A Damn'd Set of Rascals

Known for the mountain peak that bears his name but then falling into obscurity, the story of Zebulon M. Pike is a little known part of Colorado history. Pike was a contemporary of Lewis and Clark and headed out in July of 1806 to explore the unknown regions of the southwest portion of the newly acquired Louisiana Territory. Poor planning and a series of unwise decisions would plague Pike right up to his untimely death at only 34 years of age. This expedition is full of adventure, international intrigue, and hardship. Follow Pike and his band of ‘Rascals’ as they travel the southwest through Colorado, into New Spain, and back to the United States.

Presenter Todd Weber

At a young age Todd Weber became enthralled with stories of the Native Americans, explorers and fur traders of the American West. Making his first pair of moccasins as a young teenager, he continued building his collection of clothing and accouterments until he had either made or acquired all that was necessary to re-create life on the frontier. Years of reading journals and studying historical accounts of the fascinating characters of America’s past, he became self-taught on the facts and details of the Nation’s Western Expansion.

Being a natural and talented craftsman, Todd made his livelihood from woodworking, sculpting and jewelry making. River running and camping became his favorite pastimes. Not only wanting to experience these adventures using modern gear, but also in a primitive style, he enjoyed an occasional mountain man rendezvous or horseback trip, carrying along those items true to a bygone era.

In conjunction with being an artist and jeweler, Todd worked as coordinator and instructor for outdoor educational programs in Arizona for over 25 years. This afforded him the opportunity to share both his love of the outdoors and his knowledge of western history with others. Over the years, he has led numerous educational house boating trips on Lake Powell and river trips in the Grand Canyon, and has taught countless groups of all ages the history of Lewis and Clark, western mountain men, river explorers of the Grand Canyon, Sea captains of the Pacific Northwest and Alaskan expeditions.

For 18 years Todd worked on the Columbia and Snake Rivers and in S.E. Alaska as a guide and historian on small cruise ships. For 14 years, Todd and his wife, Nadine, wrote and ran group and private tours through their own company, traveling in both the Northwest and Southwest, sharing the natural beauty and their appreciation for the stamina, ingenuity and character that existed in those who helped shape the history of the American West.

Now residing in Western Colorado, and retired from guiding and presenting professionally, Todd continues to bring educational presentations to libraries, schools and community organizations. His period clothing and colorful collection add to his presentations, making them visual and memorable.