Corps of Discovery -- Local couple recounts Lewis and Clark re-enactment

Neal Corey prepares to set sail from St. Charles, Mo., as Captain Hugh McNeil on the white pirogue. (Mary Lee Corey/Courtesy photo)

Neal and Mary Lee Corey sit relaxed among their treasured souvenirs, medals and scrapbooks. A slide show on Mary Lee's computer tells the history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the adventure and memories she and Neal made on their trek through the wilderness.

They enjoy telling and retelling the story of their three-year journey and the people and landmarks they encountered. The Coreys have spent a majority of the past three years, traveling across the country on the infamous Lewis and Clark expedition.

In 2003, Neal saw an article in the Gazette, seeking volunteers for the trip. Thinking it sounded like fun, he inquired on the ad. Soon after a lengthy telephone conversation, Neal was told he would need to find clothing for the era and come aboard.

"I almost didn't go through with it," said Neal. "Where would I find the clothes?" He soon found a man in Cedar Bluffs, who specialized in the making of dated clothing. He had a soldier's uniform, his leathers and he was off.

Neal spent two weeks on the expedition in 2003, traveling through Pennsylvania and St. Louis. He became the character, Hugh McNeil, a boat captain.

"It was hard work," said Neal. " There were two crews, a boat and a land crew. We built some of the boats ourselves and had to paddle and carry them in and out of the water."

In 2004, Mary Lee joined the trek. They spent eight months on the trail starting in Kansas City. "It was fun to see all the people and meeting them," said Mary Lee. "We have become good friends with many of them and still keep in touch."

The couple spent another eight months in 2005 and finished the expedition in 2006 after 4 1/2 months on the trail.

Along their three-year journey, the couple created new friendships with other volunteers and descendants from the Lewis and Clark Crew. They also learned just how hard the journey was and the hardships the explorers faced.

Since their time on the expedition, the Corey's have been sharing their experiences and stories with various groups.

The couple will tell their tale of the Lewis and Clark Journey at 7 p.m. Monday at the Community Building on the Red Willow County Fairgrounds. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.

The program is being sponsored by the Red Willow County Homemakers Organization.