May Reenactment Photo Album
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Flat Tire -- Location: Chapman, Nebraska

The people-van blew a tire--oops!

President and Sister Hill -- Location: Grand Island (Sturh Museum), Nebraska

President and Sister Hill of the Kearney Stake.

Mike Dunne -- Location: Monroe, Nebraska

Mike Dunne, the handcart captain, stands near the wagon rut marker.

Wagon in a Ditch -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

The horses went wild and landed the wagon in a ditch. People are trying to get the wagon out and continue along their way.

Ashley and Zachary Miller -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Ashley, nine and her brother Zachary, eleven, are sitting along the trail with a covered wagon in the background. Ashley and Zachary do home schooling.

Wagon in a Ditch - Pulling out the Wagon -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

After the horses went wide and the wagon went in the ditch, the people had to pull it out before getting back on the trail. Everyone gathered around helping, watching, or just taking a break.

Historic Marker -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Historic marker placed along the Montro trail. The wagon ruts are still visible in this backyard, now a Nebraska landmark.

Wagon in a Ditch--Working Together -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

After the horses went wild and the wagon ended up in the ditch, it was hard working getting it out. Every one had to pull and push together.

Wagon in a Ditch--Back on the Trail -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

After the horses went wild and the wagon ended up in the ditch, the wagon was finally back on the trail and all that was left to do was hitch up the horses. Hopefully all would go better now!

Wagon in a Ditch--What to do -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

After the horses went wild and the wagon ended up in the ditch, people had to decide how to get it out.

Cedar Hollow School Children -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Cedar Hollow school kids are lined up along the fence to greet us in Wood River.

Bridge -- Location: Grand Island (Sturh Museum), Nebraska

Hand carts and wagons crossing a bridge going from Grand Island to Wood River

More Cedar Hollow School Children -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Another picture of the chidren from Cedar Hollow Elementary School greeting us in Wood River.

Vern and Carol Condie -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Vern and Carol Condie from Beaver are sitting in their covered wagon.

Osamu's Family -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Osamu's family sitting beside a barbed-wire fence.

Leezanna Hill -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Leezanna Hill from Kearney

Signs of Spring -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Blossoms and leaves on a tree branch. A creek and bridge are in the background.

Cindy Benson -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Traveling with us today is Cindy Benson from Danneborg. She is a cancer survivor and felt it was more important today to ride with the wagon train than keep her doctors appointment

Tree Toppled by the Wind -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

A tree with a large branch toppled by the wind. During the storm, a tornado warning had been posted.

Ashley Miller -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Ashley Miller is nine years and is in the third grade

Wagon in a Ditch--Still Working at Getting it Out -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

After the horses went wild and the wagon ended up in the ditch, people are still working at getting it out.

Genoa Post Office Commemorative Stamp -- Location: Genoa, Nebraska

Designed by postmistress Patti Score.

Todd -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Todd, a teamster, during the noon break.

Shelton Boy Scout Troop -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

The Shelton Boy Scout Troop created the wooden crosses and ribbons that were placed along the trail.

Roger and Lisa Holgreen -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Roger and Lisa Holgreen beside the trail.

Pioneer Girls -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Two young girls are sitting in a field resting during a break.

Noon Shot: 5-6 South -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Noon shot looking south. Amy Prond sitting on the curbside. Time: 10:52 am; Long: 40.46.897 N; Lat: 098.43.986; Alt: 2005

Crosses Along the Trail-2 -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Modern pioneers walk along the trail lined with the wooden crosses placed by the people of Shelton in memory of the 6,000 pioneers who died on the Mormon Trail.

Monument Plaque 3 -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Crowd assembles with the monument in the background, just before the unveiling.

Noon Shot: 5-6 East -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Noon shot looking east. Time: 10:52 am; Long: 40.46.897 N; Lat: 098.43.986; Alt: 2005

Crosses Along the Trail -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

The people of Shelton placed wooden crosses every 15 feet or so along the trail. All together there were 600 crosses, each with ten pieces of cloth tied to them. The 6,000 pieces of cloth were in memory of the 6,000 pioneers who died on the Mormon Trail

Monument Plaque 1: Joe Cole -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Joe Cole, an Eagel Scout, created a monument plaque honoring the pioneers.

Monument Plaque 4 -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Joe and his father standing in front of the monument after the unveiling.

Amy and Julie Prond -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Amy and Julie Prond enjoy a lighter moment.

