Independence,Missouri May,1 Miles:0.0
We decided to get one extra horse for the trail. Luckily we decided not to top off our kegs of water because the water turned out to be contaminated with cholera. We did not give water because we don't want to run out. Many wagon trains need water but they will get it tonight.
Rebecca Waters
Today we had a decision of getting more animals.We didn't take more animals. We also had a decision of getting fresh water, so we did. We were on our way un til we ran over a big mud pile. James drank the contaminated water. He got cholera. That is when you have diarreha. The cure is to mix salt and sugar and fresh water. The next place we will find water is later tonight. So hopefully we will find the fresh water.
Independence, Mile 0.0, May first
We were about to leave Independence when we saw some oxen, horses, and mules. My son and I talked about getting one but, we chose not to because, we already had three sets of oxen. I tought it would be good to top off our water supply. We got the water and Billy ( my son) had a drink and then I notice the water's color, it had cholera! The water family's had clean water, they would not give us clean water nether the bell family. I hope we get water soon.
We are about to leave for the Oregon Trail and we had to dump out our water because it has cholera in it. John, our dad has cholera now. So were hoping he gets better soon so he can help us prepare for any danger or accidents. We have four oxen and one horse to help us get there safley. If our father dies James will have to take over and take care of any troubles. We don't think we could make it to Oregon without John so we are going to take good care of him. We think we have enough so ready, get set, go!
Independence, Missouri
Mile 0.0
May 1
We topped all our water and John brown drank the contaminated water and now has cholera. Collin, Spencer, and Peter are trying to find fresh water to save him.
Spencer.
Independence
Mile 0.0
May 1
We did not by a Horses, Mule, or Oxen. We did get more water but we hade to dump it, because the water was cantaminated.. Now our mom is sick with cholera. The bell familly is giving us an 1/4 of a keg.
By:James
We are lucky we didn't get water this morning. If we did, we could have gotten cholera. WE ARE NOT GIVING ANYONE ANY WATER!!!!
If we do, we might run out because everyone wants half a keg of our water!
Independence mile 0.0 may 1. Today we diden't buy any mules, horses or oxen. We had the coice to but our horse might die. So we left, and got water. Jamal drank a gallon, but we figured out that the water was contamanated so Jamal got cholera.To cure cholera we have to have 1/4 of a keg of fresh water sugar and salt. The bell family gave us water. by: Grace Adams
Observation Bluff
May 4
47 miles
Some of the familys' went up the hill but we kept going and they met up with us late that night and claim to have seen a really good view.
Observation Bluff
Mile 47
May 4
We didn't climb the bluff and we saved som time because of that. We got to camp early. We got there early so our mom could get some rest.
Jiim Burnett
mile 47 May 4 Observation Buff. We decided to climb Observation Bluff so we could see what we were going to deal with. It was beautiful scenery. We are happy that we stopped. We lost 4 hours of traveling, but it was worth it.
Today we were on our way to camp when we saw a mountain. So we decided to climb it. It was worth it because because we saw a lot of amazing things. The only thing that was bad was that we were four hours behind.
Today it was different and the kids already got homesick but we kep saying nothing has changed. Today we had to decide to climb Obsevation Bluff or to stay on our path. So we decided to keep going to make our future a suprise. Even though we could have seen paradise it was worth the time because if we went up we would waste 4 hours.
mile47
may4
obssurvation bluff
today we climbed a bluff it toke 4 hours but it was worth it it was a beautiful view when we got back to camp we where tired and wet.
Observation Bluff
Mile 47
May 4
We decided to climb the bluff and saw everything that was ahead of us. It was worth the lost hours of traveling. We got to camp late last night, tierd and hungry. but it was fun and exciting seeing new places. The hills were beautiful!
Roxane Waters
Croosing the Wakarusa River
May 5-7th
54 miles
O"boy here it comes to the Wakarusa River the deep and sterdy River. We well have to take off our tires and emety out our wagon.
We came across the Blue Jacket River. It was muddy and I thought that it flood when we would cross it. I didn'thave alot of oxen, if I had about ten I would cross it without help. So I looked for help. I found a Indian named Fish. We gave him $5 to help us cross. He helped us get across.
, Jacob Renardo.
Crossing the Wakarusa river "Blue Jacket" river
Mile 54
May 5-7
Today, we crossed the Wakarusa river, and did not make it, so this nice gentleman called Fish helped us, we had to pay him $5.00
We were traveling and we came to a river called the "Wakarusa River". We had to have ten oxen to cross without paying, but we didn't have ten oxen so we had to pay a Shawnee Indian named Fish. We had to pay Fish $5 so we could get our wagons out of the mud.
Mile54 May,5-7
We ran into the Wakarusa River and it was thigh deep. Since we had less than 10 oxen we had to pay $5 to a Shawnee Indain named Fish to pull the wagon across out of the mud we were all stuck in.
We are afraid that we will lose our belongings in this bad storm. We are soaked to the bone and very cold. The ground has turned to mud and the river is overflowing.
May 14
Mile 165
Independence Crossing
The weather is so bad that all of us are thinking that we shouldn't have gone on this trip. We have seen funnel clouds and the the trail is a mess. The water is roaring fast underneath the wagon. It is freezing and the wind is blowing hard. The mud was coming at us. The furniture is getting ruineed. I am very glad that we don't have any pets or piano.
Mile 165, May 14
Independence Crossings,
We tried to cross Independence river, but we didn't make it. We had to camp under the wagon. We got all muddy and wet. Grace said we shouldn't have came along on the trip.
mile 165
May 14 Independence Crossing
There is a bad storm ,there were funalclouds a mile around and we are wet along with the wagon. It is horible in this storm.
Joe
Independence Crossing
Mile 165
May 14
Today we had a horrible storm we saw a funnel cloud and we had to go under the wagon. We where wet and cold it was a bad night.
Billy Renardo
Mile 165
May 14
Independence Crossing
We have been traveling for a long time and there was a big storm and our wagon is wet. We are cold, damp, and mudy. But we are still going on the trail.
Peter
Mile 165
Independence Crossing
May,14
We came to a really muddy swirling river We started to see funnel clouds. We all ducked under our wagons and spent one long,miserable night.
Today was a nasty day for traveling because there was a storm. We saw a funnle cloud. There was nasty wind. We all got wet but luckily we had towels on all the furniter.
Mile 194, May 16
Fremont Springs
We spent our afternoon nooning, it killed an hour. Then we climbed a sandstone hill and found the signatures of Kit Carson and J. C. Fremont carved in the stone.
Grace Adams
Early one day we stopped at Fremont Springs. We had bread and cold coffee. After we ate we started nooning. After we nooned we saw Kit Carson and John C. Fremont's names carved in a rock. They were great leaders and soldiars.
May 16
Mile,194
Fremont Springs
Today we were at Fremont Springs. We were nooning for about an hour. While we were nooning, our animals could rest. While we were there we found a rock with the names, John C. Fremont and Kit Carson carved in the rock. They were famous guides. We also found fresh water from the spring.
We stoped by Fremont Springs in our crossing. We nooned for a hour. We drank cold coffee and atestale bread. It wasn't a very good meal but, I was thankful for it. We got fresh water, it tasted so good! We saw some names in some sandstone. It had Kit Carson and John C. Fremont's names in it! Those people were famous. Fremont Springs was named after John C. Fremont. we rested quite alot after that.
,Jacob Renardo
May,16
Mile 194
Fremont Springs
Yum! The taste of fresh water. It slowly cooled Mary's throat. We were noonng for a while, we also had cold coffee and some stale bread. James Madison got us the bread. We had been sleeping for the past 28 minutes. We woke up to get on the trail and we are off.
Roxane
May,20
Mile 252
The Narrows
James Madison got his leg bit by a rattlesnake. We decided to wrap his leg in turpentine rags to suck out the poison. Hopfully the poison will come out.
Mary Waters
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
As we were going through The Narrows Spencer got bitten by a rattlesnake and (of course) he was poisened. So we are going to get some raw bacon and a pinch of salt and wrap it around Spencer's leg.
Collin.
James got biten by a snake and so he can't really walk. He takes care of the animals and some of the wagon. There is alot of cures so we decided to put gunpowder in the wound and burn the gunpowder. It might be painful but we thought it would be the best for his leg.
Mile 252, May 20
The Narrows
Today we started though The Narrows. We are really going slow today because we had to go one by one. Jamal got bitten by a rattlesnake.We are going to put ammonia on Jamal's leg so it can get better.
Willam S. Adams
Mile 252
May 14
The Narrows
As we were passing through the narrows Jan got bit by a rattlesnake. We are going to put chick meat on the wound then diping in some mud.Were not sure how this works.
Jim
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
Today Catherine was bitten by a rattlesnake when we were crossing the Narrows. We are very worried about Catherine's bite. We are going to use a small bottle of ammonia. We are going to rub the ammonia on the wound with a cloth and then we are going to let her rest. It is probaly the best choice we had because it dosen't hurt or taste bad.
Michael Davis
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
Today were in the Norrows we had to walk in single file there was bearl eoungh room for the wagon jacob got a snake bite we are going to put fat meat on it
Billy Renardo
miles 319
May 30th
Fort Kearny
O" boy we reached Fort Kearny now we can buy food like dried beef so now we just won't be hungry.It was only $6.00 and we had to by four letters each one cost 10 cents each so it would be 40 cents so the total we spent today in $6.40 cents.
John Brown.
We got to fort Kearny! We could have bought food but, we had enough food. Plus the food was expensive. It was 10 cents to write a letter. Billy wrote one and I wrote one. We spent 20 cents when we were at Fort Kearny.
, Jacob Renardo
Mile 401
June 11
Gilman Station
We traded in 4 of our oxen for 4 new fresh oxen. We are not shoding any of our animals. We lost two of our oxen because the deal was 2 for 1. So now we have 4 oxen.
Jan
Tody we had a choice to trade oxen for fresh ones. Or we could of shod our animals. We decided to do nothing,and save our money. The owner gives you one well oxen for two tired oxen. They people who shod their animals did good.
We stop at Gilman Station and we see a blacksmith. We haven't seen a blacksmith in a long time since we left. We have to choose what animals we want to shad and how many oxen we want to trade. It is 0.50$ to shad an animal. We traded our four oxen to the owner. We didn't know he would give us 1 good oxen for two tired ones. Now we have 2 oxen.
mi 401 june 11 Gilman station
Today we met a blacksmith we have not seen a blacksmith for a long time. We had to start shodding our oxen instade of trading them in. If we traded our oxen we would only have 3 oxen.(which is not so good.)
Billy Renardo
June 11
Mile 401 Gilman Station
Today we were in Nebraska and found a black smith shop and shod our horse and three sets of oxen and traded one set of oxen. But we only got one back.
Grace Adams
Mile 406, June 13 Cottonwood Springs
We decided to stay past the hour. If we would have gone on, we would have been extra tired and severely sunburned.
Caroline Findley
We decided to noon at the Cottonwood Springs longer because we were having a good time. We made a good decision because the people that went on were very tired and had a very bad sun burn. We rested, played, and had a good time.
Mile 401
June 11
Gilman Station
We traded 1 yoke of oxen for a fresh yoke. We decided to shod 1 yoke of oxen and one pack horse. Trading the oxen was not the best idea because the man wanted 2 for 1.
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We all nooned at Cottonwood Springs but we decided not to stay past the hour. Since we rushed on we all got sunburns. Ouch!!!! We were all tired too.
Rebecca Waters
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We come to an oasis and stop to rest more than a hour. We let the animals rest and we got some water. Some of the families got sunburned and were extra tired. We got some well deserved rest and some of the kids played with our dog and it was a good decision.
Spencer Brown
We had a decision to noon for an hour or to noon for a little longer. We chose to just noon for the hour and got sevierly sunburned and were really tired. A few other people had a fun time and some more rest. We might make it to next stop before the other people. So we can get rest before they come and go on. Our sunburn is not going to effect us much but it will still hurt.
We got to Cottenwood Springs. We found a big tree. We nooned until noon.So we started moving. I wish we stayed, we got sunburned and we were relly tired.
.Jacob Renardo
mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
Some familys decided to team up but nobody wanted to be with us so we tried to go down by ourseves but that didn't work so we lost most of our stuff and Peter's dog dissapered. So now we are going to have to repair our wagon.
Collin Brown.
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We had to lower ourselves down Windlass Hill by pairing up with the Waters family. We had to use spair wheels and rope and chains to create a pulley. We used Oxen as our counterweight. As they backed up we went down the hills. It was very scary! If we had failed we would've lost our supplies and our wagon! Though we lost 3 hours it was lucky we didn't lose anything!
Jamal Adams
Mi 5oo, June 25 Windlass Hill
We are going to join with Burnett family and we will combine our oxen with their oxen. The oxen will slowly back up and that will safely lower the wagon down the hill. The oxen will be tied to our wagon and the Burnett families wagon. The oxen will act as a pulley to lower the wagons.
Catherine Bell
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We ran into a very deep hill called the Windlass Hill. So we are using Jim's idea of two spare weels atached togater and a rope with conected to a lot of oxen on flat land and the other end is conected to a wagon over the edge of the mountain. As the oxen back up slowly the wagon lowers down the mountain slowly. Another family that we didn't know lost their dog watch.
James
We have gone down hills but, not one like this! We joined with the Bennet family. We made a windlass with 2 wheels, our oxen, rope, and some chain. The oxen were the counter weight. The wheels were something that lowered the weight. When I was going down I did not look down! Billy was pretty scared. I didn't think we were going to crash. I heard crying and screaming as a wagon fell down. I got a bad cut on the way down. A family's dog got away. The trip down felt like a year but, it was only 3 hours.
, Jacob Renardo
To get down Windlass hill, we got the oxen together and got two spare wheels and put a rope between them and pulled the wagon down. It was scary because we didn't know if it would just fall apart. So three hours wasted but its better then dieing. It was tough because there wasn't alot of things and tools that we could use but even though it was risky we needed to get down there safely. A family lost a dog and that is probably heartbreaking for them because they might of had that dog for many exciting years.
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We teamed up with the Adams family and used rope and chains atached to our wagons, over a wheel with our oxen as a counter weight, to lower ourselves down the 300 foot steep slope. I'm glad we made it down. I saw many crashed wagons with belongings strewn about. Another family lost their dog named Watch. I'm glad our dogs Holland and Heinz didn't run away.
James Waters
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We safely got down Windlass Hill using rope. It was a 250ft drop from the top to the bottom. We used spare wheels and ropes to make a pulley system. We hooked the pulley system to our oxen and we slowly guided them down the hill at an angle. We are glad that we had ropes and spare wheels on hand so that we could use them in an emergency or a hard situation like this. Without these materials, our wagon would have been destoryed. At first, we were scared that the rope would break and we would fall down like the people before us. It was so scary because we could see the parts of other people's wagons in front of us. We saw a lost dog. Poor dog, he doesn't have any food to eat. We killed three hours, but it is better to have a wagon than not killing time for a destroyed wagon.
We all have to pick up buffalo chips and they are so good for cooking fuel but it berns fast so we have to get lots. We can see the beautful CortHouse Rock and Jail Rock.
Mile 561
June 30
Courthouse Rock
We are at Courthouse Rock. We have decided that we are using burlap sacks to pick up as much buffalo chips as we can. When it burns, it smells like dry grass and is is great cooking oil! Buffalo chips aren't the best smelling alternative.
Roxane
Today we were in the prairie picking up buffalo chips. We all picked up the buffalo chips for fire wood because we ran out. They burn very fast so we had to get a lot. The boys carring them in their shirts and I carry them in my apron. We also got to see the Corthouse rock. It was really pretty.
Mile 561, June 30
Courthouse Rock
Today, we saw the tall outcrop that was looming in the distance.We had to pick up bufflo chips to make a fire because there are no trees in the area.
Willam S. Adams
Mile 561
June 30
Courthouse Rock
O'' no we have to pick up buffalo chip's it's yucky alright I still can't belive it that I picked them up. But it is an experience of the Oregon trail.Like one experience was that we saw a alright view of mountains.
John Brown
Mile 561
June 30
Corthouse Rock
We are at Corthouse . It's amazing but we don't have any firewood. So Jan, James and Joe are going to pick up buffalo chips to burn.They have to pick up a lot of buffalo chips because it burns very fast.
Jim Burnett
We've just reached Courthouse Rock. We need to pick up buffalo chips for firewood or we would be cold and miserable until we could find warmth. The buffalo chips burn fast so we have to gather a lot of them to keep warm. If we don't find enough buffalo chips we would be sleeping in the cold and we might not even get enough sleep to last us until tomorrow. We are wondering if the othe families will be okay. If they're not we will help them in any possible way we can, but we are not going to give up all of our supplies just for other families to be happy and for us to be miserable.
Mi 561, Jan 30 Courthouse rock
Today we had no fire wood . So we went looking for Bufflo chips. ( Which is bufflo poop) It was fun picking up bufflo chips (we even played catch with the Bufflo chips) but it was worth it. It is great for fire. Our food was so good.
mile 575
July 1
Chimney Rock
Today we got to Chimney Rock. We crawled up and scratched our names in the rock. We also found out that the marines think that they found the dog.
Samuel Bell
Mile 575
July 1
Chimney Rock
O"boy we made it to Chimney Rock and we saw a great sight, and we saw a note that a dog was found. So we carved our names in the rock.
Peter Brown
What a good way to start the month! Today we saw a big, huge chimney like rock. It was big about 250 to 300 feet. We climed a large hill of rock, it was high but worth it. We wrote our names on it for years to come. I notice a sign in the rock it was about a dog found. It was held at Fort Laramie, I wonder if it was the dog that got lost at Windlass Hill.
, Jacob Renardo
Mile 575
July1
Chimney Rock
We carved our names into this 300 ft tall rock called Chimney Rock. It was the granddest site I ever saw! I was amazed. It was the best day of my life. It was better than picking up buffalo chips by a long shot!
We were just traveling and we see a imence rock. It looked like a chimney, and guess what it was called Chimney Rock. It was about 300 ft. tall and it was the biggest thing we ever have seen. We found a note with the discription of the family that lost their dog.
Mile 575
Chimney Rock
Today we carved our names into Chimney Rock. While we were there we saw that U. S. Calvery found the dog named Watch. They are heading to Fort Laramie. I hope the dog is okay.
James Waters
Today we stoped at Chimney Rock. It was so big!!We couldn't believe our eyes.We saw an engraving of a dg named Watch with a description of other families we know.
We carved our names in the rock. It was amazing we carved in history!!!!!
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Today we got to Scott's Bluff. We heard a scary story about how this bluff got it's name. We don't believe the story, but it is scary.
Caroline Findley
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Every one was enjoying 4th of July. But our scout Shoofly Shae told us the story that was true it was a guy who was toarched to death and he was found 60 miles from were he was toarched to death.
Spencer Brown
mile596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Today we stoped and celebrated the 4th of July Shoofly Shae told us a story that went like this. There were 4 people one of them were ill. So the three people that were not sick went out to get food. Then they saw white men tracks so they went after them for food. They left the person that was sick and when they cam back and the person that died was 60 Miles away from were they left him.
James
We were celebrating Independance day and we were just having the time of our lives around the campfire. Then Shooflyshae our leader tells us the creapiest story life has ever heard. In the story there were these four sad men because one of their men was sick. On the trail to pick berries they see white men. They asked to come with but they can't bring the ill man so they tell him they are going out to get food but they really leave the other man. One year later they find the ill man's bones sixty miles away from were they left him on Scott's Bluff. But the scariest part is they found his skull grinning. If you don't believe the story is true the story ask the ill man he was there too!
Mile 596
July4
Scotts Bluff
While we were at Scotts Bluff and we heard a story about Hiram Scott. The story was that he was traveling with his allies and he was ill. So they laid him down to go find food but they found a trail of white men. They followed them until they caught up with them leaving Scott behind. One year later, they found his body remains 60 miles from where they left him. BOO!!
mi 596, july 4 Scott's bluff
When we where at our canpfire somebody told a scary store. It was about a man named Scott. he was sick and he dropped his gunpowder in the water so they couldn't hunt and they couldn't carry Scott so they left him behind. Next year they found Scott's bones and the head bone was grining.
