Friday, April 29, 2011

The Oregon Trail

So on the fourth day of school, my boy had to strike out on the Oregon Trail. He was placed in a family and given a list of supplies to bring. Fortunately, we are pretty geared up for equipment and dress for various time periods, weapons included. The whole of the 5th grade was on the trail now. (parents were welcome to come, but could not help unless there was a true emergency)

Christopher Wales Lucas

Everyone started out eager with lots of energy and wagons full of supplies. It was a beautiful day and the travel was expected to be easy.


They had been told stories about terrible things that could happen along the trail. Even been told of hostile Indians....but who expected to really see them. Prisoners and hostages were taken, fortunately they were able to bribe the Indians with some food and weapons. This would make things harder with fewer supplies, but at least everyone was safe.

As the trail wore on, the terrain became more trecherous. Everyone had to lend a helping hand if they were all going to make it.

They had heard about the mighty river crossings, and had even survived the first one, but this river presented different dangers. It was slower moving, but the mud on the banks was cumbersome and some of the wagons tipped, and more supplies were lost. There was even the scare of losing one of the womenfolk. She fell in when the wagon tipped and she had to be treated before hypothermia set in. Thankfully, the doc was close at hand and extra clothes were donated.

Almost there, and yet, the biggest challenge is yet to come, getting over the mountain with all the wagons. It took all the effort they could muster to drag, push, and pull the wagons and all the folk up the mountain.
With a great amount of teamwork and a lot of elbow grease, it was a success. All safe and well at the top.

After such a long, hard trip until now, the travelers were weary and it was suggested that a short stop be made. Though do not be fooled, if they don't make it over the last set of mountains before winter, there will be much suffering and loss.

Every journey has it's sacrifices. This was the biggest one yet. Seven people were lost to cholera, and many more weakened though they would survive. If only, they had known the water was contaminated....

Just before pulling into town after the big crossing through the mountain pass, the travelers were set upon by bandits. They fought hard and only lost a few weapons, and thankfully no lives.

Fort Walla Walla, finally!! It is time for a hard earned drink of root beer, and then get started on settling in for the coming winter. No rest for the weary.

Cheers to all the travelers who survived this long and arduous journey.

The family- the ties that bind. It's hard being the lone man with a gaggle of girls to watch over. They did good, and the journey is done.


October 2009
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