be discouraged, La Salle tried to make lemonade out of a sour situation.

(Please let us off this ship. Anywhere. Anywhere. There. That looks like the Mississippi? If it does to you, it does to me. You can go on to China without us. We’ll wait here.)

Fort St. Louis was established. In Texas.

One of the two remaining ships left for France with the frigate La Belle left behind as a lifeline to France.

La Belle was a comfort, until it sank.

Then came the water shortages, rattlesnakes, disease, and attacks by the locals.

Soon there were only 24 left. Women, children, physically handicapped, and men who displeased La Salle were left when he decided to go for help. The remaining colonists were deceived by the Karankawa and slaughtered during Christmas week. A few children were taken and adopted by the tribes. (Much later the Talon Children were rescued and their stories recorded.)

La Salle eventually attempted to hike through East Texas towards New Orleans area with a handful of men. He still thought it was just around the corner…the next one. The next one. Possibly thought the Trinity River was a tributary of the Mississippi.)

Once again, bad turn. 

Having lost faith in their leader after only two months, the men shot him, then deserted to live among the Indians.

Vast open waters. Shallow saltwater and sandbars. No hope of help.©

A fascinating story that now seems more real. Real and amazing.

In 1995 archeologists realized the lumps under the waters of Matagorda Bay were more than hurricane refuge or railroad ties.

It was La Belle’s keel and large pieces of the frigate buried in six feet of mud.

The Texas Historical Commission working with Texas A&M University built a dam around the wreck, pumped it dry, and gathered the nearly intact hull. Then the timbers were stored in the world’s largest archeologist freezer-dryer to flash freeze all the wood to remove the moisture.

VIDEO of removing La Belle from the mud: Excavation and Preservation.

Now it’s time to get ready for the big reveal next spring.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum in Austin, Texas is resembling La Belle.

Watch the progress on-line here. (Wed-Fri. 9-5)

Equally fascinating is all the stuff the ship was carrying:

Cooking utensils, tools, building materials, beads, bells, mirrors for trading, tons of Jesuit rings, cannons with dolphin handles, rifles, pewter plates, buttons, ruler, and even pecans.

Everything colonists would need was still in the hold.

Click here to see 67 of over 100 artifacts recovered.

Check out the rat skeleton! (Stowing away can be hazardous)

Real stuff from real people makes it more than just a story in a book.

Do you have a reservation? Now by invitation only! Texas State Park©

Lost. And found.

When completed, the entire hull will be encased in a glass structure so visitors can walk just above the deck and look directly down into the hull.

How cool is that?

As close as you can get until they perfect time travel.

Or maybe this isn’t exactly the destination/event you want to pick. Check out the museum video of what was supposed to be a great adventure before you decide.

Molly,”Bet La Salle’s dogs didn’t have to stay on leashes.”
Staff,”Bet those dogs weren’t afraid to get their feet wet either.”©

Ready to find some adventure of your own now?

Someplace sunny and warm? Sailing does sounds nice.

Yacht racing still a bit dangerous. Watch video of recent Volvo Ocean Yacht Race shipwreck into a reef… a modern 65 foot boat , yet…at night….in shark infested waters… (Dramatic videos of Team Vestas ship and crew once day breaks. Official race site. Australian news article here.)

Maybe something with a bit less drama?

How about finding a nice spot to sit down and lose yourself in a Caribbean island mystery? 

Win a free e-book copy of Island in the Clouds from Susan Toy!

Susan has graciously offered, so here’s your chance for a lovely get-away from the frantic holiday mania and warm up from the chilly weather!

Simply leave a comment and tell me how many Easy Walk Harnesses you think Molly has managed to chew through.

Winners will be found in Monday’s post.

Meanwhile don’t get lost in the drizzle or the crowds, watch out for the land sharks in the parking lots, and hope you find wonderful adventures this weekend.

(Inserting that Jaws theme song here….)

Phil, the Philosopher Mouse of the Hedge.

Take the safe contest choice or you can try to guess what this is. Nobody did last time. As always, creativity encouraged here.

RC refuses to allow any hints……©

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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