Billy Renardo
Mile 596
July 4
Scott"s Bluff
Hello fellow travelers! Today we learned somthing ouful! ~Twas a scary tale of horror in the moutains! Hiram Scott and his moutain climbing copanians were traveling along the Rockys and Hiram got terrible ill! He was very weak and nearly dead. A group of White Men shoot them down! The White Men found their remains 60 miles froms were they were attacked! Then a great sound echoed afore them! Suddenly they fell to the ground and their insides spilled onto the ground! From then on the bluff was called Hiram's bluff!
Jamal
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today, we passed by Indian territory. We had options and we deceided to negociate with their leader. Our meeting was successful. We found out that the Indians were making these demands because many of them are in need of food, so we gave them some beans and flour. We were granted safe passage through their land. I am glad we didn't decide to attack because before the we went on the Oregon Trail, I heard that a family attacked and the sadly lost lives. Anyway, we helped people in need and we in turn got a reward of safe passage.
Mi 615, July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We where crossing Horse Creek and we were surronded by Indians. I cocked my gun, they aimed their arrows at me. I dropped the gun they wanted an ox, food, and other items. Trough transalating I talked to the leader, it was a good choice. The Indians needed food for themselves, I gave them some food but, not alot. I 3worry that we will be attacked by un-friendly Indians soon.
, Jacob Renardo
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today we came right to a Indian camp. We decided to risk meeting indians. That was a good idea because now we can go through their territory.
Rebecca Waters
mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
One team decided to attack the indians immediately (indians are people that live out by themselves in the wilderness) and they had most of their people killed. We decided to try and negotiate just like everybody else exept for the few that attacked, and we were succesful and only had to give up a little bit of food. We gained safe passage and all of us exept for John Brown felt sorry for them, so we are trying to help them.
Collin Brown.
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We attacted the Indians.Then we lost some of our oxen and were left with only 4 mules, four horses, and four oxen to pull our wagon. But the animals were injured. We also almost lost our lives because we chose to attack.
Catherine Bell
Mile 165 July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today we crossed the Horse Creek and then we saw some indians and, they had guns. They were saying they would not let us through unless we gave them 1 oxen and four pounds of bacon. But then we negotrated with their leader and we did not have to give them as much stuff
Jamal Adams
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We ran in to an Indian tribe.They wanted some oxen and food. so we negotiated. It turns out the reason that they wanted it is because they didn't have very much food. So instead of paying the oxen and food we payed just food. and now we can pass throgh all of there terrirtory.
Jim
Crossing the creek was easy. We had come to these mysterious Indians. Some people on the trip could make the wrong choice by fighting and dfending their selves. The Indians will probally fight back so they have a bigger chance of dieing. Their was a nother decision by doing the right thing and talking to the Indians and not dieing and even becoming friends. So alot of people did the right thing but James wnted to fight but we all decided to do the right thing and talk to them in the most happiest way to where no harm came to anyone in our family by ether dieing or breaking any bones. One family did the wrong thing and some of the family died. Were just glad that nobody in our family was harmed. we hope we can get through the trip and everyone else can too.
Mile 650
July 11
Ft. Leramie
We stopped at Ft. Leramie today. We spent $27 dollars at the Ft. We spent it on 7 yards of calico, 4 pairs of moccasins, 40 LBS of flour, 2 buffalo robes, and 2 dozen eggs. We strolled around the site. I got a gun and a revolver!
Jamal Adams
We stoped at Fort Laramie to rest and get more supplies so we don't run out when we leave for Fort Hall which is 600 miles away. We used our time to sleep and catch up on our rest. After we rested we hunted, fished, sewed, and cooked for the long journey ahead. We bought one dozen eggs, two pairs of moccasins, four buffalo robes, and eight yards of calico cloth to make clothes.
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
I can't believe it we're in Fort Laramie. We did not buy any food and later we ran out of food plus the next stop was over 500 miles away.But that's not all of the bad news we did not shod any of our horses they might get foot sore before we evan get to the Rocky Mountains. Now me and my two nephews Peter and Spencer are worried.
John Brown
Mile 650
July 11
Ft. Laramie
We have decided to get moccosins, flour, fresh eggs, calico, and smoked bacon. Unfortunatly, we did not get any of our animals shod. So, most of them got foot burns, and their hoovs were worn out. At least we didn't run out of food.
Roxane Waters
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
Today we bought very nice things. We bought flour for $1.00, sugar for $1.00, eggs for 0.50, bacon for $1.50, 9 yards of calico cloth for $2.25, and shoded oxen for $8.00. The total cost is $14 .25
Jim is checking the wagon so that whatever needs fixing, he will fix it!
Jan
Today we stoped at Fort Laramie. We spent $45.00 on calico, buffalo robes, moccasins, and shodding all of our 12 animals. Then we dressed up and strolled along. The men traded and bought things.
Catherine Bell
What a great day! We got a bunch of food, we shoded our 6 oxen, and we got ten yards of calco cloth for tottle of $42.00 But it was alot of money. It was great. We dressed up nice. It was so fun.
today we were at Ft. Laramie. We dressed in our best Sunday clothes and bought supplies. We bought 4 pairs of moccasins, two dozen eggs, two pounds of smoked bacon, and 8 yards of calico cloth. We also shod all of our animals which was 4 oxen and one horse. Altogether, we spent $20.00. While we are here, we are going to have fun and rest, venture out, and reorganize our wagon. We were glad to have made our purchases because we found out that Ft. Hall was the next stop and it is 600 miles away!
Catherine Davis
We have come to a bridge that is called Ayers Natural Bridge. We decided to go and even though it was risky and there could be a Indian atack we did it and got 2 quarts of berries and could have traded people who did not go on the bridge for berries. It was a delicous meal and a great view!
Ayers Natural Bridge
Mile 724
July 13
Today we decided to stick to the tril and a lot people went to the gorge they had berries when they came back.
Mary Waters
we decided to go on the bridge but there were thickets so we only got to get berries. Because we got berries, we had a nice dinner of berries and cream.
mile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
We went to see the Ayers Nateral bridge in sted of continuing on the trail. We saw the Ayers bridge off in the distins it was a beautiful sight. We are giving the Renardo family some of our our berrys for a little bit more cream becuase we want more cream than our cow is makeing.
Joe
Mile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
O'' no we made the decision of keep on going threw the Ayers Natural Bridge.But the good news is we bought a milk cow in the begining of the Oregon Trail.Now we have a good vairity of dairy products.
Peter Brown
Miile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
We were passing by the Ayers Natural Bridge. We wanted to go off the trail a little bit to see a great view. I went off the trail. Not only I saw a great view, I ran into a thicket and I was able to get one quart of berries. I gasped at the sight and because of the mass of berries. I am so glad that my family has a milk cow, so we had berries and cream for dinner that night.
Ayers Naturals Bridge
mile 724 July 13
Today we decited to climb a 300 ft purpendicular natural made rock. It was the moast grandest sight I ever saw. We found 2 quarts of berries. When we got to the camp that night we shared with some familes and had berries and cream in our wagon.
Grace Adams
We got to Ayers Natural Bridge but, not close enough to see it. I didn't want to see it so I stuck to the trail. The people who went came back with thorns and berries. I chuckled a little. The other familys wanted some cream from us. With all the begging I gave a some cream to two family. They gave me some berries and that night I had buffalo meat with berries and cream.
,Jacob Renardo
Mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We waited to cross the bridge, but got hit by another bad storm. We ended up having to pay the toll anyway. It cost 5 dollars per wgon and 1 dollar
Mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We waited to cross the bridge, but got hit by another bad storm. We ended up having to pay the toll anyway. It cost 5 dollars per wgon and 1 dollar per animal. It cost 18 dollars to cross the bridge.
Caroline Findley
July 17
North Platte River
We got to The North Platte River and It was a big storm. We do not cross the bridge and another storm hit and we had to pay $11.00 still to cross the bridge.
mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We ran into a bad storm. There was a bridge that went across the really bad river that flowed really high.We decided to cros the bridge and pay the tool insted of waiting for the storm to blow over. We were smart because the people that stayed ended up paying any ways because there was a mother storm that came in. They also lost 2 days o travil. I am so happy we went over the bridge than wait. I think that was a smart dicesoin.
James
Mile 761
July 17
North Platte River
We got to The North Platte River and It was a big storm. We do not cross the bridge and another storm hit and we still had to pay $11.00 to cross the bridge.
Spencer Brown
Today we got to a bridge called Reshaw's Bridge during a wild storm. We decided to go over the bridge and pay eight dollars for our wagon and our animals. We were glad we didn't wait for the storm to blow over. Those people who waited had to wait for two storms and waited for two days and had to pay to. We are so lucky that we chose to go over. All the other families had to do extra work.
Reshaw's Bridge
Mile 761
July 13
There was a storm and we came to a river. We decided to pay the toll and got across even though the storm could have subsided soon. We are glad we did because another storm hit. I wounder what happened to them.
James Waters
There was a rainstorm. We had a decision of going and paying the fee or wait. We decided to stay. Today we tried to wait but we ended up paying the toll and losing 2 days of valuble time. We wished we decided to go at the time of decision. We got stopped by a huge rainstorm. The reason that we had to go on was because after the first rainstorm, there was a second rainstorm. The water levels were getting too high, so we had move on.
Reshaw's Bridge
July 17
Mile 761
Today we had the decision to cross a bridge or wait. We didn't. Sadly we were stopped by a storm. We wasted $6 and two days. I was very dissapointed! It wasn't a very good decision. We regret it.
Jamal Adams
What a bad day! Their was a bad storm and we where at one of the biggist river but, there was a bridge. The man who runs the bridge made ous pay $5.00 for the wagon to cross and a dollar for each animal ( which we have 6 oxen.) So it cost $11.00 dollars. Which is not so bad. There was two families who waited two days, it stormed for the whole two days. So they just paided to cross.
Billy Renardo
Mi 777, July 18
Poison Spring
We made a pen for the animals out of our wagons. We tied all the wagons together which created a pen. But, somehow, overnight, 1 mule, 1 oxen and our milk cow got loose, drank the water and died. Now we have 4 horses, 3 mules, 3 oxen, 1 dog, and no cows. But we do have a new member of the wagon train. Her name is Mary Jane. Grace Adams was in labor for 10 hours, but Mary Jane finally came out. She is 7 pounds 10 ounces and a joy to have around.
Catherine Findley
mile 777
July 18
Poison Spring
During the night we tried to trap the animals inside all of our wagons but some animals got away and drank the water so we lost one oxen and one horse but the Bennett family is giving us one horse.
Collin Brown
Mile 777
July 18
Poison Springs
Last night we made a bad choice. We camped at Poison Springs.Some of our animals escaped our grasp because our guard fell asleep. They stirredup the black mud and drank dirty water wich killed them in a day! The good thing was that most of our animals didn't escape and die. One oxen and one cow died from the poison.We thought that we had a good idea even though that we were going to camp out at Poison Spring. We were wrong to think that!
James Davis
We came to a spring. We didn't want the oxen to get in the spring and drink from it. So the wagons traped the oxen and chained them up. But some got lose and drank from the spring. One of our oxen died in a day because the spring was poison. So we bought a oxen from the Adams family. We are glad they helped us out or we would of probally died. It was a hard thing for us. But we made it through that hard exsperience. For the birth of Mary Jane we are giving them a outfit.
Mile 777
July 18 Poison Spring
We stopped at Poison Spring because Grace had a baby. We named the baby Marie Jane. That night we lost 1 oxen, one milk cow and a mule. Many people in the train gave her stuff like clothes and food.
John D. Adams
After this travel you would think that we would get to a spring. Well you're right but, it is a poison spring! I wish we didn't camp here, some oxen, cows, and horses got away. A family made an idea to make a pen with wagons and put the oxen in side. We woke up and eight oxen were gone! They stirred up the poison mud and the water and drank it! Of course they died. Grace Adams had a baby, her name was Mary Jane. I gave them some food for a congragulation for having the baby.
,Jacob Renardo
Mile 777,
July 18
Poison Spring
At poison spring we had to find a way to keep our oxen out of posin spring. If the animals get into the spring they will stir up the mud at the bottom of the spring. The mud has posin in it so if it gets stired up the spring is posinous. One of our oxen and one of our cattle died. One the up side Grace had a baby called Mary Jane.
Jim
We got to a place called Alkali Slough. This place has a river that is full of poisons water. If you drink it you would die within a day. A lady told us about alkali so we did some research on it and found out how to save our oxen from it.
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just grose if.I drank it I bet I would start thowing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and all of our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just grose if I drank it I bet I would start thowing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and all of our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
Today we were at Alkali Slough. It was a dull place because nothing was growing. There was water but it had poison in the form of alkali. A chemist onboard the wagon train told all the families about alkali and how it is deadly. I was so surprised to hear that if you drink alkali water, the alkali would corrode you insides! I couldn't believe what he told me. I was shoked. I am very glad that nobody in the wagon train drank the water.
Mile 798, July 20
Alkali Slough
We got to Alkali Slough today. Luckily, none of the animals drank the water. We are glad that we had smart axen. I wonder what we will come to next.
Catherine Bell
It is Caroline Findley at 12:20 pm on Feb 11, 2009
P.S.
It is Caroline Findley not Catherine Findley on Pio
mi 798 july 20 Alkali slough
We are so lucky. Today if we had not done the talked to the docter about the water we would have had a oxen get sick and die from the alkali slough water, but we did talk to the docter about the water so no oxen got sick. That is why we are so lucky. I hope next time we are as lucky as we where today.
Mi 798, July 20
Alkali Slough
Today we went to Alkali Slough. If we haden't done reserch on Alkali Slough we would've lost an oxen. We also would've had to pay for extra water.
Jamal Adams
Mile 798
Alkali Slough
July 20
Today we came to a place called Alkali Slough. If you drink it, you will get very sick or die. It is a good thing I was home schooled because if I wasn't, I would not know these things! Alkali is a bitter caustic mineral that is often found in the desert.
Jan
mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just gross I bet if I drank it I would be throwing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we came across a lake that had saleritus so we could make bread. When the bread came out it was a little greenish. We decided to try it and it was a good idea because even though it tasted funny we could eat it.
Today we have come to a place that had this bakeing soda sort of suff on the ground. We made some bread out of that baking soda. It was quit odd but it was probably just the dirty ground tast. also when we baked it turend out green but helathy. The people who threw it out, wasted a whole sack of flour.
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we ate green bread because we put baking soda in it and it was nasty, but we did not waste a lot of flour. So we are so glad.
Peter Bown
We decided to eat the bread, we were first scared that we had the bread because we thought it was poisonis, but I tasted it first. We were so happy that we had the bread, because if we didn't eat it we would waste it and not have bread for a week.
Today we got to a lake, a lake that could make bread! Well not by itself but, with our help. So we made some bread and it had a weird green cast! I didn't want to eat it but, Billy wanted to eat it. i tried to persuade him to not eat it but, there he goes munching it down! He didn't barf of feel funny, he just said "are you going to eat it?" I finally ate it and it tasted quite funny. It was healthy bread and I liked the tast actually! I made more for the road ahead.
,Jacob Renardo
mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we found saleratus. We baked bread with the Saleratus in it. We had to make the decision whether to eat it or not. Jamal persuaded us into trying it. Luckily he did! We would've wasted 1 sack o' flour. We would't have any bread for the a whole while! We were very happy the decision was made!
Grace Adams
Today we stopped at Saleratus (Playa Lake). Today we baked some bread wtih Saleratus witch we saw in front of us. It was snow like sand.When we made the bread it turned out as a greenish color. We didn't eat it because it looked like it could poison us. So we through it out. Then some people from the wagon train told us that they tried it. We were amazed that they were not poisonous. We made a bad decision of throwing away the bread because we wasted a whole bag of flour.
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
We found a big peice of land that was full of Saleratus (aka baking soda). Our mom Jan tested the bread that we made out of the Saleratus.
JOE
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we ate green bread because we added saleratus and we didn't get sick so we are really glad that we didn't waste any flour.
Peter Brown
Mi 814, July 22
Indepedence rock
Today when we where at Independence rock we read writing from past travelers wrote road safty tips. We wrote our names, the date, and some things about our journey. I wonder why they called it Independence Rock.
,Jacob Renardo
Mile 814
July 22
Independence Rock
Here, we have been once before. We have decided that it is called Independence Rock because someone declared independence here.
Roxane
Mile 814,
July 22
Independence Rock
Today we went to Independence Rock. We carved our names on the rock. It was a great experience! It is our second time there. Independence rock got its name because the USA declared their independene. We decided to carve info into the rock.
John D Adams
Today we went to this rock that was huge. It was called Independence Rock. We could mark our names in it and the date or just pass it. We decied to carve it so future travels will see us. Everybody will see us either as heros or Leaders or just be famous. We think Independance Rock got its name because it was independant and alone. We are also gonna carve what the road and weather conditions are like.
Mile 814
Independence Rock
We will carve information about what the raod was like for us into the rock. It was fun for us to read what the trip was like for other emigrants so we think it will be fun for them to read what we wrote. We think that the rock got it's name because it is the only rock in sight.
Caroline Findley
Mile 814
July 22
Inependence Rock
We pased by Independence Rock. We wrote our names and date on the rock. We are also writing what the road is like. I think Independence Rock got its name because the person that found the rock was from Independence.
James
mile 814,
July 22
Independance Rock
Today we came to a large granite rock called the Independance Rock and we are going to carve our names in it. We think it is called Independance Rock because it was left out there alone so it is "independant". But we found out it is really called that because people called it that when they stopped to cellebrate Independance day.
Spencer Brown
Today we passed by Independence Rock and we fond that there was anothear rock that we could crve our names and date. So we decided to carve our names the date and the road conditions on the huge amazing rock. We were amazed at the site of all of the names that were visible and because some of them were faded in. Most of them were from along time ago. The road conditions are very good. Independence Rock earned its name because it was laeft alone with no one to take care of it and it was in the desert. But we were wrong. We had a very good time there.
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
There was a buffalo stampede and we decided to hide. No one died, but our livestock was scatterd for miles around. We lost a day of traveling rounding up the livestock.
James Waters
We were traveling and just doing our own business. Tired and all things that are sad and tireing. But then we saw something in the open. The ground was shaking like an earthquake. It wasn't an earthquake but it was a stampide of wild animals ready to do something that wasn't very pleasent. Well actaully we didn't even know was going to happen but whatever is we were scared of it. Nobody wanted to die from them or break lots of bones from them. We didn't know what to do. We hope to live but how. We thought of something and we don't know if it willwork but it is all we got. Well actually got an idea from another family but it will probally work. We will get all of the horses togetherand get the guns and make loud noises and they don't want to get shot. The buffolo will get scared and go off to a different way and we will go the way we need to go. We all survived but we lost some supplies that wasn't very good. Oh James just lost his temper and he was just a crankie man for some while. But he was just a little stressed. We are happy that another hard, tough thing for us but we had sucess again. Oh we celebrated with the family for our hard day. We will probally face some fears but will make it through. We might of lost some time picking up our supplies but "Oh boy oh boy it is the biggest ecomplement through out the whole trip.
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
Today, we had to prevent ourselves from a buffalo stampede. I guess that why Devil's Gate is called that. We move to the side and then we walk toward them slowly and make a lot of noise with guns. That is basically it. I think it is simply enough to operate. The idea came from another family. I am so glad that they shared the idea with the other families. The buffalo turned and our contraption was a success, but our livestock scattered and we lost a day of traveling because we had to round our animals up. But I am glad that we are safe.
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's gate
When we were at devils gate there was a stampede.We dicided to make some thing like a saw wint some chain and a spare wheel.It would spin very fast to scare away the buffalo.It worcked.
Jim
mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
There is a stampede coming we are going to wait for it to pass. But we decided to go with Renardoe's idea they want to line up the wagons and fire guns to make them scared and want to get away.
