The Oregon Trail
Departure Day (Ben)
After grabbing a quick breakfast and loading up the van with the remaining items, our hotel room looked strangely clean. It was a melancholy feeling, seeing that empty room and knowing that Sam’s and my journey was done.
Departure Day (Reed)
We loaded up the van, had a quick breakfast in the hotel lobby, and left for the airport. On our final drive together in the Covid Wagon we listened to our favorite songs of the trip.
Perusing Portland
The urban setting was laden with spray paint and boarded windows. On this journey we have stepped away from our normal lives with its inherent complexities into a setting where these could be perhaps set aside.
Portland Ho!
As we drove along the Columbia River, the scenery gradually morphed from mountainous desert ranges to green, hilly landscapes lush with trees. The change was sudden and pleasant, and the towering Mount Hood rose proudly in the distance. As we arrived in Portland around 11 AM, we were once more reminded of home; the winding highways and dipping exits were very reminiscent of St. Louis.
The Oregon Trail in Oregon
Walking around the large museum, we followed the self guided tour. It began with small plaques with quotes of people who had done the long journey. Plaques mentioned how excited people were to start their new lives out west. As we continued on we learned the backstory on how the trail became the Oregon Trail.
Drinking from a Fire Hydrant
Onward we journeyed, away from the first National Park which those traveling the Oregon Trail would have never seen. We drove through the park one more time, encountering several delays due to bison crossings and late-afternoon crowds observing wildlife of all kinds.
Backcountry Boys
Once our packs were loaded up, we started down the 4.4 mile trail to Grebe Lake. This hike was a great opportunity for get away from the touristy, over-saturated areas of Yellowstone and see the park for its true beauty.
Americas First National Park
We woke up early to the sound of rain starting on our tents, Reed and I rolled back over and went back to sleep for a couple more hours. We woke up once again to the rain stopping around 6:30. We quickly packed the tents up as it started to rain again.
Wild and Wonderful Whitewater
While disappointed to say goodbye to Bob, our Pop-tart sugar high rejuvenated us as we left the Gros Ventre Campground. Although Sam pointed out the external temperature on the car display as 43°F, we could not be prepared for the whitewater experience looming and unfamiliar before us.
Moose on the Loose
Spirits were high, and we decided to begin our day by exploring the park, beginning with Mormon Row, an original, old-fashioned Mormon settlement situated a few miles away. We packed up the essentials and made our way to the van. However, once we were all inside it, we noticed some very strange occurrences around us.
The Cowboy State
The rolling western hills of Colorado soon turned into giant multi-colored sand stone hills of southern Wyoming. We were all in awe with every new turn around the large hills.
Transitions
The day began living in the lap of luxury at the Courtyard in Longmont, Colorado. We woke up late on plush mattresses in an air conditioned, cavernously-darkened room with access to a full bathroom with running water. Although staying in a hotel was not our “plan A,” a full night of sleep was whole-heartedly welcomed.
The Mean 14
There was an air of uncertainty in the Covid Wagon that early morning. We had been warned of the abysmal road conditions leading up to the trailhead, but that would not prepare us for the trial ahead.
On the Road Again
We began the hour journey from Estes Park, CO to Boulder, CO. With Ben driving and myself as the direction giver we set out down the mountains. The drive was beautiful and uneventful, (thank goodness), through Lyons and a couple of other smaller towns. Once we were in the town of Boulder, we meet Reed’s aunt at her house. Aunt Alice wanted to take us out to dinner on Pearl St. We told her not to pick a nice restaurant because we hadn’t showered in 4 days. We went to Elon Musk’s brothers restaurant called The Kitchen. We talked about the next day to come, hiking the two 14 thousand foot mountains called Grey’s and Torrey’s.
Colorado Rocky Mountain High
As we ascended, the views became increasingly beautiful. I believe I can speak for all three of us when I say we were struck with a sense of complete awe. Amidst one of the most beautiful areas in the country, we were reminded of our own humanity, and discovered a deep sense of joy.
Spaghetti Western
As soon as Reed’s alarm signaled our 7 AM wakeup, it was clear that rain was on its way. We quickly packed away our tents and scarfed down some oatmeal and coffee for a quick breakfast, then packed the van. After a communal teeth-brushing in the public bathroom, we were back on the westward road. Next on the iternary was our first stop of the day: Fort Kearny (or at least what was left of it).
Beginning of the Westward Journey
Soon Kansas City was behind us and next on the list was St. Joseph, Missouri, where the Pony Express had begun. The short hour drive had brought us to the old stables that had been made into a museum. Once the short film was over, we stepped into the day and the life of a Pony Express rider. As we walked through the museum, we learned more and more about the fastest way to send mail in 1860 and 1861.
Pere Marquette, Wagon Antics, and Gear Check
Although we ran into a bit of trouble at the beginning of the hike with finding the right trail, we had a smooth rest of the hike. Passed many friendly hikers along the way who asked why we had such big packs with us, and whether we were camping. Great views, and a great first hike together.
A Morning at Cabela’s
With our departure just over a week away, Sam, Ben, and I masked up and ventured to Cabelas to gear up.