- “Life on the Mississippi” by Mark Twain is a memoir and historical account written during the late 19th century. The narrative focuses on the author’s experiences as a young riverboat pilot on the Mississippi River, providing insights into the river’s history, geography, and the profession of piloting, intertwined with Twain’s characteristic wit and humor. The opening of the memoir begins with Twain discussing the remarkable features of the Mississippi River, highlighting its unusual shape, immense drainage basin, and significant historical importance. He reflects on the river’s physical properties, such as its ability to shift locations and the vast amount of sediment it carries to the Gulf of Mexico. Twain introduces historical figures like De Soto and La Salle, tracing the exploration and subsequent navigation of this great waterway. Through vivid descriptions and engaging anecdotes, the beginning sets the stage for a deeper exploration of life on the river, the challenges faced by pilots, and the culture surrounding steamboat travel in Twain’s time. (This is an automatically generated summary.)
- Sammamish River Trail (Wikipedia)
The Sammamish River Trail is a 10.1-mile (16.3 km) bike path and recreational rail trail in King County, Washington that runs along the Sammamish River from Blyth Park in Bothell to Marymoor Park in Redmond as part of the “Locks to Lakes Corridor.” It connects to the Burke-Gilman Trail at its northwestern end, and to the Redmond Central Connector at its southeastern end.