Collin Brown
Mile 820, July 23
Devil's gate
Tday we got to devils gate. there was a buffalo stampede. We shot moas of the buffalo and made use of the meat and skin. We were very excited that the burnett familys plan worked! We had a good supper that night. /
Grace Adams
What a bad day! There was a stampeed of bufflo we where behind our wagons and we started shooting to make loud noise so they would go back to the side of our wagons.
Billy Renardo
We came to a slough called Ice Slough. We heard that there was ice in the ground somewhere a few inches under the grass and alkali. We decided to dig for the ice and we found some. We used some of the ice to make vinegar lemonade. Only one family decided not to dig for the ice. We should probably share some with them.
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
We decided to look for the legendary ice that stayed trough summer at Ice Slough. We found it and got a water pail full of fresh clean ice. We decided to make vinegar lemonade, that is water mixed with a little vinegar.
Rebecca Waters
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
Today we discovered this amazing place called Ice Slough, the land above the ice was covered in alkali,but thankfully the ice did not have alkali, we dug ten inches deeper and found fresh ice!!! We were so shoked that we found ice in the middle of July!
Jan Burnett
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
We got to The Ice Slough and we heard that there was fresh ice underground! Only 1 family didn't want to dig for it, we dug about ten inches into the ground and found water contaminated with alkali! But under that we saw some ice. We figured that it was fresh because of the stories. So we got under the water and got the ice and found out it was fresh! So I felt bad for one family that didn't want to dig for ice. But the good part is that we got a lot more water.
Collin Brown
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
Today we stopped at a Ice Slough we had the choice to stay and look for the ice under ground or keep moving. We kept moving on
William S. Adams
Today we had a choice of staying on the trail or try to find the legendary ice. We went to go to find the ice. We had to dig with an ax and a spade. We also had to dig through about 10 inches of sod. Nobody could believe that we found the ice in the middle of July! We made vingar lemonade and we put the ice in the glass. It was delicious. One family in the wagon train did not go for the ice. They missed out on a great and refreshing drink. We had a wonderful time.
Mile 862
Ice Slough
We were amazed that we actually found ice when we decided to try to find the legendary ice. The Adams family did not try to dig for the ice. We caught up to them later and everyone shared the ice thet had found. We put the ice in with our water to help make the water cold. When the ice melted, we had fresh water to drink. We are glad that we stopped to dig up the ice. We even shared some of our ice with the Adams family.
It is a hot summer day and you need something cold, ice would be perfect! I heard some legends about ice in the ground, it seemed like Billy was thinking the same thing. He said "you want to dig something?" I wasn't surprised, I get a look on my face and I talk kind of in a choking voice. We talked about the legend, we started digging! About 10 inches in the ground I found ice! Other familys found ice too. I love the ice for cooling off and for fresh water.
,Jacob Renardo
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
We finally got to the South Pass, it's about half way through our journey. They say it is the continental divide and that the top of the mountain is the actual dividing point.The oppening is twenty miles long. That night we sang Oh! Susanna.
Peter Brown
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
As we went across the Contnental Divide we noticed that going up it didn't feel as steep but down it felt practically straight down. We started to notice that two trickles of waters tarted going in different directions.
Roxane Waters
mile 913
July 30
South Pass
Today we went by the South Pass.It was huge! Our wagon was rolling along when a huge gorge came up. We passed through and everyone was okay. We are very excited because we reached the halfway mark and found streams. It was very beautiful.
Samuel Bell
What a great way to end the month, to top it off we are half way there! Now we are at the rockies when we where there their was pass way 20 miles wide I couldn't belive my eyes it was amazing. When I got there I was amazed at the top it was flat I though that it was just a point at the top but boy was I wrong.
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
Today we were at the Continental Divide. When we were at the Eastern Ascent of the South Pass, it seemed that we weren't going up at all, but when were getting ready to go down the Western Descent, it was very steep and rocky. It was tricky to get down. It took a very long time. Our wagon bumped and rocked like crazy. At one point, I thought that the wheels and axles would pop off and go down the pass and get destroyed. I am so glad that we survived the pass. Now we can legitimately say that we are in the Oregon Territory.
Michael Davis
Today we went through South Pass. The Pass was 20 miles wide it was the widest pass we ever saw. I was amazed it looked that big. We celebrated by sang "Old Susaana" and made it to the Oregon territory. We got 2 more oxen and we are glad because we had to ask people for oxen so now we don't have to worry about that the oxen dieing or having to buy them. The celebration was fun. It was just great.
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
We got to the half way mark! It was the contenental divied! It was so exciding. At the top we cud see for miles. It was so cool. The mountain was so big.
Joe
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today we went on The Fort Bridger Route instead of The Sulett Cutoff Route. This is the first time we found fresh water sence The Pacific Springs. We have pleanty of water and our oxen have pleanty of grass to eat. That night our night guard said he heard something, but when he tried to investigate further he didn't find anything. That morning someone lost two of there blankets.
Spencer Brown
Mile 932
Fort Bridger
Today there was a fork in the trail. We had the choice to either go the short route-the sublett cutoff-or we could take the long route-fort bridger. We took the long route. It turned out to be better. We got water[it was kind of funny because the Waters took the short the route and didn't get water]. All in all I was glad.
Jamal Adams
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today we took the sublett cutoff and then decided to turn around because our oxen were getting tired. Now since we turned around we are about a day behind.
Mary Waters
mile 932
August 1
Parting of the ways
We had a opption of the Sublett cutoff (short way) or Fort Bridger (long way). Sublett cutoff was 5 days less than Fort bridger. We chose Fort Bridger, we filled up with fresh water and got a bath. In the night someone thougt they herd a indain. The next day a woman discoverd that 2 of her blankets were mising.
James
We have made alot of choices, we made frequently the right the chioce but, this one was tricky. A long route that had an abundance of water and a chance to get some supplies at Fort Brigder. The bad part is that some hostile Indians steal supplies from wagon trains. The other choice was to go on dry land with rarely any water pools from past rain. It was a shortcut but, very risky. Most of the wagons went on the long route. Luckily for us we made the right chioce but, a women reported two blankets stolen. We toke breaks and the family that took the short route came back to the rest of the wagons! I am glad that they did that.
,Jacob Renardo
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the ways
Fort Bridger
We took the long way. We were very lucky that we took the long way because we found the only fresh water available and we were able to fill all the water holders. The livestock were tired but healthy and had plenty of grass to eat. The men went out to hunt and found fresh meat. We had antelope stew that night. It was the first fresh meat we had had in a long time. The night guard thought he heard Indians lurking around the camp, but when he investigated further, he found nothing. In the morning, one lady reported 2 blankets missing. That is all that is bad that has happened so far on the long trail to Fort bridger. Everyone went on the long trail exept for one family who turned around and took the long trail. The family that turned around was the Waters family and they are a little behind the rest of us, but they should cath up tonight. Everyone is glad that they made the decision that they did.
Caroline Findley
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today, we were at the Parting of the Ways.This is the first time that the families of the wagon train had to make a decision about the direction of which we were going. There were two different decisions. First, we could go on the short way, called the Sublett Cutoff, or we could go the long way, or the Fort Bridger Cutoff. We decided to go on the Fort Bridger route. It turns out tha we made a good decision. We had plenty of water and grass for our animals and for us. The Indians weren't too hostile, but they stole two blankets from one of the families'. I am so glad that we made the right decision.
Today we made it to a cross two routes, Fort Bridger or Sublett Cutoff. We chose Fort Bridger but it cost us an extra 5 days but it had water unlike Sublett Cutoff. Sublett Cutoff had no water or grass to feed the animals. The only family that went on Sublett Cutoff was drowzy and had to lose one yoke of oxen. But word got around that the family had turned around. Over night when I was watching I thought I heard Indians and when we all woke up Elizabeth and Lucy found out we lost two blankets. We were so lucky that we went the correct way and were not attacked by the Indians.
We are planning to let our animals at the rest area and I will shod our animals. We are staying an extra day here. And we fence mended. We are very proud that it is Michael's birthday today so we had a birthday party, we made him lemonade and the best time so far on this trip to The Oregan Trail.
James Davis
We stop at Fort Bridger to buy two yokes of oxen and spend an extra day earning money from fence mending. So far we don't know how much money we will earn. We hope our fate is good and we make a lot of money. It turns out that spending an extra day working was a good thing. We got paid one yoke of oxen. We now have 10 oxen!
Mile 1026
Aug 8-9
Ft. Bridger
At Ft. Bridger we are going to mend a fence and buy a yoke of oxen for $50. James is going to shad our animals. We are also shawding one of the waters familys oxen for $1. I hope we made a good choice.When we were done mending the fence they paid us 1 yoke of oxen. Now we have 16 animals pulling our wagon. I will really be suprised if we still hav problems with oxen.We are really in good shape now.
Jim
mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
Today we got to Ft. Bridger. We decited to shawed all of our animals for free because John is a black smith! We also are staying an extra day and are going to mend fences. It was a very good choice because we got another yoke of oxen and we got a good decription of the road ahead.
Grace Adams
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
Today we finally got to Ft. Bridger. We are going to make some money from Fence Mending, but we have to stay an extra day. Spencer is going to shaud our oxen and horses. We could have bought a yoke of oxen, a horse, a mule, or traded animals 2 for 1. We didn't because we know we will nead the money when we get to Oregon. We got a extra yoke of oxen for Fence Mending.
Collin Brown
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. B ridger
We give the Burnett family $1 to shod 2 yoke of oxen. It is Spencer and Michael's birthday so we gave them our two harmonicas.
Rebecca Waters
What a day, today we bought a yoke of oxen and we shodded our oxen ( for free because Jacob is a blacksmith), and we saw a help wanted sign for fence mending so we asked for the job and we got it but we had to stay another day. We where payed a yoke of oxen for doing the job. Today is Spencer and Michael birthday. For their birthday they each got a harmonica from the Waters family and we gave them some "spirits".
Billy Renardo
Mile 1108
August 14
Thomas Fort Crossing
Today we celebrated with the people that made it through the sublet cutoff alive and we are celebrating Michael and Spencer's Birthday today.The Water's gave them both harmonicas.
William S. Adams
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Fort Bridger
We got an extra yoke of oxen because Wilson did some fence mending. We now have 6 oxen, 4 horses and 4 mules. Wilson will also shodded all our animals because Wilson has all his blacksmith tools tools. There were also 2 men in our wagon train named Spencer and Michael who turned 18 and 24. They each got a harmonica from the Waters family. We have had a good time at Fort Bridger so far.
Caroline Findley
Mile 1108
Thomas Fork Crossing
August 14
Today we had two birthdays, and their names were Michial and Spencer. They are very kind and mature young gentleman! This is also where the Sublett cutoff meats with our path. It is amazing how many people did make it! We had a party because we met together and for Michial and Spencers birthday. The waters gave Michial and Spencer Hermonikas. It was really fun.
Jan
Mile 1,217
September 4
Fort Hall
Today we got to Fort Hall. It was a difficult day because Willam and I did not agree. We had the chance to buy really good coats, but Willam thought it was too expenceve! I was right. Now we have to make a plan. Everyone decited to send out two scouts. Billy and John D. are going and I dont want to let my son go! but I have to. Then the rest of us hide and wait for the indans in side a wagon circle.
Grace Adams
Today we came to Fort Hall. We bought flour, rice, and coffee and the total coast was $1.18. We decided to not get fox and bever robes becaus they were 160.00. We are glad we bought the mocasins and buffalo robes at Fort Laramie. If we didn't have enough supplies we would get frostbite or died. An Indian attack hit some emigrants. We are trying to think of a way to defend our self. We will have John and James. We hope we will win so lets fight! We are going to put our wagons in a circle and hide behind the wagons.
Mile 1217
September 4
Fort Hall
As we come across Fort Hall we see a trading post and decide to buy two fox/beaver coats for the cold and difficult road ahead. We made a plan and everybody in the train thought it would work so we are going to go in aline with men on either sides and in front/back of the wagons. If there are indians we will form a circle with everybody inside the circle including livestock.
Mary Waters
Mile 1217
September 4
Fort Hall
Today we are at Fort Hall. We decided to buy some items. We bought 2 pints of flour,1 pint of sugar, 2 pints of coffee. Together we spent $2.50. One family bought a fox and beaver coat. That was $160! Altogether we have $450.31. We also heard that there were hostile Indians. WE made a defense plan which had all the men in the wagon train surround the wagons and they have guns at hand so that if something bad happens, we will be able to defend ourselves. I thought it was a good plan.
Mile 1217
Sept. 4
Fort Hall
Today we reached this place called Fort Hall. It is very cold where we are. We are 500 feet until the end of the trail! I will give Jan a shotgun so that she will defend herself.
Joe
Today we made it to Fort Hall. We did not buy anything because we did not have enough money. We have a defense plan encase any indians come. We will have the scouts fire their guns into the air if they see indians. Then we will have all the wagons into a circle and the men will be firing their guns at the indians from the outside of the circle of wagons. The women and children will be either in the circle or in the wagon. We feel it is a good plan. We hope it works. We will also have gaurds on duty 24\7. We will also be warm because we have 5 thick blankets and if we do get bad weather, we will put clothes over us as blankets. We will use absolutely everything we have to keep us warm if bad weather hits. We are glad that Wilson is not a scout because we don't want him to get hurt if indians do come. But Wilson is a man, so he will be a gaurd.
We bought some rice and a bever coat. Some people say there are Indians. We will defend aginst the Indians. We are going to put the wagons and wemen in the middle and the men will be on the outside. When the Indians attack we will put the wagons in the middle and the men will attack.
Spencer Brown
We got to Fort Hall, this is far out from our hometown Chicago, Illinois. Things are ranking up in price, $160 for a fox and beaver coats. We could not afford it, luckily Billy and I kept our buffalo robes in good shape.
,Jacob Renardo
We are so scared that we went through Massacre Rock. Our plan was we were going to put the wagons in the middle and we will gaurd the wagons. Lukily we did not get attacked by indians.
Mile 1250
Sept. 8
Massacre Rock
We set off to Massacre Rock. We had a plan to protect our selfs from the Indains. It was we send 2 scouts up to check the trail ahead and the men garded the
wagon. The plan work the indains didn't atack and we got through safe.
James
We were really nervous and scared that we were going to get attacked but we made it safly. But it was still scary because we saw burnt wagons and oxen skulls and also graves. There were these to huge rocks that had just enough room for an Emigrant wagon.
Mile 1250
September 8
Massacre Rocks
Today we are at Massacre Rocks. We were very nervous because we saw oxen skulls and burnt wagons froms recent Indian attacks. We used the same plan that the Waters family came up with at Fort Hall. We were very lucky that we made it through without Indians coming. We were so HAPPY we didn't die.
Mile 1250
Sept 8
Massacre
Today we saw wagons on fire, oxen skulls, and a few graves. So we got so scared that we almost turned back. But the Indians attack us. So we got thrugh safly.
Peter Brown
We where so nervous today because Massacre Rocks is a good spot to be attackted by Indians we had seen skolls and blood on the ground it was so scary but we didin't die we are so lucky.
Billy Renardo
Mile 1250
September 8
Massacre Rock
We were nervous that Indians would attack us. There were many Indian attacks in the last few months. We put scouts ahead and luckily we weren't attacked by the Indians.
James Waters
Mile 1250
Sept 8
Massacre rock
Today we saw wagons on fire, oxen skulls, and a few graves. So we got so scared that we almost turned back. But the Indians attack diddn't us. So we got thrugh safly.
Peter Brown
Mile 1,250
September 8
Massacre Rock
Today we got to Massacre rock. We were very scared that the indans attactng us, But we were very lucky because we didn't get hurt. We are lucky we made it through.
John D. Adams
Mile 1397
September 20
Three Island Crossing
Elmore County, Idaho
Our plan to cross the Snake River is hitch all of our animals up to our wagon exept our 2 tallest horses. We will put our packs on the horses and they will cross the river first with Wilson leading them. Then they will come back across with Wilson and we will hitch them to the wagon with the other animals. Then we will cross the river. Because we will have our 14 animals pulling our wagon and our packs will already be on the other side, we should be able to make it across. We will also stop at any sturdy island in the river to rest.
Caroline Findley
Mile 1397
September 20
Three IslandCrossing Elmore County Idaho
The land on this side of the river is very dry so were going to take some logs and tie them ot a rope. The other en of the rope will be tied to the wago like an anchor. We will take the wheeles off the wagon then float it across the river takeing a little of our belongings with us at a time.
Jim
Mile 1397
September 20
Snake River
Today we had to find a way to make it across the snake river. Our idea was to make a raft and float it across. People and belongings would go on the raft. We would pattle across on the raft so it didn't go off course. Other families had different ideas. The Bennet family decided to try to send a person across with lots of chain and the wagon. They pulled everyone across.
Jamal Adams
We had a small advantage to cross the Snake River, islands. Three of them were spread across the river in a straight line. Our idea to cross it is to just go across but, with men with stones tied to thier feet to pull on the back to keep it straight. Then we build a bridge, sadly we lost a oxen.
,Jacob Renardo
We just got to Three Island Crossing and we had to find out how to cross it. We are going to cross it by just making a bridge by having James taking the horse and the oxen to the other side and tie a rope to them. Then we can pull them across. We have no idea if this will work but its all we got so lets do this. The rope might not be big enough or James might not be able to go over by his self but we are going to try to make it happen. There might be a wave that might kill James but we are ready to take action. We are very confedent about this. The other families have some good plans probally better then ours but we are to happy to be going on this trip to give up. There has been some good times that we have celebrated and injoyed the things that have been amazing. It would just hurt us if something happened to him and us. We don't know exactally how we are going to do this but this better work. We hope this goes just fine. We are really scared and very nerous to know what will happen. If we can get a better plan then that might be safer but I don't think we will. If we have good sucess we will celebrate and injoy the good time. It eventally happened and James almost drowned but only a oxen drowned which is fine but hard. We have plenty enough oxen now. We also lost some food for us. Some people had sucess and some didn't.
3 Island Crossing
Mile 1,397
September 20
We made a raft and got across the river but we paid to much attention to the raft so we lost one oxen.
Rebecca Waters
Mile1397
September 20
Snake River
today we tried to cross the river by pulling it with chain and oxen but that didn't work so we lost all of our pepper. We are glad because some people lost an oxen because they wern't paying enough attention to them.
Collin Brown
Sept. 20
Mi.1,397
Three Island Crossing
Today we stopped at Three Island crossing. We had a choice of going across the huge river or walking till it got shalower. We decided we would work with 2 other families to go across. The families that are helping us are the Adams and Waters family. We have travelled together so long were like a big family. Were going to make a bridge out of rope ,wood and, chains. We will tie our chains to stakes wich we will stick into the ground while people will be holding the chains for extra saftey. So if one lets go there will still be at least one more. If all of the people let go there will still be stakes to hold the chains. We hope our idea works. There were twelve people working on this idea. There was not enough wood so one of our oxen got lost so now we have seven of them.
James Davis
Mi 1551 Sept 30
Fairwell Bend
Today we thought why we even went on the Oregon Trail. We felt pretty optimistic. I think we are going to have a great future.
Billy Renardo
Mile1551
September30
Farewell bend
Today we are leaving our path on the snake river. We feel optimistic about leaving the Snake River. James, Joe and Jim are very excited about the jorney ahead. I am also optimistic about the journey ahead.
Jan
Mile 1551
Sept 30
Farewell Bend
Today we got to Farewell bend and we are very optmimstic for the future. We were very happy we crossed the snake river safly.
Grace Adams
Mile 1551
September 30
Farewell Bend
I feel optimistic because we are so far and Collin feels downhearted because a lot of bad stuff has happened and we have been on the trail for four months, and he doesn't think we have really got that far.
Spencer Brown
We arrived at Farewell Bend. We are feeling anxious and excited about what might happen in the future. We hope we get to Oregon without anymore inguries, accidents, or lost animals.
Mile 1551
September 30
Farewell Bend
I feel optimistic because we are so far and Collin feels downhearted because a lot of bad stuff has happened and we have been on the trail for four months, and he doesn't think we have really got that far.
