On the "trail" again..."Are we there yet?"

Since recorded history is revisited year after year after year the same can be said of blog postings, especially here @Awakenings. Questions posed in an earlier year can still be reflected upon a year(s) later, especially in relation to travel in the 21st century where "on the trail" so to speak is much different today than in the days of yesteryear.

Whether traveling by car, bus, train, boat or plane, one question inevitably pops up from someone at some time during the trip..."Are we there yet?" If a kid is involved (maybe even more than one), the question more than likely arises multiple times to the point your head is about to explode, a headache consumes your entire brain allowing one thought to find its way out, "SCREAM!"

Step back in time...

Do you suppose the children of the early pioneers questioned along the way "Are we there yet?" Every five minutes a repeat of the refrain, "Are we there yet?" An ever nagging, whiny "Are we there yet?",  "Are we there yet?", "Are we there yet?"

With the invention of film (motion pictures), "trail" travel has been depicted in all its ruggedness as closely as possible according to accounts left behind by the early pioneers. Some films, of course, being more realistic than others. Needless to say, the mode of "trail" travel was not by air conditioned automobile, camper or RV. Instead, it was by crude wagon, horseback or on foot. Meager belongings were crammed into one wagon. A grueling 2000-mile journey across western plains and mountainous trails lasted five months, instead of a few hours! Conditions were harsh plagued with accidents, illness, raging river crossings, storms, mud, dust, monotony, and often fear of savages. In spite of unimaginable, unforeseen circumstances, the trek continued onward ... onward toward a dream, hope of better times in a land to the west.

Could you endure such a journey if modern modes of travel today were nonexistent? Remember, think only feet, wagon and a horse as being possible modes of travel!

Not your typical flat tire!

These Oregon Trail pioneers were lucky they weren't seriously injured or even killed when their wagon overturned. Yet they might say their hardships were well worth the price of freedom; and it is for that unique Western experience that preserving the Oregon Trail is vastly important to our national heritage. – True West Archives –

Not a bridge as we know it today, yet this is its beginning!

Read on...unfortunately travel along the 'trail' doesn't get much better...

A fateful morning...

The shadow of fear loomed endlessly regarding the possibility of encountering native Indians who had been 'reported' as being savages. Can you imagine traveling into a territory where it was known for men to be killed and scalped while women were taken prisoner? That, of course, would indicate the women witnessed the brutal slaying of their husbands. While many of the women were eventually saved, it was reported they went insane and lived only a short time after being rescued from captivity. They had nothing left, their husbands were dead, more than likely the children too, wagons were burned and all possessions taken from them. They were stripped of everything in life they had ever known or owned.

Pathways of Pioneers: Massacre Rocks

Had it not been for the determination and perseverance of these early pioneers the west would not have been won. Winning, however, came at a high price for both the white man and the Native American Indians who, by the way, were not all savages. 

But, that is another story. . .

Now, back to the initial question: "Are we there yet?" I do fear had one asked that question on the trail he or she would not have been brave enough or in the condition to ask it again! What do you think?

Long dresses, trousers with jackets, hot sultry weather, &
tumbleweed were commonalities along the trail.

Hardy Pioneers

After taming the eastern seaboard, crossing the Western Frontier
proved to be just as treacherous as crossing the Atlantic.
This, however, did not impede the push westward
as hope, faith, and courage continued to prevail.

By crude wagon they traveled

With limited communications

Across the Mississippi

Westward to the Appalachians

Walking beside the wagons

Eased the bumpy trails

But not the loudly clanging

Utensils and pails

 

Fetching water from a stream

Collecting dried buffalo chips

Shaking out dusty blankets

Were never regarded as quips

Days were long and grueling

Under the sweltering sun

Dusk welcomed time to rest

Once chores were finally done

Gathering around the campfire

With smiles and laughter perchance

Lessened the pains of their labors

As they enjoyed song and dance

With new land in sight

After months on the trail

Labors did not end

For bodies thin and frail

Shelters needed building

Fields hoed then plowed

Candles dipped for lighting

To unveil the shroud

 

Without modern tools

Hands aching to the bone

Time for rejoicing

In a place to call home
 

Sod shanties, crude cabins

Canvas stretched across dirt floors

Muslin on the ceilings

Kept grime from falling indoors

  Yet, in spite of it all
Smiles of joy would beam
It was a place called home
A part of their dream

©2013 Awakenings
Sharla Lee Shults