David Thompson brigade nearing the end

The 2011 David Thompson Canoe Brigade on Friday will complete its voyage following the length of the Columbia River.

A Scot, Thompson came to Canada as an adolescent and explored its western regions as well as northern Washington, Idaho and Montana.

One member of the expedition is an 8th generation Thompson family member, Ben Thompson.

The group landed Thursday at mid-day at the Villa at Little Cape Horn, leaving canoes there, and returning to camp at Willow Grove.

County Commissioner Lisa Marsyla, Cathlamet mayor pro-tm Steve McNicholas, Chamber of Commerce Manager Lynda Gerlach and Villa owner Joan Chester were on hand to greet the brigade.

The brigade planned to embark early Friday morning and pass by Cathlamet on their way to Astoria for a two-day celebration. Photo courtesy of Richard Erickson.