Spencer Brown
We are alll very optimistic about this journey. We have had many ups and downs on this journey to Oregon, but we are getting closer to the end of our journey every day.
September 30
Mile 1551
Farewell Bend
Today, we were at Farewell Bend. I wasn't very optimistic today because we had more hardships than I would have liked. I am a little optimistic because we passed the Snake River. Just after we left the Snake River, the only thing that made me go on was the memory of the whole reason of why we went on the Oregon Trail.
John Davis
Mile 1671
Oct. 8
Deadman's Pass
Today we went through Deadman's Pass. It got it's name because 4 freighters got killed there.That scares everyone in my wagon.
William S. Adams
Mile 1671
October 8
Deadman Pass
Today we figured out why Deadman Pass was called Deadman Pass, it is called that because two or three freights were killed by some Indians that camped out there waiting to ambush someone. Some guy that wanted to publish our journal was going to give us $200 for it when it was finished. We were really happy because we will really be able to use the money when we are in Oregon and need a place to stay in.
Collin Brown
Mile1671
Deadmans Pass
October 8
We found out why Deadmans Pass got it's name. Four freighters were killed in the Bannock War. Then, we were promised 200 dollars per family for all of our journals when they were finished, if we sold them to the East Coast Publishing Company. When they got our journals, they would copy them and sell them to future travelers. We were very excited.
Caroline Findley
Mile 1671
October 8
Deadman Pass
We found out why this spooky place got it's name, because of a war. We found out fast enough that we did not have to lose a luxury item.
Roxane W.
We got to Deadman Pass, it does not sound like a very welcoming name. We decided to research the name of Deadman Pass. It got it's name because of the fraighters that bring the supples to the people on the Oregon Trail. We also met a man who wanted to buy our journals for 200.00 dollars. We get the money at the end of the Oregon Trail.
Mile 1,671
October 8
Deadmans Pass
Today we are at Deadmans pass we do not know how it got it's name. We think it got it's name because it has a underground cavern thats full of poisonous gases. The main reason is that it was called Deadmans pass is because there were four frators were killed.
By: Joe
A few days ago I heard we where going to Deadman Pass, sounds scary to you? Well were here and if you listen you can hear Indians. I didn't take any risks I held my gun. Four freighters were attacked by Indians a while ago. A man I met thought my writing was so good hes giving me $200 for it! I don't want to sound like an Cowboy but, Hee Haw!
Jacob Renardo
Mile 1,671
Oct. 8
Deadman Pass
Today we were walking down Deadman's Pass and wondering how Deadman's Pass got it's name from a war around that area. One man there gave us $200 because we found how Deadmans Pass. We were very happy.
Michael Davis
Mile 1709
Oct 12
Whitmans Misson
Today we are at Whitmans Mission. We decided for James and our Pa to take the Barlow Toll Road. Micheal and I are going to take the canoe down the Columbia Gorge. All together we are spending $185. We are donating a harmonica to the Whitmans Mission. I can't wait untill we get to Oregon. YEE HAW!!!!!!
Mile 1709
Oct. 12
Teail Decision
Today we had the option of taking a canoe or the Barlow Toll Road. We went on teh Barlow Toll Road. It was $100. The bell is having a sale. Jim is trying to talk it out with them to get medal things. We need metal because Jim had a idea of me putting medal spikes on the weels so we can travel faster.
James
Mi 1709 Oct 12 Whitman Mission Trail Decision
Today we had to make a big decision we could of gone down the Columbia Gorge for $40 for a canoe rental and $45 for a guide, or we could of went on the Barlow Toll Road which is $100 per wagon or we could stay intell spring which is about $20 per week We decided to go on the Barlow Toll Road, I think we made a good decision or at least I hope so.
Billy Renardo
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman mission
Today we got to the Whitman Mission, we could have got a conoe and gone down a river. That would have caused us to lose most of our stuff. We decided to go on the Barlow Road for $100.00, but we are going to get $200.00 from the publisher for our journals. We also sold our wool dresses for $25.00, and bought 40 lbs. of sead for bullets for $15.00. So today we lost $75.00 but are going to get $200.00 when we finish our journal.
Collin Brown
Mile 1709
October 12
Whiteman Mission Trail Decisions
Today we came to a place to decide were to go in the mountians. We decided to take the barlow toll road.
John D. Adams
Mile 1709
Whitman Mission
Trail Decision
Todays we sold many items and lightened our wagon. We had 64 bucks, then after the sale, we had 148 bucks. We spent 100 buck to take the Barlow Toll road. We think it was the best decision. Catherine also had her baby today. He is a boy and we called him Jackson. He is a joy.
Caroline Findley
We just arrived at Whitman Mission and went on the trail on Barlow Toll Rode and we would drive our wagon for one-hundred dollars. We sold one pistol, one rifle, and one shotgun. We sold all of that for twenty-five dollars. We really hope we can trust the people with us so they don't attack us.
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
While we were on the Barlow Road we finally saw snow! The childeren played, the womon watched the childeren. But the snow got thicker so you couldn't se the wagon in front of you. Than it got so thick you couln't see the animals pulling your wagon. So we sent Peter, and James Burnett as scouts. But we didn't see them again and thought they either went ahead or died. We also lost two of our oxen because they froze to death.
Collin Brown
Mi 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
Today we had a big snow storm. We herd a very loud sound, like a strong wind. So we sent out two scouts. James Burnett and Peter Brown. Right after they left we heard the noise again. Then they didn't come back. But the worst part was the wagon train had to burn our wagon for firewood. We are going with the Renardo family now. How bad can this dicision be. At least we are very close to the Willamette Valley.
Jim
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
Today we arrived at the whitman mission. We had to decide whether to take the Barlow Toll rodes, the Columbia Gorge, or the Whitman Mission. We took the Barlow toll road. We spent $100.00 on the Barlow toll road. Since we were on the toll road, the first couple days were wonderful. It was nice outside and we made good time. One day, it began to snow. It was the first time we got snow the whole trip! At first we were happy campers, the children were happy and playing, the woman working. It kept snowing and snowing. It was very, very bad. It snowed so much we couldn't see our oxen. Then we couldn't see the oxen or the wagon. We had to stop riding forward. We huddled around the wagon with a fire. Some of are animals froze to death. As a matter of fact, 1/2 the animals froze. It was very terrible. We heard terrible crashing noises. Two scouts went out. They didn't return. Even after the storm cleared up, they didn't show. As for the people on the Columbia gorge, it was very nice. Then they got very bad rapids. The people got lost, and got ate by a bear, we think. By the way, Catherine had a baby. It was a boy named Jackson. We predict that Mary Jane and Jackson will marry.
Jamal Adams
Mile 1709
Oct. 12
Whitman Mission
We made a decision to either go on the Barlow Toll Road, or pay money to go on a road, go on the Columbia River Gorge, or stay at the Whitman Mission. We decided to split the family up into two groups. My father, John, and I went on the Barlow Toll Road for $100. Michael and Catherine went on the Columbia River Gorge. On the Barlow Toll Road, there was an abundance of snow. At first it was fun and I was starting to play in it, but it gradually got heavier and heavier so that I couldn't see my family's animals.To keep warm, one of the families' wagons had to be burnt. It was the Burnett's wagon that had to be burnt. Meanwhile, we heard a roaring sound which we thought was an avalanche. The wagon train sent two scouts which didn't return. We heard rumors that Michael and Catherine got eaten by a bear, but we found them at camp.
James Davis
Okay, we went on the Barlowe Tollroad, it was an pretty good road ecxept for losing a wagon and... not finding two people and losing half our oxen. Okay maybe a wrong decision. Let me tell you why we lost alot of things. Some oxen where too far away from the fire ( that was made from the Burrnett's wagon) and died of being to cold. We sent out two people to check for anything too bad out there about, two hours later we herd a avalanche we were not sure... the scouts did NOT come back. On the bright side Katherine had a baby named Jackson. I hope we get to Willamette Valley soon. This maybe my last entree in this journal wish me luck.
Jacob Renardo
We went pass the Barllow Toll Road. We got alot of snow. We enjoyed it at first but the snow fall was so big we couldn't even see our wagons. Just then we heard a huge rumbling sound. We thought it was an avalanch but we really don't know. We sent two scouts, James Burnett and Peter Brown to see what happened. We waited for a while but they never returned. We don't know if they died or they went ahead of the trail. The people that went in the river the canoe crashed so they had to leave two people behind but when we got ther they were gone. There was bear tracks so we think that they were attcked by a bear but we don't know because we weren't there. We had to burn a wagon to get fire wood so we voted that the burnett's wagon gets burned. We feel sorry for the lost of people. It is probally rough for them. The family that had to burn the wagon is living with another family. We don't want anything to happen like this again. There was a new born baby from the Bell family. We want that baby named Jackson to live a great life. We gave them shirt and pants and we feel happy about that.
Mile 1709
Barlow Toll Road
The first snow has come. There have been two avalanches and our two scouts James Burnett and Peter Brown have dissapeared. Our wagon train also lost half of it's animals. We lost our two shortest horses. They were thin and weak. Wilson needs to behave better. He is not very helpful and wants to kill Jackson and our dog. Next time there is a scouting mission Wilson is going. We want him to help our train. If it is a very dangerous mission, we will not let him go.
Mile 00
Summer 1953
Willamette Vallee
We settled in Oregon City with a nice farm, a big house. Life here in is so much fun, I made new friends at school and people from the wagon train. Weve traveled so long with these people from the wagon train, were are like family now. We care for each other. Now we are neighbors with Burnett, Bennet, Bell, and Waters.
Sincerely,
John, James, Catherine, and Michael Davis
Mile 00
Summer of 1852
Willamette Valley
Everyone in our wagon train is having a reunion. James Burnett and Peter Brown were found! We are very excited that we are at Willamette Valley. We are also all very excited to here what other family's storys are of their trip. It's a great day.
The Waters family
Mile 00
Late October
Willamette Valley
We finally got to The Oregon Teritorry we also found James and Peter with furs on their back. They said that they dug a tunnel through the snow from the avalanch and had to hunt some animals with James's rifle and Peter's bow-and-arrow and use their furs from the animals to stay warm. We are really happy that they finally caught up with us, because they have been gone for a couple years. Jacob Renardo gave James a noogie when he got back. Catherine and Michael went on the river. They came back with cloth from the Indians.
Collin Brown
We made it to Oregon! We just made it to Oregon and we now have the perfect life living on a farm hunting and living good. The closet people to us are the Burnetts and Davis family. We also found Peter and James.
Mile 00 Willamette Valley
We are here! I am so very happy that we are finally here! We also found Peter and James, and everything is just going purfect! the bell family andour families are going to be nabors. It is the summer of 1853 and life is great in Oregon.
Grace Adams, William S. Adams, John D. Adams and Jamal Adams
Mile 0
Willamette Valley
July 1853
We have been here for 2 years. Jackson and my 2 year old Anna are on a playdate with Mary Jane, Grace's little girl. Wilson has resumed his job of a blacksmith. At Wilson's shop it cost 2.50 to shod a horse. It cost 2.00 to shod a mule. It cost 3.00 to shod and ox. His shop is doing well. He makes about 4 to 8 bucks a day. When we got here, we had 48 dollars. We have made about 5,848 dollars from Wilson's shop since we moved here. We have a good farm. I am married to a man named Jake Johnson. He is a good man.
Caroline Findley/Johnson
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Comments (282)
Waters said
at 9:58 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence,Missouri May,1 Miles:0.0
We decided to get one extra horse for the trail. Luckily we decided not to top off our kegs of water because the water turned out to be contaminated with cholera. We did not give water because we don't want to run out. Many wagon trains need water but they will get it tonight.
Rebecca Waters
Davis said
at 9:59 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence
Mile 0.0
May 1
Today we had a decision of getting more animals.We didn't take more animals. We also had a decision of getting fresh water, so we did. We were on our way un til we ran over a big mud pile. James drank the contaminated water. He got cholera. That is when you have diarreha. The cure is to mix salt and sugar and fresh water. The next place we will find water is later tonight. So hopefully we will find the fresh water.
Catherine
Renardo said
at 9:59 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence, Mile 0.0, May first
We were about to leave Independence when we saw some oxen, horses, and mules. My son and I talked about getting one but, we chose not to because, we already had three sets of oxen. I tought it would be good to top off our water supply. We got the water and Billy ( my son) had a drink and then I notice the water's color, it had cholera! The water family's had clean water, they would not give us clean water nether the bell family. I hope we get water soon.
Bennett said
at 10:00 am on Jan 23, 2009
Indepandence
Mile 0.0
May1
We are about to leave for the Oregon Trail and we had to dump out our water because it has cholera in it. John, our dad has cholera now. So were hoping he gets better soon so he can help us prepare for any danger or accidents. We have four oxen and one horse to help us get there safley. If our father dies James will have to take over and take care of any troubles. We don't think we could make it to Oregon without John so we are going to take good care of him. We think we have enough so ready, get set, go!
Bennett said
at 10:01 am on Jan 23, 2009
James.
Brown said
at 10:02 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence, Missouri
Mile 0.0
May 1
We topped all our water and John brown drank the contaminated water and now has cholera. Collin, Spencer, and Peter are trying to find fresh water to save him.
Spencer.
Burnett said
at 10:03 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence
Mile 0.0
May 1
We did not by a Horses, Mule, or Oxen. We did get more water but we hade to dump it, because the water was cantaminated.. Now our mom is sick with cholera. The bell familly is giving us an 1/4 of a keg.
By:James
Bell said
at 10:03 am on Jan 23, 2009
We are lucky we didn't get water this morning. If we did, we could have gotten cholera. WE ARE NOT GIVING ANYONE ANY WATER!!!!
If we do, we might run out because everyone wants half a keg of our water!
Bell said
at 10:04 am on Jan 23, 2009
We will give just a little water.
Adams said
at 10:05 am on Jan 23, 2009
Independence mile 0.0 may 1. Today we diden't buy any mules, horses or oxen. We had the coice to but our horse might die. So we left, and got water. Jamal drank a gallon, but we figured out that the water was contamanated so Jamal got cholera.To cure cholera we have to have 1/4 of a keg of fresh water sugar and salt. The bell family gave us water. by: Grace Adams
Brown said
at 11:38 am on Jan 26, 2009
Observation Bluff
May 4
47 miles
Some of the familys' went up the hill but we kept going and they met up with us late that night and claim to have seen a really good view.
Burnett said
at 11:39 am on Jan 26, 2009
Observation Bluff
Mile 47
May 4
We didn't climb the bluff and we saved som time because of that. We got to camp early. We got there early so our mom could get some rest.
Jiim Burnett
Bell said
at 11:39 am on Jan 26, 2009
mile 47 May 4 Observation Buff. We decided to climb Observation Bluff so we could see what we were going to deal with. It was beautiful scenery. We are happy that we stopped. We lost 4 hours of traveling, but it was worth it.
Davis said
at 11:40 am on Jan 26, 2009
Mile 47 May 4 Observation Bluff.
Today we were on our way to camp when we saw a mountain. So we decided to climb it. It was worth it because because we saw a lot of amazing things. The only thing that was bad was that we were four hours behind.
Michael Davis
Bennett said
at 11:40 am on Jan 26, 2009
Observation Bluff
Mile 47
May 4
Today it was different and the kids already got homesick but we kep saying nothing has changed. Today we had to decide to climb Obsevation Bluff or to stay on our path. So we decided to keep going to make our future a suprise. Even though we could have seen paradise it was worth the time because if we went up we would waste 4 hours.
Elizabeth
Bell said
at 11:40 am on Jan 26, 2009
wilson
Renardo said
at 11:40 am on Jan 26, 2009
mile47
may4
obssurvation bluff
today we climbed a bluff it toke 4 hours but it was worth it it was a beautiful view when we got back to camp we where tired and wet.
Waters said
at 11:42 am on Jan 26, 2009
Observation Bluff
Mile 47
May 4
We decided to climb the bluff and saw everything that was ahead of us. It was worth the lost hours of traveling. We got to camp late last night, tierd and hungry. but it was fun and exciting seeing new places. The hills were beautiful!
Roxane Waters
Bell said
at 11:42 am on Jan 26, 2009
Wilson on the last Bell comment was a mistake.
Renardo said
at 11:42 am on Jan 26, 2009
,Jacob Renardo
Brown said
at 12:02 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Croosing the Wakarusa River
May 5-7th
54 miles
O"boy here it comes to the Wakarusa River the deep and sterdy River. We well have to take off our tires and emety out our wagon.
Bell said
at 12:03 pm on Jan 26, 2009
We have 12 oxen, so we don't have to pay 5 dollars to cross the river. we made it across.
Samuel Bell
Bell said
at 1:07 pm on Jan 26, 2009
We made it across the river. We are happy that we got 12 oxen instead of less than 10 oxen. We saved 5 dollars.
Bell said
at 1:08 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Caroline Findleey wrote the 1:07 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Bell said
at 1:09 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Mistake, Caroline Findley, only one E.
Renardo said
at 1:12 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Mile 54
May 5-7
Blue Jacket River
We came across the Blue Jacket River. It was muddy and I thought that it flood when we would cross it. I didn'thave alot of oxen, if I had about ten I would cross it without help. So I looked for help. I found a Indian named Fish. We gave him $5 to help us cross. He helped us get across.
, Jacob Renardo.
Burnett said
at 1:13 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Crossing the Wakarusa river "Blue Jacket" river
Mile 54
May 5-7
Today, we crossed the Wakarusa river, and did not make it, so this nice gentleman called Fish helped us, we had to pay him $5.00
Bennett said
at 1:13 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Wakarusa River
Mile 54
May 5-7
We were traveling and we came to a river called the "Wakarusa River". We had to have ten oxen to cross without paying, but we didn't have ten oxen so we had to pay a Shawnee Indian named Fish. We had to pay Fish $5 so we could get our wagons out of the mud.
John
Davis said
at 1:13 pm on Jan 26, 2009
Mile54 May,5-7
We ran into the Wakarusa River and it was thigh deep. Since we had less than 10 oxen we had to pay $5 to a Shawnee Indain named Fish to pull the wagon across out of the mud we were all stuck in.
James Davis
Waters said
at 1:14 pm on Jan 26, 2009
mile 54
May 5-7
Today we crossed the Wakarusa River and we had less than ten oxen so we had to pay a man named Fish $5.00 to get to the other side.
Mary waters
Bell said
at 11:27 am on Jan 29, 2009
We are afraid that we will lose our belongings in this bad storm. We are soaked to the bone and very cold. The ground has turned to mud and the river is overflowing.
Caroline Findley
Bell said
at 11:31 am on Jan 29, 2009
There are funnel clouds and we might lose our things. How will we dry our thigs out ?
Caroline Findley
Davis said
at 11:33 am on Jan 29, 2009
May 14
Mile 165
Independence Crossing
The weather is so bad that all of us are thinking that we shouldn't have gone on this trip. We have seen funnel clouds and the the trail is a mess. The water is roaring fast underneath the wagon. It is freezing and the wind is blowing hard. The mud was coming at us. The furniture is getting ruineed. I am very glad that we don't have any pets or piano.
John Davis
John Davis
Adams said
at 11:34 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 165, May 14
Independence Crossings,
We tried to cross Independence river, but we didn't make it. We had to camp under the wagon. We got all muddy and wet. Grace said we shouldn't have came along on the trip.
Jamal Adams
Burnett said
at 11:35 am on Jan 29, 2009
mile 165
May 14 Independence Crossing
There is a bad storm ,there were funalclouds a mile around and we are wet along with the wagon. It is horible in this storm.
Joe
Renardo said
at 11:35 am on Jan 29, 2009
Independence Crossing
Mile 165
May 14
Today we had a horrible storm we saw a funnel cloud and we had to go under the wagon. We where wet and cold it was a bad night.
Billy Renardo
Brown said
at 11:35 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 165
May 14
Independence Crossing
We have been traveling for a long time and there was a big storm and our wagon is wet. We are cold, damp, and mudy. But we are still going on the trail.
Peter
Waters said
at 11:35 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 165
Independence Crossing
May,14
We came to a really muddy swirling river We started to see funnel clouds. We all ducked under our wagons and spent one long,miserable night.
Bennett said
at 11:36 am on Jan 29, 2009
Independence Crossing
Mile 165
May 14
Today was a nasty day for traveling because there was a storm. We saw a funnle cloud. There was nasty wind. We all got wet but luckily we had towels on all the furniter.
Burnett said
at 11:53 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 194
May 16 Fremont Springss,
We stoped for our hour noon rest and found spring water. I feel so relaxed. I am so happy we found fesh water.
James
Adams said
at 11:53 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 194, May 16
Fremont Springs
We spent our afternoon nooning, it killed an hour. Then we climbed a sandstone hill and found the signatures of Kit Carson and J. C. Fremont carved in the stone.
Grace Adams
Bell said
at 11:53 am on Jan 29, 2009
We took time to rest and everyone including the animals got fresh water. We also found names engraved in sandstone.
Catherine Bell
Brown said
at 11:53 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 194
May 16
Fremont Springs
We found a fresh water spring to take a noon and let the animal take a break.
Spencer Brown
Bennett said
at 11:54 am on Jan 29, 2009
Fremont Springs
Mile 194
May16
Early one day we stopped at Fremont Springs. We had bread and cold coffee. After we ate we started nooning. After we nooned we saw Kit Carson and John C. Fremont's names carved in a rock. They were great leaders and soldiars.
James
Davis said
at 11:56 am on Jan 29, 2009
May 16
Mile,194
Fremont Springs
Today we were at Fremont Springs. We were nooning for about an hour. While we were nooning, our animals could rest. While we were there we found a rock with the names, John C. Fremont and Kit Carson carved in the rock. They were famous guides. We also found fresh water from the spring.
Catherine Davis
Renardo said
at 11:57 am on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 194
May 16
Fremont Springs
We stoped by Fremont Springs in our crossing. We nooned for a hour. We drank cold coffee and atestale bread. It wasn't a very good meal but, I was thankful for it. We got fresh water, it tasted so good! We saw some names in some sandstone. It had Kit Carson and John C. Fremont's names in it! Those people were famous. Fremont Springs was named after John C. Fremont. we rested quite alot after that.
,Jacob Renardo
Waters said
at 11:57 am on Jan 29, 2009
May,16
Mile 194
Fremont Springs
Yum! The taste of fresh water. It slowly cooled Mary's throat. We were noonng for a while, we also had cold coffee and some stale bread. James Madison got us the bread. We had been sleeping for the past 28 minutes. We woke up to get on the trail and we are off.
Roxane
Waters said
at 12:14 pm on Jan 29, 2009
May,20
Mile 252
The Narrows
James Madison got his leg bit by a rattlesnake. We decided to wrap his leg in turpentine rags to suck out the poison. Hopfully the poison will come out.
Mary Waters
Brown said
at 12:17 pm on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
As we were going through The Narrows Spencer got bitten by a rattlesnake and (of course) he was poisened. So we are going to get some raw bacon and a pinch of salt and wrap it around Spencer's leg.
Collin.
Bell said
at 12:20 pm on Jan 29, 2009
we put terpentine on Wilson's fatel snake bite, and he survived the snake bite.
Wilson Bell
Bennett said
at 12:20 pm on Jan 29, 2009
The Narrows
Mile 252
May 20
James got biten by a snake and so he can't really walk. He takes care of the animals and some of the wagon. There is alot of cures so we decided to put gunpowder in the wound and burn the gunpowder. It might be painful but we thought it would be the best for his leg.
Elizabeth
Adams said
at 12:22 pm on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 252, May 20
The Narrows
Today we started though The Narrows. We are really going slow today because we had to go one by one. Jamal got bitten by a rattlesnake.We are going to put ammonia on Jamal's leg so it can get better.
Willam S. Adams
Burnett said
at 12:23 pm on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 252
May 14
The Narrows
As we were passing through the narrows Jan got bit by a rattlesnake. We are going to put chick meat on the wound then diping in some mud.Were not sure how this works.
Jim
Davis said
at 12:24 pm on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
Today Catherine was bitten by a rattlesnake when we were crossing the Narrows. We are very worried about Catherine's bite. We are going to use a small bottle of ammonia. We are going to rub the ammonia on the wound with a cloth and then we are going to let her rest. It is probaly the best choice we had because it dosen't hurt or taste bad.
Michael Davis
Renardo said
at 12:28 pm on Jan 29, 2009
Mile 252
May 20
The Narrows
Today were in the Norrows we had to walk in single file there was bearl eoungh room for the wagon jacob got a snake bite we are going to put fat meat on it
Billy Renardo
Brown said
at 9:38 am on Jan 30, 2009
miles 319
May 30th
Fort Kearny
O" boy we reached Fort Kearny now we can buy food like dried beef so now we just won't be hungry.It was only $6.00 and we had to by four letters each one cost 10 cents each so it would be 40 cents so the total we spent today in $6.40 cents.
John Brown.
Renardo said
at 3:29 pm on Feb 1, 2009
Mile 319
May 30
Fort Kearny
We got to fort Kearny! We could have bought food but, we had enough food. Plus the food was expensive. It was 10 cents to write a letter. Billy wrote one and I wrote one. We spent 20 cents when we were at Fort Kearny.
, Jacob Renardo
Brown said
at 11:45 am on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 401
June 11
Gilman Station
We just got to a place that we shodded two of are oxen and were ready to keep on going.
Peter Brown
Bell said
at 11:49 am on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 401 June 11, Gilman Station
We will shod 2 horses and 2 oxen, we will trade 10 oxen for 10 fresh oxen.
Bell said
at 11:52 am on Feb 2, 2009
we only have 7 oxen now.
Burnett said
at 11:53 am on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 401
June 11
Gilman Station
We traded in 4 of our oxen for 4 new fresh oxen. We are not shoding any of our animals. We lost two of our oxen because the deal was 2 for 1. So now we have 4 oxen.
Jan
Davis said
at 11:54 am on Feb 2, 2009
June 11
Mile 401
Gilman Station
Tody we had a choice to trade oxen for fresh ones. Or we could of shod our animals. We decided to do nothing,and save our money. The owner gives you one well oxen for two tired oxen. They people who shod their animals did good.
Catherine Davis
Bennett said
at 11:54 am on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 401
Gilman Station
June, 11
We stop at Gilman Station and we see a blacksmith. We haven't seen a blacksmith in a long time since we left. We have to choose what animals we want to shad and how many oxen we want to trade. It is 0.50$ to shad an animal. We traded our four oxen to the owner. We didn't know he would give us 1 good oxen for two tired ones. Now we have 2 oxen.
John Bennett
Renardo said
at 11:54 am on Feb 2, 2009
mi 401 june 11 Gilman station
Today we met a blacksmith we have not seen a blacksmith for a long time. We had to start shodding our oxen instade of trading them in. If we traded our oxen we would only have 3 oxen.(which is not so good.)
Billy Renardo
Adams said
at 11:57 am on Feb 2, 2009
June 11
Mile 401 Gilman Station
Today we were in Nebraska and found a black smith shop and shod our horse and three sets of oxen and traded one set of oxen. But we only got one back.
Grace Adams
Bell said
at 1:12 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 406, June 13 Cottonwood Springs
We decided to stay past the hour. If we would have gone on, we would have been extra tired and severely sunburned.
Caroline Findley
Davis said
at 1:14 pm on Feb 2, 2009
June 13
Mile 406
Cottonwood Springs
We decided to noon at the Cottonwood Springs longer because we were having a good time. We made a good decision because the people that went on were very tired and had a very bad sun burn. We rested, played, and had a good time.
Michael Davis
Waters said
at 1:15 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 401
June 11
Gilman Station
We traded 1 yoke of oxen for a fresh yoke. We decided to shod 1 yoke of oxen and one pack horse. Trading the oxen was not the best idea because the man wanted 2 for 1.
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We all nooned at Cottonwood Springs but we decided not to stay past the hour. Since we rushed on we all got sunburns. Ouch!!!! We were all tired too.
Rebecca Waters
Brown said
at 1:15 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We come to an oasis and stop to rest more than a hour. We let the animals rest and we got some water. Some of the families got sunburned and were extra tired. We got some well deserved rest and some of the kids played with our dog and it was a good decision.
Spencer Brown
Adams said
at 1:19 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 406
June 13 Cottonwood Springs
We decited to only stay for the hour, but we got sun burned and we were tired and hungry.
John D. Adams
Bennett said
at 1:19 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We had a decision to noon for an hour or to noon for a little longer. We chose to just noon for the hour and got sevierly sunburned and were really tired. A few other people had a fun time and some more rest. We might make it to next stop before the other people. So we can get rest before they come and go on. Our sunburn is not going to effect us much but it will still hurt.
James
Renardo said
at 1:19 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mi 401, June 13
Cottenwood Springs
We got to Cottenwood Springs. We found a big tree. We nooned until noon.So we started moving. I wish we stayed, we got sunburned and we were relly tired.
.Jacob Renardo
Burnett said
at 1:20 pm on Feb 2, 2009
Mile 406
June 13
Cottonwood Springs
We stoped for an hour then went with the other people that stayed over time. We got very tierd and sunburned.
Joe
Brown said
at 11:53 am on Feb 3, 2009
mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
Some familys decided to team up but nobody wanted to be with us so we tried to go down by ourseves but that didn't work so we lost most of our stuff and Peter's dog dissapered. So now we are going to have to repair our wagon.
Collin Brown.
Adams said
at 11:55 am on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We had to lower ourselves down Windlass Hill by pairing up with the Waters family. We had to use spair wheels and rope and chains to create a pulley. We used Oxen as our counterweight. As they backed up we went down the hills. It was very scary! If we had failed we would've lost our supplies and our wagon! Though we lost 3 hours it was lucky we didn't lose anything!
Jamal Adams
Bell said
at 11:57 am on Feb 3, 2009
Mi 5oo, June 25 Windlass Hill
We are going to join with Burnett family and we will combine our oxen with their oxen. The oxen will slowly back up and that will safely lower the wagon down the hill. The oxen will be tied to our wagon and the Burnett families wagon. The oxen will act as a pulley to lower the wagons.
Catherine Bell
Burnett said
at 11:59 am on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We ran into a very deep hill called the Windlass Hill. So we are using Jim's idea of two spare weels atached togater and a rope with conected to a lot of oxen on flat land and the other end is conected to a wagon over the edge of the mountain. As the oxen back up slowly the wagon lowers down the mountain slowly. Another family that we didn't know lost their dog watch.
James
Renardo said
at 12:01 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mi 500, June 25
Windlass Hill
We have gone down hills but, not one like this! We joined with the Bennet family. We made a windlass with 2 wheels, our oxen, rope, and some chain. The oxen were the counter weight. The wheels were something that lowered the weight. When I was going down I did not look down! Billy was pretty scared. I didn't think we were going to crash. I heard crying and screaming as a wagon fell down. I got a bad cut on the way down. A family's dog got away. The trip down felt like a year but, it was only 3 hours.
, Jacob Renardo
Bennett said
at 12:02 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
To get down Windlass hill, we got the oxen together and got two spare wheels and put a rope between them and pulled the wagon down. It was scary because we didn't know if it would just fall apart. So three hours wasted but its better then dieing. It was tough because there wasn't alot of things and tools that we could use but even though it was risky we needed to get down there safely. A family lost a dog and that is probably heartbreaking for them because they might of had that dog for many exciting years.
Elizabeth
Waters said
at 12:04 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We teamed up with the Adams family and used rope and chains atached to our wagons, over a wheel with our oxen as a counter weight, to lower ourselves down the 300 foot steep slope. I'm glad we made it down. I saw many crashed wagons with belongings strewn about. Another family lost their dog named Watch. I'm glad our dogs Holland and Heinz didn't run away.
James Waters
Davis said
at 12:06 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 500
June 25
Windlass Hill
We safely got down Windlass Hill using rope. It was a 250ft drop from the top to the bottom. We used spare wheels and ropes to make a pulley system. We hooked the pulley system to our oxen and we slowly guided them down the hill at an angle. We are glad that we had ropes and spare wheels on hand so that we could use them in an emergency or a hard situation like this. Without these materials, our wagon would have been destoryed. At first, we were scared that the rope would break and we would fall down like the people before us. It was so scary because we could see the parts of other people's wagons in front of us. We saw a lost dog. Poor dog, he doesn't have any food to eat. We killed three hours, but it is better to have a wagon than not killing time for a destroyed wagon.
John Davis
Bell said
at 12:19 pm on Feb 3, 2009
mile 561
June30
CortHouse and Jail Rocks
We all have to pick up buffalo chips and they are so good for cooking fuel but it berns fast so we have to get lots. We can see the beautful CortHouse Rock and Jail Rock.
WILSON
Waters said
at 12:19 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 561
June 30
Courthouse Rock
We are at Courthouse Rock. We have decided that we are using burlap sacks to pick up as much buffalo chips as we can. When it burns, it smells like dry grass and is is great cooking oil! Buffalo chips aren't the best smelling alternative.
Roxane
Davis said
at 12:20 pm on Feb 3, 2009
June 30
Mile 561
Courthouse rock
Today we were in the prairie picking up buffalo chips. We all picked up the buffalo chips for fire wood because we ran out. They burn very fast so we had to get a lot. The boys carring them in their shirts and I carry them in my apron. We also got to see the Corthouse rock. It was really pretty.
Catherine Davis
Adams said
at 12:21 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 561, June 30
Courthouse Rock
Today, we saw the tall outcrop that was looming in the distance.We had to pick up bufflo chips to make a fire because there are no trees in the area.
Willam S. Adams
Brown said
at 12:21 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 561
June 30
Courthouse Rock
O'' no we have to pick up buffalo chip's it's yucky alright I still can't belive it that I picked them up. But it is an experience of the Oregon trail.Like one experience was that we saw a alright view of mountains.
John Brown
Burnett said
at 12:21 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 561
June 30
Corthouse Rock
We are at Corthouse . It's amazing but we don't have any firewood. So Jan, James and Joe are going to pick up buffalo chips to burn.They have to pick up a lot of buffalo chips because it burns very fast.
Jim Burnett
Bennett said
at 12:23 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mile 561
June 30
Courthouse Rock
We've just reached Courthouse Rock. We need to pick up buffalo chips for firewood or we would be cold and miserable until we could find warmth. The buffalo chips burn fast so we have to gather a lot of them to keep warm. If we don't find enough buffalo chips we would be sleeping in the cold and we might not even get enough sleep to last us until tomorrow. We are wondering if the othe families will be okay. If they're not we will help them in any possible way we can, but we are not going to give up all of our supplies just for other families to be happy and for us to be miserable.
John
Renardo said
at 12:25 pm on Feb 3, 2009
Mi 561, Jan 30 Courthouse rock
Today we had no fire wood . So we went looking for Bufflo chips. ( Which is bufflo poop) It was fun picking up bufflo chips (we even played catch with the Bufflo chips) but it was worth it. It is great for fire. Our food was so good.
Bell said
at 11:44 am on Feb 4, 2009
mile 575
July 1
Chimney Rock
Today we got to Chimney Rock. We crawled up and scratched our names in the rock. We also found out that the marines think that they found the dog.
Samuel Bell
Brown said
at 11:45 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 575
July 1
Chimney Rock
O"boy we made it to Chimney Rock and we saw a great sight, and we saw a note that a dog was found. So we carved our names in the rock.
Peter Brown
Renardo said
at 11:45 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mi 575, July 1
Chimney Rock
What a good way to start the month! Today we saw a big, huge chimney like rock. It was big about 250 to 300 feet. We climed a large hill of rock, it was high but worth it. We wrote our names on it for years to come. I notice a sign in the rock it was about a dog found. It was held at Fort Laramie, I wonder if it was the dog that got lost at Windlass Hill.
, Jacob Renardo
Burnett said
at 11:46 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 575
July1
Chimney Rock
We carved our names into this 300 ft tall rock called Chimney Rock. It was the granddest site I ever saw! I was amazed. It was the best day of my life. It was better than picking up buffalo chips by a long shot!
Adams said
at 11:46 am on Feb 4, 2009
July 1 Mile 575
Chimney Rock
Today we climed up to Chimney Rock and carved our name in the rock. It was a great experience.
John D. Adams
Bennett said
at 11:46 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 575
July 1
Chimney rock
We were just traveling and we see a imence rock. It looked like a chimney, and guess what it was called Chimney Rock. It was about 300 ft. tall and it was the biggest thing we ever have seen. We found a note with the discription of the family that lost their dog.
Lucy
Burnett said
at 11:46 am on Feb 4, 2009
Jan
Waters said
at 11:48 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 575
Chimney Rock
Today we carved our names into Chimney Rock. While we were there we saw that U. S. Calvery found the dog named Watch. They are heading to Fort Laramie. I hope the dog is okay.
James Waters
Davis said
at 11:54 am on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 575
July 1
Chimney Rock
Today we stoped at Chimney Rock. It was so big!!We couldn't believe our eyes.We saw an engraving of a dg named Watch with a description of other families we know.
We carved our names in the rock. It was amazing we carved in history!!!!!
Michael Davis
Bell said
at 12:23 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Today we got to Scott's Bluff. We heard a scary story about how this bluff got it's name. We don't believe the story, but it is scary.
Caroline Findley
Brown said
at 12:25 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Every one was enjoying 4th of July. But our scout Shoofly Shae told us the story that was true it was a guy who was toarched to death and he was found 60 miles from were he was toarched to death.
Spencer Brown
Burnett said
at 12:26 pm on Feb 4, 2009
mile596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
Today we stoped and celebrated the 4th of July Shoofly Shae told us a story that went like this. There were 4 people one of them were ill. So the three people that were not sick went out to get food. Then they saw white men tracks so they went after them for food. They left the person that was sick and when they cam back and the person that died was 60 Miles away from were they left him.
James
Bennett said
at 12:27 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
We were celebrating Independance day and we were just having the time of our lives around the campfire. Then Shooflyshae our leader tells us the creapiest story life has ever heard. In the story there were these four sad men because one of their men was sick. On the trail to pick berries they see white men. They asked to come with but they can't bring the ill man so they tell him they are going out to get food but they really leave the other man. One year later they find the ill man's bones sixty miles away from were they left him on Scott's Bluff. But the scariest part is they found his skull grinning. If you don't believe the story is true the story ask the ill man he was there too!
James
Davis said
at 12:29 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July4
Scotts Bluff
While we were at Scotts Bluff and we heard a story about Hiram Scott. The story was that he was traveling with his allies and he was ill. So they laid him down to go find food but they found a trail of white men. They followed them until they caught up with them leaving Scott behind. One year later, they found his body remains 60 miles from where they left him. BOO!!
James Davis
Renardo said
at 12:29 pm on Feb 4, 2009
mi 596, july 4 Scott's bluff
When we where at our canpfire somebody told a scary store. It was about a man named Scott. he was sick and he dropped his gunpowder in the water so they couldn't hunt and they couldn't carry Scott so they left him behind. Next year they found Scott's bones and the head bone was grining.
Billy Renardo
Waters said
at 12:29 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July 4
Scott's Bluff
We wanted to climb the bluff that as legend has it that Hiram Scott's remains may be up there
Adams said
at 12:29 pm on Feb 4, 2009
Mile 596
July 4
Scott"s Bluff
Hello fellow travelers! Today we learned somthing ouful! ~Twas a scary tale of horror in the moutains! Hiram Scott and his moutain climbing copanians were traveling along the Rockys and Hiram got terrible ill! He was very weak and nearly dead. A group of White Men shoot them down! The White Men found their remains 60 miles froms were they were attacked! Then a great sound echoed afore them! Suddenly they fell to the ground and their insides spilled onto the ground! From then on the bluff was called Hiram's bluff!
Jamal
Davis said
at 11:44 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today, we passed by Indian territory. We had options and we deceided to negociate with their leader. Our meeting was successful. We found out that the Indians were making these demands because many of them are in need of food, so we gave them some beans and flour. We were granted safe passage through their land. I am glad we didn't decide to attack because before the we went on the Oregon Trail, I heard that a family attacked and the sadly lost lives. Anyway, we helped people in need and we in turn got a reward of safe passage.
John Davis
Renardo said
at 11:45 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mi 615, July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We where crossing Horse Creek and we were surronded by Indians. I cocked my gun, they aimed their arrows at me. I dropped the gun they wanted an ox, food, and other items. Trough transalating I talked to the leader, it was a good choice. The Indians needed food for themselves, I gave them some food but, not alot. I 3worry that we will be attacked by un-friendly Indians soon.
, Jacob Renardo
Waters said
at 11:46 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today we came right to a Indian camp. We decided to risk meeting indians. That was a good idea because now we can go through their territory.
Rebecca Waters
Brown said
at 11:47 am on Feb 5, 2009
mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
One team decided to attack the indians immediately (indians are people that live out by themselves in the wilderness) and they had most of their people killed. We decided to try and negotiate just like everybody else exept for the few that attacked, and we were succesful and only had to give up a little bit of food. We gained safe passage and all of us exept for John Brown felt sorry for them, so we are trying to help them.
Collin Brown.
Bell said
at 11:50 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We attacted the Indians.Then we lost some of our oxen and were left with only 4 mules, four horses, and four oxen to pull our wagon. But the animals were injured. We also almost lost our lives because we chose to attack.
Catherine Bell
Adams said
at 11:53 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 165 July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Today we crossed the Horse Creek and then we saw some indians and, they had guns. They were saying they would not let us through unless we gave them 1 oxen and four pounds of bacon. But then we negotrated with their leader and we did not have to give them as much stuff
Jamal Adams
Burnett said
at 11:55 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
We ran in to an Indian tribe.They wanted some oxen and food. so we negotiated. It turns out the reason that they wanted it is because they didn't have very much food. So instead of paying the oxen and food we payed just food. and now we can pass throgh all of there terrirtory.
Jim
Bennett said
at 11:59 am on Feb 5, 2009
Mile 615
July 6
Horse Creek Crossing
Crossing the creek was easy. We had come to these mysterious Indians. Some people on the trip could make the wrong choice by fighting and dfending their selves. The Indians will probally fight back so they have a bigger chance of dieing. Their was a nother decision by doing the right thing and talking to the Indians and not dieing and even becoming friends. So alot of people did the right thing but James wnted to fight but we all decided to do the right thing and talk to them in the most happiest way to where no harm came to anyone in our family by ether dieing or breaking any bones. One family did the wrong thing and some of the family died. Were just glad that nobody in our family was harmed. we hope we can get through the trip and everyone else can too.
Adams said
at 1:10 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Ft. Leramie
We stopped at Ft. Leramie today. We spent $27 dollars at the Ft. We spent it on 7 yards of calico, 4 pairs of moccasins, 40 LBS of flour, 2 buffalo robes, and 2 dozen eggs. We strolled around the site. I got a gun and a revolver!
Jamal Adams
Bennett said
at 1:22 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
We stoped at Fort Laramie to rest and get more supplies so we don't run out when we leave for Fort Hall which is 600 miles away. We used our time to sleep and catch up on our rest. After we rested we hunted, fished, sewed, and cooked for the long journey ahead. We bought one dozen eggs, two pairs of moccasins, four buffalo robes, and eight yards of calico cloth to make clothes.
John
Brown said
at 1:22 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
I can't believe it we're in Fort Laramie. We did not buy any food and later we ran out of food plus the next stop was over 500 miles away.But that's not all of the bad news we did not shod any of our horses they might get foot sore before we evan get to the Rocky Mountains. Now me and my two nephews Peter and Spencer are worried.
John Brown
Waters said
at 1:24 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Ft. Laramie
We have decided to get moccosins, flour, fresh eggs, calico, and smoked bacon. Unfortunatly, we did not get any of our animals shod. So, most of them got foot burns, and their hoovs were worn out. At least we didn't run out of food.
Roxane Waters
Davis said
at 1:24 pm on Feb 9, 2009
now is the time for sall agood men to come to
Burnett said
at 1:25 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
Today we bought very nice things. We bought flour for $1.00, sugar for $1.00, eggs for 0.50, bacon for $1.50, 9 yards of calico cloth for $2.25, and shoded oxen for $8.00. The total cost is $14 .25
Jim is checking the wagon so that whatever needs fixing, he will fix it!
Jan
Bell said
at 1:27 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Fort Laramie
Today we stoped at Fort Laramie. We spent $45.00 on calico, buffalo robes, moccasins, and shodding all of our 12 animals. Then we dressed up and strolled along. The men traded and bought things.
Catherine Bell
Renardo said
at 1:27 pm on Feb 9, 2009
mi 650 Jluy 11 Fort Laramie
What a great day! We got a bunch of food, we shoded our 6 oxen, and we got ten yards of calco cloth for tottle of $42.00 But it was alot of money. It was great. We dressed up nice. It was so fun.
Billy renardo
Davis said
at 1:28 pm on Feb 9, 2009
Mile 650
July 11
Ft. Laramie
today we were at Ft. Laramie. We dressed in our best Sunday clothes and bought supplies. We bought 4 pairs of moccasins, two dozen eggs, two pounds of smoked bacon, and 8 yards of calico cloth. We also shod all of our animals which was 4 oxen and one horse. Altogether, we spent $20.00. While we are here, we are going to have fun and rest, venture out, and reorganize our wagon. We were glad to have made our purchases because we found out that Ft. Hall was the next stop and it is 600 miles away!
Catherine Davis
Bennett said
at 11:41 am on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
We have come to a bridge that is called Ayers Natural Bridge. We decided to go and even though it was risky and there could be a Indian atack we did it and got 2 quarts of berries and could have traded people who did not go on the bridge for berries. It was a delicous meal and a great view!
Lucy
Waters said
at 11:43 am on Feb 10, 2009
Ayers Natural Bridge
Mile 724
July 13
Today we decided to stick to the tril and a lot people went to the gorge they had berries when they came back.
Mary Waters
Bell said
at 11:44 am on Feb 10, 2009
Ayers Natural Bridge
mi724
July 13
we decided to go on the bridge but there were thickets so we only got to get berries. Because we got berries, we had a nice dinner of berries and cream.
Wilson
Burnett said
at 11:46 am on Feb 10, 2009
mile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
We went to see the Ayers Nateral bridge in sted of continuing on the trail. We saw the Ayers bridge off in the distins it was a beautiful sight. We are giving the Renardo family some of our our berrys for a little bit more cream becuase we want more cream than our cow is makeing.
Joe
Brown said
at 11:47 am on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
O'' no we made the decision of keep on going threw the Ayers Natural Bridge.But the good news is we bought a milk cow in the begining of the Oregon Trail.Now we have a good vairity of dairy products.
Peter Brown
Davis said
at 11:47 am on Feb 10, 2009
Miile 724
July 13
Ayers Natural Bridge
We were passing by the Ayers Natural Bridge. We wanted to go off the trail a little bit to see a great view. I went off the trail. Not only I saw a great view, I ran into a thicket and I was able to get one quart of berries. I gasped at the sight and because of the mass of berries. I am so glad that my family has a milk cow, so we had berries and cream for dinner that night.
John Davis
Adams said
at 11:47 am on Feb 10, 2009
Ayers Naturals Bridge
mile 724 July 13
Today we decited to climb a 300 ft purpendicular natural made rock. It was the moast grandest sight I ever saw. We found 2 quarts of berries. When we got to the camp that night we shared with some familes and had berries and cream in our wagon.
Grace Adams
Renardo said
at 11:47 am on Feb 10, 2009
Ayers Natural Bridge
Mi 724, July 13
We got to Ayers Natural Bridge but, not close enough to see it. I didn't want to see it so I stuck to the trail. The people who went came back with thorns and berries. I chuckled a little. The other familys wanted some cream from us. With all the begging I gave a some cream to two family. They gave me some berries and that night I had buffalo meat with berries and cream.
,Jacob Renardo
Bell said
at 11:54 am on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We waited to cross the bridge, but got hit by another bad storm. We ended up having to pay the toll anyway. It cost 5 dollars per wgon and 1 dollar
Bell said
at 11:57 am on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We waited to cross the bridge, but got hit by another bad storm. We ended up having to pay the toll anyway. It cost 5 dollars per wgon and 1 dollar per animal. It cost 18 dollars to cross the bridge.
Caroline Findley
Brown said
at 11:58 am on Feb 10, 2009
July 17
North Platte River
We got to The North Platte River and It was a big storm. We do not cross the bridge and another storm hit and we had to pay $11.00 still to cross the bridge.
Burnett said
at 11:59 am on Feb 10, 2009
mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
We ran into a bad storm. There was a bridge that went across the really bad river that flowed really high.We decided to cros the bridge and pay the tool insted of waiting for the storm to blow over. We were smart because the people that stayed ended up paying any ways because there was a mother storm that came in. They also lost 2 days o travil. I am so happy we went over the bridge than wait. I think that was a smart dicesoin.
James
Bell said
at 11:59 am on Feb 10, 2009
Bell aat 11:57 am on Feb 10, 2009 was a mistake. We didn't mean to add it.
Brown said
at 11:59 am on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 761
July 17
North Platte River
We got to The North Platte River and It was a big storm. We do not cross the bridge and another storm hit and we still had to pay $11.00 to cross the bridge.
Spencer Brown
Bennett said
at 12:03 pm on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 761
July 17
Reshaw's Bridge
Today we got to a bridge called Reshaw's Bridge during a wild storm. We decided to go over the bridge and pay eight dollars for our wagon and our animals. We were glad we didn't wait for the storm to blow over. Those people who waited had to wait for two storms and waited for two days and had to pay to. We are so lucky that we chose to go over. All the other families had to do extra work.
James
Waters said
at 12:04 pm on Feb 10, 2009
Reshaw's Bridge
Mile 761
July 13
There was a storm and we came to a river. We decided to pay the toll and got across even though the storm could have subsided soon. We are glad we did because another storm hit. I wounder what happened to them.
James Waters
Davis said
at 12:05 pm on Feb 10, 2009
Mile 761
July17
Reshaw's Bridge
There was a rainstorm. We had a decision of going and paying the fee or wait. We decided to stay. Today we tried to wait but we ended up paying the toll and losing 2 days of valuble time. We wished we decided to go at the time of decision. We got stopped by a huge rainstorm. The reason that we had to go on was because after the first rainstorm, there was a second rainstorm. The water levels were getting too high, so we had move on.
Michael Davis
Adams said
at 12:05 pm on Feb 10, 2009
Reshaw's Bridge
July 17
Mile 761
Today we had the decision to cross a bridge or wait. We didn't. Sadly we were stopped by a storm. We wasted $6 and two days. I was very dissapointed! It wasn't a very good decision. We regret it.
Jamal Adams
Renardo said
at 12:11 pm on Feb 10, 2009
Reshow's Bridge mi 761 July 17
What a bad day! Their was a bad storm and we where at one of the biggist river but, there was a bridge. The man who runs the bridge made ous pay $5.00 for the wagon to cross and a dollar for each animal ( which we have 6 oxen.) So it cost $11.00 dollars. Which is not so bad. There was two families who waited two days, it stormed for the whole two days. So they just paided to cross.
Billy Renardo
Bell said
at 12:20 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mi 777, July 18
Poison Spring
We made a pen for the animals out of our wagons. We tied all the wagons together which created a pen. But, somehow, overnight, 1 mule, 1 oxen and our milk cow got loose, drank the water and died. Now we have 4 horses, 3 mules, 3 oxen, 1 dog, and no cows. But we do have a new member of the wagon train. Her name is Mary Jane. Grace Adams was in labor for 10 hours, but Mary Jane finally came out. She is 7 pounds 10 ounces and a joy to have around.
Catherine Findley
Waters said
at 12:22 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 777
July 18
Poison Spring
Even though we made a fence some oxen got out and die one day after. Grace Adams had a baby named Maryjane.
Brown said
at 12:26 pm on Feb 11, 2009
mile 777
July 18
Poison Spring
During the night we tried to trap the animals inside all of our wagons but some animals got away and drank the water so we lost one oxen and one horse but the Bennett family is giving us one horse.
Collin Brown
Davis said
at 12:26 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 777
July 18
Poison Springs
Last night we made a bad choice. We camped at Poison Springs.Some of our animals escaped our grasp because our guard fell asleep. They stirredup the black mud and drank dirty water wich killed them in a day! The good thing was that most of our animals didn't escape and die. One oxen and one cow died from the poison.We thought that we had a good idea even though that we were going to camp out at Poison Spring. We were wrong to think that!
James Davis
Bennett said
at 12:26 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile777
July 18
Poison Spring
We came to a spring. We didn't want the oxen to get in the spring and drink from it. So the wagons traped the oxen and chained them up. But some got lose and drank from the spring. One of our oxen died in a day because the spring was poison. So we bought a oxen from the Adams family. We are glad they helped us out or we would of probally died. It was a hard thing for us. But we made it through that hard exsperience. For the birth of Mary Jane we are giving them a outfit.
Elizabeth
Adams said
at 12:27 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 777
July 18 Poison Spring
We stopped at Poison Spring because Grace had a baby. We named the baby Marie Jane. That night we lost 1 oxen, one milk cow and a mule. Many people in the train gave her stuff like clothes and food.
John D. Adams
Renardo said
at 12:28 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mi 777, July 18
Poison Spring
After this travel you would think that we would get to a spring. Well you're right but, it is a poison spring! I wish we didn't camp here, some oxen, cows, and horses got away. A family made an idea to make a pen with wagons and put the oxen in side. We woke up and eight oxen were gone! They stirred up the poison mud and the water and drank it! Of course they died. Grace Adams had a baby, her name was Mary Jane. I gave them some food for a congragulation for having the baby.
,Jacob Renardo
Burnett said
at 12:29 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 777,
July 18
Poison Spring
At poison spring we had to find a way to keep our oxen out of posin spring. If the animals get into the spring they will stir up the mud at the bottom of the spring. The mud has posin in it so if it gets stired up the spring is posinous. One of our oxen and one of our cattle died. One the up side Grace had a baby called Mary Jane.
Jim
Bennett said
at 1:18 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
We got to a place called Alkali Slough. This place has a river that is full of poisons water. If you drink it you would die within a day. A lady told us about alkali so we did some research on it and found out how to save our oxen from it.
John
Brown said
at 1:20 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just grose if.I drank it I bet I would start thowing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and all of our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Brown said
at 1:21 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just grose if I drank it I bet I would start thowing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and all of our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Waters said
at 1:21 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
Alkali Slough
Here, there was a slough, a deep mucky, muddy big ditch-ish thing it was gross!
Roxane
Davis said
at 1:21 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
Today we were at Alkali Slough. It was a dull place because nothing was growing. There was water but it had poison in the form of alkali. A chemist onboard the wagon train told all the families about alkali and how it is deadly. I was so surprised to hear that if you drink alkali water, the alkali would corrode you insides! I couldn't believe what he told me. I was shoked. I am very glad that nobody in the wagon train drank the water.
Catherine Davis
Bell said
at 1:22 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798, July 20
Alkali Slough
We got to Alkali Slough today. Luckily, none of the animals drank the water. We are glad that we had smart axen. I wonder what we will come to next.
Catherine Bell
It is Caroline Findley at 12:20 pm on Feb 11, 2009
P.S.
It is Caroline Findley not Catherine Findley on Pio
Renardo said
at 1:23 pm on Feb 11, 2009
mi 798 july 20 Alkali slough
We are so lucky. Today if we had not done the talked to the docter about the water we would have had a oxen get sick and die from the alkali slough water, but we did talk to the docter about the water so no oxen got sick. That is why we are so lucky. I hope next time we are as lucky as we where today.
Billy Renardo
Adams said
at 1:23 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mi 798, July 20
Alkali Slough
Today we went to Alkali Slough. If we haden't done reserch on Alkali Slough we would've lost an oxen. We also would've had to pay for extra water.
Jamal Adams
Burnett said
at 1:24 pm on Feb 11, 2009
Mile 798
Alkali Slough
July 20
Today we came to a place called Alkali Slough. If you drink it, you will get very sick or die. It is a good thing I was home schooled because if I wasn't, I would not know these things! Alkali is a bitter caustic mineral that is often found in the desert.
Jan
Brown said
at 1:25 pm on Feb 11, 2009
mile 798
July 20
Alkali Slough
The water was just gross I bet if I drank it I would be throwing up. So we are lucky we knew about it or we would be throwing up and our animals would be sick.
John Brown
Waters said
at 10:35 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we came across a lake that had saleritus so we could make bread. When the bread came out it was a little greenish. We decided to try it and it was a good idea because even though it tasted funny we could eat it.
Bennett said
at 10:37 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Saleratus (Playa Lake)
Today we have come to a place that had this bakeing soda sort of suff on the ground. We made some bread out of that baking soda. It was quit odd but it was probably just the dirty ground tast. also when we baked it turend out green but helathy. The people who threw it out, wasted a whole sack of flour.
Lucy
Brown said
at 10:38 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we ate green bread because we put baking soda in it and it was nasty, but we did not waste a lot of flour. So we are so glad.
Peter Bown
Bell said
at 10:39 am on Feb 12, 2009
mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
We decided to eat the bread, we were first scared that we had the bread because we thought it was poisonis, but I tasted it first. We were so happy that we had the bread, because if we didn't eat it we would waste it and not have bread for a week.
Wilson
Renardo said
at 10:40 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mi 814, July 22
Saleratus Lake
Today we got to a lake, a lake that could make bread! Well not by itself but, with our help. So we made some bread and it had a weird green cast! I didn't want to eat it but, Billy wanted to eat it. i tried to persuade him to not eat it but, there he goes munching it down! He didn't barf of feel funny, he just said "are you going to eat it?" I finally ate it and it tasted quite funny. It was healthy bread and I liked the tast actually! I made more for the road ahead.
,Jacob Renardo
Adams said
at 10:42 am on Feb 12, 2009
mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we found saleratus. We baked bread with the Saleratus in it. We had to make the decision whether to eat it or not. Jamal persuaded us into trying it. Luckily he did! We would've wasted 1 sack o' flour. We would't have any bread for the a whole while! We were very happy the decision was made!
Grace Adams
Davis said
at 10:44 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Saleratus ( Playa Lake)
Today we stopped at Saleratus (Playa Lake). Today we baked some bread wtih Saleratus witch we saw in front of us. It was snow like sand.When we made the bread it turned out as a greenish color. We didn't eat it because it looked like it could poison us. So we through it out. Then some people from the wagon train told us that they tried it. We were amazed that they were not poisonous. We made a bad decision of throwing away the bread because we wasted a whole bag of flour.
Michael Davis
Burnett said
at 10:47 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
We found a big peice of land that was full of Saleratus (aka baking soda). Our mom Jan tested the bread that we made out of the Saleratus.
JOE
Brown said
at 10:49 am on Feb 12, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Playa Lake
Today we ate green bread because we added saleratus and we didn't get sick so we are really glad that we didn't waste any flour.
Peter Brown
Renardo said
at 11:39 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mi 814, July 22
Indepedence rock
Today when we where at Independence rock we read writing from past travelers wrote road safty tips. We wrote our names, the date, and some things about our journey. I wonder why they called it Independence Rock.
,Jacob Renardo
Waters said
at 11:44 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Independence Rock
Here, we have been once before. We have decided that it is called Independence Rock because someone declared independence here.
Roxane
Adams said
at 11:46 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814,
July 22
Independence Rock
Today we went to Independence Rock. We carved our names on the rock. It was a great experience! It is our second time there. Independence rock got its name because the USA declared their independene. We decided to carve info into the rock.
John D Adams
Bennett said
at 11:47 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Independance Rock
Today we went to this rock that was huge. It was called Independence Rock. We could mark our names in it and the date or just pass it. We decied to carve it so future travels will see us. Everybody will see us either as heros or Leaders or just be famous. We think Independance Rock got its name because it was independant and alone. We are also gonna carve what the road and weather conditions are like.
James
Bell said
at 11:47 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814
Independence Rock
We will carve information about what the raod was like for us into the rock. It was fun for us to read what the trip was like for other emigrants so we think it will be fun for them to read what we wrote. We think that the rock got it's name because it is the only rock in sight.
Caroline Findley
Burnett said
at 11:47 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Inependence Rock
We pased by Independence Rock. We wrote our names and date on the rock. We are also writing what the road is like. I think Independence Rock got its name because the person that found the rock was from Independence.
James
Brown said
at 11:47 am on Feb 17, 2009
mile 814,
July 22
Independance Rock
Today we came to a large granite rock called the Independance Rock and we are going to carve our names in it. We think it is called Independance Rock because it was left out there alone so it is "independant". But we found out it is really called that because people called it that when they stopped to cellebrate Independance day.
Spencer Brown
Davis said
at 11:49 am on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 814
July 22
Independence rock
Today we passed by Independence Rock and we fond that there was anothear rock that we could crve our names and date. So we decided to carve our names the date and the road conditions on the huge amazing rock. We were amazed at the site of all of the names that were visible and because some of them were faded in. Most of them were from along time ago. The road conditions are very good. Independence Rock earned its name because it was laeft alone with no one to take care of it and it was in the desert. But we were wrong. We had a very good time there.
James Davis
Waters said
at 12:04 pm on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
There was a buffalo stampede and we decided to hide. No one died, but our livestock was scatterd for miles around. We lost a day of traveling rounding up the livestock.
James Waters
Bennett said
at 12:14 pm on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 820
July23
Devil's Gate
We were traveling and just doing our own business. Tired and all things that are sad and tireing. But then we saw something in the open. The ground was shaking like an earthquake. It wasn't an earthquake but it was a stampide of wild animals ready to do something that wasn't very pleasent. Well actaully we didn't even know was going to happen but whatever is we were scared of it. Nobody wanted to die from them or break lots of bones from them. We didn't know what to do. We hope to live but how. We thought of something and we don't know if it willwork but it is all we got. Well actually got an idea from another family but it will probally work. We will get all of the horses togetherand get the guns and make loud noises and they don't want to get shot. The buffolo will get scared and go off to a different way and we will go the way we need to go. We all survived but we lost some supplies that wasn't very good. Oh James just lost his temper and he was just a crankie man for some while. But he was just a little stressed. We are happy that another hard, tough thing for us but we had sucess again. Oh we celebrated with the family for our hard day. We will probally face some fears but will make it through. We might of lost some time picking up our supplies but "Oh boy oh boy it is the biggest ecomplement through out the whole trip.
Elizabeth
Davis said
at 12:15 pm on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
Today, we had to prevent ourselves from a buffalo stampede. I guess that why Devil's Gate is called that. We move to the side and then we walk toward them slowly and make a lot of noise with guns. That is basically it. I think it is simply enough to operate. The idea came from another family. I am so glad that they shared the idea with the other families. The buffalo turned and our contraption was a success, but our livestock scattered and we lost a day of traveling because we had to round our animals up. But I am glad that we are safe.
John Davis
Burnett said
at 12:15 pm on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 820
July 23
Devil's gate
When we were at devils gate there was a stampede.We dicided to make some thing like a saw wint some chain and a spare wheel.It would spin very fast to scare away the buffalo.It worcked.
Jim
Brown said
at 12:19 pm on Feb 17, 2009
mile 820
July 23
Devil's Gate
There is a stampede coming we are going to wait for it to pass. But we decided to go with Renardoe's idea they want to line up the wagons and fire guns to make them scared and want to get away.
Collin Brown
Adams said
at 12:21 pm on Feb 17, 2009
Mile 820, July 23
Devil's gate
Tday we got to devils gate. there was a buffalo stampede. We shot moas of the buffalo and made use of the meat and skin. We were very excited that the burnett familys plan worked! We had a good supper that night. /
Grace Adams
Renardo said
at 12:21 pm on Feb 17, 2009
mi 820, july 23 Devil's Gate
What a bad day! There was a stampeed of bufflo we where behind our wagons and we started shooting to make loud noise so they would go back to the side of our wagons.
Billy Renardo
Bennett said
at 11:49 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
We came to a slough called Ice Slough. We heard that there was ice in the ground somewhere a few inches under the grass and alkali. We decided to dig for the ice and we found some. We used some of the ice to make vinegar lemonade. Only one family decided not to dig for the ice. We should probably share some with them.
John
Waters said
at 11:52 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
We decided to look for the legendary ice that stayed trough summer at Ice Slough. We found it and got a water pail full of fresh clean ice. We decided to make vinegar lemonade, that is water mixed with a little vinegar.
Rebecca Waters
Burnett said
at 11:53 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
Today we discovered this amazing place called Ice Slough, the land above the ice was covered in alkali,but thankfully the ice did not have alkali, we dug ten inches deeper and found fresh ice!!! We were so shoked that we found ice in the middle of July!
Jan Burnett
Brown said
at 11:53 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
We got to The Ice Slough and we heard that there was fresh ice underground! Only 1 family didn't want to dig for it, we dug about ten inches into the ground and found water contaminated with alkali! But under that we saw some ice. We figured that it was fresh because of the stories. So we got under the water and got the ice and found out it was fresh! So I felt bad for one family that didn't want to dig for ice. But the good part is that we got a lot more water.
Collin Brown
Adams said
at 11:55 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
Today we stopped at a Ice Slough we had the choice to stay and look for the ice under ground or keep moving. We kept moving on
William S. Adams
Davis said
at 11:56 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
July 25
Ice Slough
Today we had a choice of staying on the trail or try to find the legendary ice. We went to go to find the ice. We had to dig with an ax and a spade. We also had to dig through about 10 inches of sod. Nobody could believe that we found the ice in the middle of July! We made vingar lemonade and we put the ice in the glass. It was delicious. One family in the wagon train did not go for the ice. They missed out on a great and refreshing drink. We had a wonderful time.
Catherine Davis
Bell said
at 11:57 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mile 862
Ice Slough
We were amazed that we actually found ice when we decided to try to find the legendary ice. The Adams family did not try to dig for the ice. We caught up to them later and everyone shared the ice thet had found. We put the ice in with our water to help make the water cold. When the ice melted, we had fresh water to drink. We are glad that we stopped to dig up the ice. We even shared some of our ice with the Adams family.
Wlison Bell
Renardo said
at 11:58 am on Feb 18, 2009
Mi 862, July 25
Ice Slogh
It is a hot summer day and you need something cold, ice would be perfect! I heard some legends about ice in the ground, it seemed like Billy was thinking the same thing. He said "you want to dig something?" I wasn't surprised, I get a look on my face and I talk kind of in a choking voice. We talked about the legend, we started digging! About 10 inches in the ground I found ice! Other familys found ice too. I love the ice for cooling off and for fresh water.
,Jacob Renardo
Brown said
at 11:40 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
We finally got to the South Pass, it's about half way through our journey. They say it is the continental divide and that the top of the mountain is the actual dividing point.The oppening is twenty miles long. That night we sang Oh! Susanna.
Peter Brown
Waters said
at 11:41 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
As we went across the Contnental Divide we noticed that going up it didn't feel as steep but down it felt practically straight down. We started to notice that two trickles of waters tarted going in different directions.
Roxane Waters
Bell said
at 11:42 am on Feb 19, 2009
mile 913
July 30
South Pass
Today we went by the South Pass.It was huge! Our wagon was rolling along when a huge gorge came up. We passed through and everyone was okay. We are very excited because we reached the halfway mark and found streams. It was very beautiful.
Samuel Bell
Renardo said
at 11:42 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mi 913 july30 South pass
What a great way to end the month, to top it off we are half way there! Now we are at the rockies when we where there their was pass way 20 miles wide I couldn't belive my eyes it was amazing. When I got there I was amazed at the top it was flat I though that it was just a point at the top but boy was I wrong.
Billy Renardo
Davis said
at 11:43 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
Today we were at the Continental Divide. When we were at the Eastern Ascent of the South Pass, it seemed that we weren't going up at all, but when were getting ready to go down the Western Descent, it was very steep and rocky. It was tricky to get down. It took a very long time. Our wagon bumped and rocked like crazy. At one point, I thought that the wheels and axles would pop off and go down the pass and get destroyed. I am so glad that we survived the pass. Now we can legitimately say that we are in the Oregon Territory.
Michael Davis
Bennett said
at 11:44 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
Today we went through South Pass. The Pass was 20 miles wide it was the widest pass we ever saw. I was amazed it looked that big. We celebrated by sang "Old Susaana" and made it to the Oregon territory. We got 2 more oxen and we are glad because we had to ask people for oxen so now we don't have to worry about that the oxen dieing or having to buy them. The celebration was fun. It was just great.
Lucy
Adams said
at 11:46 am on Feb 19, 2009
mile 913, July 30
South Pass
Today we go to the contental devide. We could not belive the size of it, it was 20 miles wide.
John D Adams
Burnett said
at 11:47 am on Feb 19, 2009
Mile 913
July 30
South Pass
We got to the half way mark! It was the contenental divied! It was so exciding. At the top we cud see for miles. It was so cool. The mountain was so big.
Joe
Brown said
at 11:49 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today we went on The Fort Bridger Route instead of The Sulett Cutoff Route. This is the first time we found fresh water sence The Pacific Springs. We have pleanty of water and our oxen have pleanty of grass to eat. That night our night guard said he heard something, but when he tried to investigate further he didn't find anything. That morning someone lost two of there blankets.
Spencer Brown
Adams said
at 11:49 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
Fort Bridger
Today there was a fork in the trail. We had the choice to either go the short route-the sublett cutoff-or we could take the long route-fort bridger. We took the long route. It turned out to be better. We got water[it was kind of funny because the Waters took the short the route and didn't get water]. All in all I was glad.
Jamal Adams
Waters said
at 11:52 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today we took the sublett cutoff and then decided to turn around because our oxen were getting tired. Now since we turned around we are about a day behind.
Mary Waters
Burnett said
at 11:53 am on Feb 20, 2009
mile 932
August 1
Parting of the ways
We had a opption of the Sublett cutoff (short way) or Fort Bridger (long way). Sublett cutoff was 5 days less than Fort bridger. We chose Fort Bridger, we filled up with fresh water and got a bath. In the night someone thougt they herd a indain. The next day a woman discoverd that 2 of her blankets were mising.
James
Renardo said
at 11:54 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mi 932, August 1
Parting of the ways
We have made alot of choices, we made frequently the right the chioce but, this one was tricky. A long route that had an abundance of water and a chance to get some supplies at Fort Brigder. The bad part is that some hostile Indians steal supplies from wagon trains. The other choice was to go on dry land with rarely any water pools from past rain. It was a shortcut but, very risky. Most of the wagons went on the long route. Luckily for us we made the right chioce but, a women reported two blankets stolen. We toke breaks and the family that took the short route came back to the rest of the wagons! I am glad that they did that.
,Jacob Renardo
Bell said
at 11:54 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the ways
Fort Bridger
We took the long way. We were very lucky that we took the long way because we found the only fresh water available and we were able to fill all the water holders. The livestock were tired but healthy and had plenty of grass to eat. The men went out to hunt and found fresh meat. We had antelope stew that night. It was the first fresh meat we had had in a long time. The night guard thought he heard Indians lurking around the camp, but when he investigated further, he found nothing. In the morning, one lady reported 2 blankets missing. That is all that is bad that has happened so far on the long trail to Fort bridger. Everyone went on the long trail exept for one family who turned around and took the long trail. The family that turned around was the Waters family and they are a little behind the rest of us, but they should cath up tonight. Everyone is glad that they made the decision that they did.
Caroline Findley
Davis said
at 11:56 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
August 1
Parting of the Ways
Today, we were at the Parting of the Ways.This is the first time that the families of the wagon train had to make a decision about the direction of which we were going. There were two different decisions. First, we could go on the short way, called the Sublett Cutoff, or we could go the long way, or the Fort Bridger Cutoff. We decided to go on the Fort Bridger route. It turns out tha we made a good decision. We had plenty of water and grass for our animals and for us. The Indians weren't too hostile, but they stole two blankets from one of the families'. I am so glad that we made the right decision.
John Davis
Bennett said
at 11:56 am on Feb 20, 2009
Mile 932
Augest 1
Fort Bridger
Today we made it to a cross two routes, Fort Bridger or Sublett Cutoff. We chose Fort Bridger but it cost us an extra 5 days but it had water unlike Sublett Cutoff. Sublett Cutoff had no water or grass to feed the animals. The only family that went on Sublett Cutoff was drowzy and had to lose one yoke of oxen. But word got around that the family had turned around. Over night when I was watching I thought I heard Indians and when we all woke up Elizabeth and Lucy found out we lost two blankets. We were so lucky that we went the correct way and were not attacked by the Indians.
James
Davis said
at 11:45 am on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
We are planning to let our animals at the rest area and I will shod our animals. We are staying an extra day here. And we fence mended. We are very proud that it is Michael's birthday today so we had a birthday party, we made him lemonade and the best time so far on this trip to The Oregan Trail.
James Davis
Bennett said
at 11:47 am on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
We stop at Fort Bridger to buy two yokes of oxen and spend an extra day earning money from fence mending. So far we don't know how much money we will earn. We hope our fate is good and we make a lot of money. It turns out that spending an extra day working was a good thing. We got paid one yoke of oxen. We now have 10 oxen!
John
Burnett said
at 11:50 am on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
Aug 8-9
Ft. Bridger
At Ft. Bridger we are going to mend a fence and buy a yoke of oxen for $50. James is going to shad our animals. We are also shawding one of the waters familys oxen for $1. I hope we made a good choice.When we were done mending the fence they paid us 1 yoke of oxen. Now we have 16 animals pulling our wagon. I will really be suprised if we still hav problems with oxen.We are really in good shape now.
Jim
Adams said
at 11:51 am on Feb 23, 2009
mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
Today we got to Ft. Bridger. We decited to shawed all of our animals for free because John is a black smith! We also are staying an extra day and are going to mend fences. It was a very good choice because we got another yoke of oxen and we got a good decription of the road ahead.
Grace Adams
Brown said
at 11:51 am on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. Bridger
Today we finally got to Ft. Bridger. We are going to make some money from Fence Mending, but we have to stay an extra day. Spencer is going to shaud our oxen and horses. We could have bought a yoke of oxen, a horse, a mule, or traded animals 2 for 1. We didn't because we know we will nead the money when we get to Oregon. We got a extra yoke of oxen for Fence Mending.
Collin Brown
Davis said
at 11:52 am on Feb 23, 2009
The Waters gave Micheal a harrmonica for his birthday
Waters said
at 11:53 am on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Ft. B ridger
We give the Burnett family $1 to shod 2 yoke of oxen. It is Spencer and Michael's birthday so we gave them our two harmonicas.
Rebecca Waters
Renardo said
at 11:55 am on Feb 23, 2009
mi 1026 Aug 8-9 Ft.Bridger
What a day, today we bought a yoke of oxen and we shodded our oxen ( for free because Jacob is a blacksmith), and we saw a help wanted sign for fence mending so we asked for the job and we got it but we had to stay another day. We where payed a yoke of oxen for doing the job. Today is Spencer and Michael birthday. For their birthday they each got a harmonica from the Waters family and we gave them some "spirits".
Billy Renardo
Adams said
at 12:00 pm on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1108
August 14
Thomas Fort Crossing
Today we celebrated with the people that made it through the sublet cutoff alive and we are celebrating Michael and Spencer's Birthday today.The Water's gave them both harmonicas.
William S. Adams
Bell said
at 12:01 pm on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1026
August 8-9
Fort Bridger
We got an extra yoke of oxen because Wilson did some fence mending. We now have 6 oxen, 4 horses and 4 mules. Wilson will also shodded all our animals because Wilson has all his blacksmith tools tools. There were also 2 men in our wagon train named Spencer and Michael who turned 18 and 24. They each got a harmonica from the Waters family. We have had a good time at Fort Bridger so far.
Caroline Findley
Burnett said
at 12:03 pm on Feb 23, 2009
Mile 1108
Thomas Fork Crossing
August 14
Today we had two birthdays, and their names were Michial and Spencer. They are very kind and mature young gentleman! This is also where the Sublett cutoff meats with our path. It is amazing how many people did make it! We had a party because we met together and for Michial and Spencers birthday. The waters gave Michial and Spencer Hermonikas. It was really fun.
Jan
Adams said
at 12:01 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1,217
September 4
Fort Hall
Today we got to Fort Hall. It was a difficult day because Willam and I did not agree. We had the chance to buy really good coats, but Willam thought it was too expenceve! I was right. Now we have to make a plan. Everyone decited to send out two scouts. Billy and John D. are going and I dont want to let my son go! but I have to. Then the rest of us hide and wait for the indans in side a wagon circle.
Grace Adams
Bennett said
at 12:06 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1217
September 4
Fort Hall
Today we came to Fort Hall. We bought flour, rice, and coffee and the total coast was $1.18. We decided to not get fox and bever robes becaus they were 160.00. We are glad we bought the mocasins and buffalo robes at Fort Laramie. If we didn't have enough supplies we would get frostbite or died. An Indian attack hit some emigrants. We are trying to think of a way to defend our self. We will have John and James. We hope we will win so lets fight! We are going to put our wagons in a circle and hide behind the wagons.
Lucy
Waters said
at 12:07 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1217
September 4
Fort Hall
As we come across Fort Hall we see a trading post and decide to buy two fox/beaver coats for the cold and difficult road ahead. We made a plan and everybody in the train thought it would work so we are going to go in aline with men on either sides and in front/back of the wagons. If there are indians we will form a circle with everybody inside the circle including livestock.
Mary Waters
Davis said
at 12:07 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1217
September 4
Fort Hall
Today we are at Fort Hall. We decided to buy some items. We bought 2 pints of flour,1 pint of sugar, 2 pints of coffee. Together we spent $2.50. One family bought a fox and beaver coat. That was $160! Altogether we have $450.31. We also heard that there were hostile Indians. WE made a defense plan which had all the men in the wagon train surround the wagons and they have guns at hand so that if something bad happens, we will be able to defend ourselves. I thought it was a good plan.
John Davis
Burnett said
at 12:07 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1217
Sept. 4
Fort Hall
Today we reached this place called Fort Hall. It is very cold where we are. We are 500 feet until the end of the trail! I will give Jan a shotgun so that she will defend herself.
Joe
Bell said
at 12:08 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1,217
Sept, 4
Fort Hall
Today we made it to Fort Hall. We did not buy anything because we did not have enough money. We have a defense plan encase any indians come. We will have the scouts fire their guns into the air if they see indians. Then we will have all the wagons into a circle and the men will be firing their guns at the indians from the outside of the circle of wagons. The women and children will be either in the circle or in the wagon. We feel it is a good plan. We hope it works. We will also have gaurds on duty 24\7. We will also be warm because we have 5 thick blankets and if we do get bad weather, we will put clothes over us as blankets. We will use absolutely everything we have to keep us warm if bad weather hits. We are glad that Wilson is not a scout because we don't want him to get hurt if indians do come. But Wilson is a man, so he will be a gaurd.
Caroline Findley
Brown said
at 12:08 pm on Feb 25, 2009
We bought some rice and a bever coat. Some people say there are Indians. We will defend aginst the Indians. We are going to put the wagons and wemen in the middle and the men will be on the outside. When the Indians attack we will put the wagons in the middle and the men will attack.
Spencer Brown
Renardo said
at 12:11 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mi 1,217, Sept 4
Fort Hall
We got to Fort Hall, this is far out from our hometown Chicago, Illinois. Things are ranking up in price, $160 for a fox and beaver coats. We could not afford it, luckily Billy and I kept our buffalo robes in good shape.
,Jacob Renardo
Bell said
at 12:15 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile, 1250
Sept, 8
Massacre Rock
We are so scared that we went through Massacre Rock. Our plan was we were going to put the wagons in the middle and we will gaurd the wagons. Lukily we did not get attacked by indians.
Wilson Bell
Burnett said
at 12:16 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
Sept. 8
Massacre Rock
We set off to Massacre Rock. We had a plan to protect our selfs from the Indains. It was we send 2 scouts up to check the trail ahead and the men garded the
wagon. The plan work the indains didn't atack and we got through safe.
James
Bennett said
at 12:17 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
September 8
Massacre Rocks
We were really nervous and scared that we were going to get attacked but we made it safly. But it was still scary because we saw burnt wagons and oxen skulls and also graves. There were these to huge rocks that had just enough room for an Emigrant wagon.
James
Davis said
at 12:17 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
September 8
Massacre Rocks
Today we are at Massacre Rocks. We were very nervous because we saw oxen skulls and burnt wagons froms recent Indian attacks. We used the same plan that the Waters family came up with at Fort Hall. We were very lucky that we made it through without Indians coming. We were so HAPPY we didn't die.
Catherine Davis
Brown said
at 12:17 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
Sept 8
Massacre
Today we saw wagons on fire, oxen skulls, and a few graves. So we got so scared that we almost turned back. But the Indians attack us. So we got thrugh safly.
Peter Brown
Renardo said
at 12:17 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mi 1250 sept8 Massacre Rocks
We where so nervous today because Massacre Rocks is a good spot to be attackted by Indians we had seen skolls and blood on the ground it was so scary but we didin't die we are so lucky.
Billy Renardo
Waters said
at 12:18 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
September 8
Massacre Rock
We were nervous that Indians would attack us. There were many Indian attacks in the last few months. We put scouts ahead and luckily we weren't attacked by the Indians.
James Waters
Brown said
at 12:19 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1250
Sept 8
Massacre rock
Today we saw wagons on fire, oxen skulls, and a few graves. So we got so scared that we almost turned back. But the Indians attack diddn't us. So we got thrugh safly.
Peter Brown
Adams said
at 12:22 pm on Feb 25, 2009
Mile 1,250
September 8
Massacre Rock
Today we got to Massacre rock. We were very scared that the indans attactng us, But we were very lucky because we didn't get hurt. We are lucky we made it through.
John D. Adams
Bell said
at 11:47 am on Mar 2, 2009
Mile 1397
September 20
Three Island Crossing
Elmore County, Idaho
Our plan to cross the Snake River is hitch all of our animals up to our wagon exept our 2 tallest horses. We will put our packs on the horses and they will cross the river first with Wilson leading them. Then they will come back across with Wilson and we will hitch them to the wagon with the other animals. Then we will cross the river. Because we will have our 14 animals pulling our wagon and our packs will already be on the other side, we should be able to make it across. We will also stop at any sturdy island in the river to rest.
Caroline Findley
Burnett said
at 11:59 am on Mar 2, 2009
Mile 1397
September 20
Three IslandCrossing Elmore County Idaho
The land on this side of the river is very dry so were going to take some logs and tie them ot a rope. The other en of the rope will be tied to the wago like an anchor. We will take the wheeles off the wagon then float it across the river takeing a little of our belongings with us at a time.
Jim
Adams said
at 12:03 pm on Mar 2, 2009
Mile 1397
September 20
Snake River
Today we had to find a way to make it across the snake river. Our idea was to make a raft and float it across. People and belongings would go on the raft. We would pattle across on the raft so it didn't go off course. Other families had different ideas. The Bennet family decided to try to send a person across with lots of chain and the wagon. They pulled everyone across.
Jamal Adams
Renardo said
at 12:08 pm on Mar 2, 2009
Mi 1397, Sept. 20
Three Island Crossing
We had a small advantage to cross the Snake River, islands. Three of them were spread across the river in a straight line. Our idea to cross it is to just go across but, with men with stones tied to thier feet to pull on the back to keep it straight. Then we build a bridge, sadly we lost a oxen.
,Jacob Renardo
Bennett said
at 12:08 pm on Mar 2, 2009
September 20
Mile 1397
Three Island Crossing
We just got to Three Island Crossing and we had to find out how to cross it. We are going to cross it by just making a bridge by having James taking the horse and the oxen to the other side and tie a rope to them. Then we can pull them across. We have no idea if this will work but its all we got so lets do this. The rope might not be big enough or James might not be able to go over by his self but we are going to try to make it happen. There might be a wave that might kill James but we are ready to take action. We are very confedent about this. The other families have some good plans probally better then ours but we are to happy to be going on this trip to give up. There has been some good times that we have celebrated and injoyed the things that have been amazing. It would just hurt us if something happened to him and us. We don't know exactally how we are going to do this but this better work. We hope this goes just fine. We are really scared and very nerous to know what will happen. If we can get a better plan then that might be safer but I don't think we will. If we have good sucess we will celebrate and injoy the good time. It eventally happened and James almost drowned but only a oxen drowned which is fine but hard. We have plenty enough oxen now. We also lost some food for us. Some people had sucess and some didn't.
Elizabeth
Waters said
at 12:08 pm on Mar 2, 2009
3 Island Crossing
Mile 1,397
September 20
We made a raft and got across the river but we paid to much attention to the raft so we lost one oxen.
Rebecca Waters
Brown said
at 12:09 pm on Mar 2, 2009
Mile1397
September 20
Snake River
today we tried to cross the river by pulling it with chain and oxen but that didn't work so we lost all of our pepper. We are glad because some people lost an oxen because they wern't paying enough attention to them.
Collin Brown
Davis said
at 12:09 pm on Mar 2, 2009
Sept. 20
Mi.1,397
Three Island Crossing
Today we stopped at Three Island crossing. We had a choice of going across the huge river or walking till it got shalower. We decided we would work with 2 other families to go across. The families that are helping us are the Adams and Waters family. We have travelled together so long were like a big family. Were going to make a bridge out of rope ,wood and, chains. We will tie our chains to stakes wich we will stick into the ground while people will be holding the chains for extra saftey. So if one lets go there will still be at least one more. If all of the people let go there will still be stakes to hold the chains. We hope our idea works. There were twelve people working on this idea. There was not enough wood so one of our oxen got lost so now we have seven of them.
James Davis
Waters said
at 11:48 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1551
September 30
Farewell Bend
We feel optimistic about the journey ahead. We hope that we will live happily in Willamette Valley.
James Waters
Renardo said
at 11:51 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mi 1551 Sept 30
Fairwell Bend
Today we thought why we even went on the Oregon Trail. We felt pretty optimistic. I think we are going to have a great future.
Billy Renardo
Burnett said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile1551
September30
Farewell bend
Today we are leaving our path on the snake river. We feel optimistic about leaving the Snake River. James, Joe and Jim are very excited about the jorney ahead. I am also optimistic about the journey ahead.
Jan
Adams said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1551
Sept 30
Farewell Bend
Today we got to Farewell bend and we are very optmimstic for the future. We were very happy we crossed the snake river safly.
Grace Adams
Brown said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1551
September 30
Farewell Bend
I feel optimistic because we are so far and Collin feels downhearted because a lot of bad stuff has happened and we have been on the trail for four months, and he doesn't think we have really got that far.
Spencer Brown
Bennett said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1551
Sept. 30
Farewell Bend
We arrived at Farewell Bend. We are feeling anxious and excited about what might happen in the future. We hope we get to Oregon without anymore inguries, accidents, or lost animals.
John
Brown said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1551
September 30
Farewell Bend
I feel optimistic because we are so far and Collin feels downhearted because a lot of bad stuff has happened and we have been on the trail for four months, and he doesn't think we have really got that far.
Spencer Brown
Bell said
at 11:53 am on Mar 3, 2009
Mile1551
Septemer, 30
Farewell Bend
We are alll very optimistic about this journey. We have had many ups and downs on this journey to Oregon, but we are getting closer to the end of our journey every day.
Wilson Bell
Davis said
at 12:00 pm on Mar 3, 2009
September 30
Mile 1551
Farewell Bend
Today, we were at Farewell Bend. I wasn't very optimistic today because we had more hardships than I would have liked. I am a little optimistic because we passed the Snake River. Just after we left the Snake River, the only thing that made me go on was the memory of the whole reason of why we went on the Oregon Trail.
John Davis
Adams said
at 12:12 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1671
Oct. 8
Deadman's Pass
Today we went through Deadman's Pass. It got it's name because 4 freighters got killed there.That scares everyone in my wagon.
William S. Adams
Brown said
at 12:20 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1671
October 8
Deadman Pass
Today we figured out why Deadman Pass was called Deadman Pass, it is called that because two or three freights were killed by some Indians that camped out there waiting to ambush someone. Some guy that wanted to publish our journal was going to give us $200 for it when it was finished. We were really happy because we will really be able to use the money when we are in Oregon and need a place to stay in.
Collin Brown
Bell said
at 12:22 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile1671
Deadmans Pass
October 8
We found out why Deadmans Pass got it's name. Four freighters were killed in the Bannock War. Then, we were promised 200 dollars per family for all of our journals when they were finished, if we sold them to the East Coast Publishing Company. When they got our journals, they would copy them and sell them to future travelers. We were very excited.
Caroline Findley
Waters said
at 12:23 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1671
October 8
Deadman Pass
We found out why this spooky place got it's name, because of a war. We found out fast enough that we did not have to lose a luxury item.
Roxane W.
Bennett said
at 12:23 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1671
October 8
Dead Mans Pass
We got to Deadman Pass, it does not sound like a very welcoming name. We decided to research the name of Deadman Pass. It got it's name because of the fraighters that bring the supples to the people on the Oregon Trail. We also met a man who wanted to buy our journals for 200.00 dollars. We get the money at the end of the Oregon Trail.
Lucy
Burnett said
at 12:25 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1,671
October 8
Deadmans Pass
Today we are at Deadmans pass we do not know how it got it's name. We think it got it's name because it has a underground cavern thats full of poisonous gases. The main reason is that it was called Deadmans pass is because there were four frators were killed.
By: Joe
Renardo said
at 12:25 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mi 1671, Sept 30
Deadman Pass
A few days ago I heard we where going to Deadman Pass, sounds scary to you? Well were here and if you listen you can hear Indians. I didn't take any risks I held my gun. Four freighters were attacked by Indians a while ago. A man I met thought my writing was so good hes giving me $200 for it! I don't want to sound like an Cowboy but, Hee Haw!
Jacob Renardo
Davis said
at 12:36 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1,671
Oct. 8
Deadman Pass
Today we were walking down Deadman's Pass and wondering how Deadman's Pass got it's name from a war around that area. One man there gave us $200 because we found how Deadmans Pass. We were very happy.
Michael Davis
Davis said
at 12:57 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
Oct 12
Whitmans Misson
Today we are at Whitmans Mission. We decided for James and our Pa to take the Barlow Toll Road. Micheal and I are going to take the canoe down the Columbia Gorge. All together we are spending $185. We are donating a harmonica to the Whitmans Mission. I can't wait untill we get to Oregon. YEE HAW!!!!!!
Catherine Davis
Burnett said
at 1:00 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
Oct. 12
Teail Decision
Today we had the option of taking a canoe or the Barlow Toll Road. We went on teh Barlow Toll Road. It was $100. The bell is having a sale. Jim is trying to talk it out with them to get medal things. We need metal because Jim had a idea of me putting medal spikes on the weels so we can travel faster.
James
Renardo said
at 1:06 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mi 1709 Oct 12 Whitman Mission Trail Decision
Today we had to make a big decision we could of gone down the Columbia Gorge for $40 for a canoe rental and $45 for a guide, or we could of went on the Barlow Toll Road which is $100 per wagon or we could stay intell spring which is about $20 per week We decided to go on the Barlow Toll Road, I think we made a good decision or at least I hope so.
Billy Renardo
Brown said
at 1:07 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman mission
Today we got to the Whitman Mission, we could have got a conoe and gone down a river. That would have caused us to lose most of our stuff. We decided to go on the Barlow Road for $100.00, but we are going to get $200.00 from the publisher for our journals. We also sold our wool dresses for $25.00, and bought 40 lbs. of sead for bullets for $15.00. So today we lost $75.00 but are going to get $200.00 when we finish our journal.
Collin Brown
Adams said
at 1:08 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whiteman Mission Trail Decisions
Today we came to a place to decide were to go in the mountians. We decided to take the barlow toll road.
John D. Adams
Bell said
at 1:09 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
Whitman Mission
Trail Decision
Todays we sold many items and lightened our wagon. We had 64 bucks, then after the sale, we had 148 bucks. We spent 100 buck to take the Barlow Toll road. We think it was the best decision. Catherine also had her baby today. He is a boy and we called him Jackson. He is a joy.
Caroline Findley
Waters said
at 1:11 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
October 8
Whitman Mission Trail Decision
We are taking Barlow Toll.
We had an exellent sale. We spent $100.00 on the toll!
Bennett said
at 1:12 pm on Mar 3, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
We just arrived at Whitman Mission and went on the trail on Barlow Toll Rode and we would drive our wagon for one-hundred dollars. We sold one pistol, one rifle, and one shotgun. We sold all of that for twenty-five dollars. We really hope we can trust the people with us so they don't attack us.
Brown said
at 11:49 am on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
While we were on the Barlow Road we finally saw snow! The childeren played, the womon watched the childeren. But the snow got thicker so you couldn't se the wagon in front of you. Than it got so thick you couln't see the animals pulling your wagon. So we sent Peter, and James Burnett as scouts. But we didn't see them again and thought they either went ahead or died. We also lost two of our oxen because they froze to death.
Collin Brown
Burnett said
at 12:00 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mi 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
Today we had a big snow storm. We herd a very loud sound, like a strong wind. So we sent out two scouts. James Burnett and Peter Brown. Right after they left we heard the noise again. Then they didn't come back. But the worst part was the wagon train had to burn our wagon for firewood. We are going with the Renardo family now. How bad can this dicision be. At least we are very close to the Willamette Valley.
Jim
Adams said
at 12:00 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Mission
Today we arrived at the whitman mission. We had to decide whether to take the Barlow Toll rodes, the Columbia Gorge, or the Whitman Mission. We took the Barlow toll road. We spent $100.00 on the Barlow toll road. Since we were on the toll road, the first couple days were wonderful. It was nice outside and we made good time. One day, it began to snow. It was the first time we got snow the whole trip! At first we were happy campers, the children were happy and playing, the woman working. It kept snowing and snowing. It was very, very bad. It snowed so much we couldn't see our oxen. Then we couldn't see the oxen or the wagon. We had to stop riding forward. We huddled around the wagon with a fire. Some of are animals froze to death. As a matter of fact, 1/2 the animals froze. It was very terrible. We heard terrible crashing noises. Two scouts went out. They didn't return. Even after the storm cleared up, they didn't show. As for the people on the Columbia gorge, it was very nice. Then they got very bad rapids. The people got lost, and got ate by a bear, we think. By the way, Catherine had a baby. It was a boy named Jackson. We predict that Mary Jane and Jackson will marry.
Jamal Adams
Davis said
at 12:00 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 1709
Oct. 12
Whitman Mission
We made a decision to either go on the Barlow Toll Road, or pay money to go on a road, go on the Columbia River Gorge, or stay at the Whitman Mission. We decided to split the family up into two groups. My father, John, and I went on the Barlow Toll Road for $100. Michael and Catherine went on the Columbia River Gorge. On the Barlow Toll Road, there was an abundance of snow. At first it was fun and I was starting to play in it, but it gradually got heavier and heavier so that I couldn't see my family's animals.To keep warm, one of the families' wagons had to be burnt. It was the Burnett's wagon that had to be burnt. Meanwhile, we heard a roaring sound which we thought was an avalanche. The wagon train sent two scouts which didn't return. We heard rumors that Michael and Catherine got eaten by a bear, but we found them at camp.
James Davis
Renardo said
at 12:01 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mi 1709, October 12
Whitman Mission
Okay, we went on the Barlowe Tollroad, it was an pretty good road ecxept for losing a wagon and... not finding two people and losing half our oxen. Okay maybe a wrong decision. Let me tell you why we lost alot of things. Some oxen where too far away from the fire ( that was made from the Burrnett's wagon) and died of being to cold. We sent out two people to check for anything too bad out there about, two hours later we herd a avalanche we were not sure... the scouts did NOT come back. On the bright side Katherine had a baby named Jackson. I hope we get to Willamette Valley soon. This maybe my last entree in this journal wish me luck.
Jacob Renardo
Bennett said
at 12:01 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 1709
October 12
Whitman Misson
We went pass the Barllow Toll Road. We got alot of snow. We enjoyed it at first but the snow fall was so big we couldn't even see our wagons. Just then we heard a huge rumbling sound. We thought it was an avalanch but we really don't know. We sent two scouts, James Burnett and Peter Brown to see what happened. We waited for a while but they never returned. We don't know if they died or they went ahead of the trail. The people that went in the river the canoe crashed so they had to leave two people behind but when we got ther they were gone. There was bear tracks so we think that they were attcked by a bear but we don't know because we weren't there. We had to burn a wagon to get fire wood so we voted that the burnett's wagon gets burned. We feel sorry for the lost of people. It is probally rough for them. The family that had to burn the wagon is living with another family. We don't want anything to happen like this again. There was a new born baby from the Bell family. We want that baby named Jackson to live a great life. We gave them shirt and pants and we feel happy about that.
Elizabeth
Bell said
at 12:03 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 1709
Barlow Toll Road
The first snow has come. There have been two avalanches and our two scouts James Burnett and Peter Brown have dissapeared. Our wagon train also lost half of it's animals. We lost our two shortest horses. They were thin and weak. Wilson needs to behave better. He is not very helpful and wants to kill Jackson and our dog. Next time there is a scouting mission Wilson is going. We want him to help our train. If it is a very dangerous mission, we will not let him go.
Davis said
at 12:22 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 00
Summer 1953
Willamette Vallee
We settled in Oregon City with a nice farm, a big house. Life here in is so much fun, I made new friends at school and people from the wagon train. Weve traveled so long with these people from the wagon train, were are like family now. We care for each other. Now we are neighbors with Burnett, Bennet, Bell, and Waters.
Sincerely,
John, James, Catherine, and Michael Davis
Waters said
at 12:24 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 00
Summer of 1852
Willamette Valley
Everyone in our wagon train is having a reunion. James Burnett and Peter Brown were found! We are very excited that we are at Willamette Valley. We are also all very excited to here what other family's storys are of their trip. It's a great day.
The Waters family
Brown said
at 12:26 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 00
Late October
Willamette Valley
We finally got to The Oregon Teritorry we also found James and Peter with furs on their back. They said that they dug a tunnel through the snow from the avalanch and had to hunt some animals with James's rifle and Peter's bow-and-arrow and use their furs from the animals to stay warm. We are really happy that they finally caught up with us, because they have been gone for a couple years. Jacob Renardo gave James a noogie when he got back. Catherine and Michael went on the river. They came back with cloth from the Indians.
Collin Brown
Bennett said
at 12:27 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 0
Oregon
May 1
We made it to Oregon! We just made it to Oregon and we now have the perfect life living on a farm hunting and living good. The closet people to us are the Burnetts and Davis family. We also found Peter and James.
James
Adams said
at 12:29 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 00 Willamette Valley
We are here! I am so very happy that we are finally here! We also found Peter and James, and everything is just going purfect! the bell family andour families are going to be nabors. It is the summer of 1853 and life is great in Oregon.
Grace Adams, William S. Adams, John D. Adams and Jamal Adams
Bell said
at 12:31 pm on Mar 4, 2009
Mile 0
Willamette Valley
July 1853
We have been here for 2 years. Jackson and my 2 year old Anna are on a playdate with Mary Jane, Grace's little girl. Wilson has resumed his job of a blacksmith. At Wilson's shop it cost 2.50 to shod a horse. It cost 2.00 to shod a mule. It cost 3.00 to shod and ox. His shop is doing well. He makes about 4 to 8 bucks a day. When we got here, we had 48 dollars. We have made about 5,848 dollars from Wilson's shop since we moved here. We have a good farm. I am married to a man named Jake Johnson. He is a good man.
Caroline Findley/Johnson
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