Ladies in Shelton -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Ladies in Shelton enjoying the event by selling Platte River quicksand and Nebraska dirt.

Noon Shot: 5-6 West -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

Noon shot looking west. Time: 10:52 am; Long: 40.46.897 N; Lat: 098.43.986; Alt: 2005 .

Monument Plaque 2 -- Location: Wood River, Nebraska

People gathered around before the monument was unveiled.

John -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

John standing in front of his tent.

Heber Dew and John -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Heber Dew and John eating in front of their tents.

Nance and Jackie -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Nance, an EMT, and her daughter Jackie.

Gordon Beharrell -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Gordon Beharrell with tents set up in the background.

Pamela Wilkinson -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Pamela Wilkinson resting her tired feet.

Bob Johnson -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Bob Johnson in camp

Brother & Sister Cunningham & Lon Pearson -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Brother and Sister Cunningham are geneology missionaries and Lon Pearson is the Kearney Stake Public Affairs representative and computer guru.

Part of the Walkers -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Part of the walkers sitting down and resting.

Doug Laues -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Doug Laues in Kearney.

Along the Trail -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Family along the trail--the dog looks for a handout.

View from Inside the Wagon -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

View from inside the wagon looking over the shoulder of the driver.

Prairie Land -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

The Nebraska prairie with the Platte River in the background.

Pam Wilkinson -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Pam Wilkinson with the Platte River.

Odessa Camp - Canadians -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Canadians set up camp in Odessa

Platte River -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

The Platte River

Margret and the Platte River -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Margaret sitting on a bridge over the Platte River

Young Boy at Odessa Camp -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

A young boy watches the tents being set up.

Platte River at Sun Rise -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

The Platte River at sun rise--start of a new day.

Odessa Camp -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

Setting up the tents at Odessa.

Pony Express -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

The riders from the Pony Express escort us into town.

Setting Up for the Night from a Handcart -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

A man standing next to their tent and two women preparing the campsite for the night with their handcart in the background.

Pony Express Riders -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

Pony Express riders coming to greet the train at Lexington.

So Trail-tired He Sleeps Standin' Up. -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

A tired young pioneer still on his feet with his eyes closed.

Setting Up Tents for Shelter -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

Canvas sheets and lumber on the ground around the campsite and four people getting ready to set up tents.

Setting Up a Tent for the Night. -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

A pioneer family unpacks canvas sheets and lumber to erect a shelter for the night.

Canadian Horseback Rider -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

A Canadian horseback rider joins us from the southern train.

Children Play in Front of Unhitched Wagons -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

Two children playing in front of their unhitched covered wagons at the campsite at Lexington, Nebraska.

Finally at camp after a hard day on the Prairie -- Location: Lexington, Nebraska

A pioneer couple unload their supplies after reaching the camp for the night at Lexington, Nebraska.

Kearney Stake Youth -- Location: Kearney - 810 miles left, Nebraska

The Kearney Stake youth before the trek.

Handcart Pioneers Escorted by Scout Troop 144. -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

The handcart pioneers along the Mormon Trail to Cozad Nebraska are accompanied by a contingent of Boy Scouts from the local Council who are bearing the flag of the United States. This is a memorable experience for reenactment pioneers and scouts too.

Pony Express Still Gets the Mail Through! -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

Here's the door emblem on the car that met the wagon train at noon on 5/11/1997 near Cozad, Nebraska, to pick up the pioneer mail and see that it got through to the U.S. Postal Service.

Riders and Walkers -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

Usually wagons could not transport people and freight too. Rough trails were harder on the draft animals than the paved roads we see here outside Cozad, Nebraska. Most riders were small children or the infirm who also took turns walking.

A Poetic Tribute to the Sod House Settlers -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

This poem commemorates the poverty, thrift and industry of pioneers. Trees were scarce on the Great Plains portion of the Mormon Trail but sod was plentiful. So it was often used as building block for many homes and early pioneer structures.

The Original Route of the Pony Express -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

A plaque on the wall of a building at Gothenburg, Nebraska, that marks the original route followed by the Pony Express riders who operated the overland mail service prior to the completion of transcontinental railroad.

A Close-Up of a Sod House Wall -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

This shows how the sod was laid up and looking at the window frame area gives some idea of how thick the walls were.

A Pair of Matched Draft Horses -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

This wagon was on its way to Cozad. The long shadows show how low the sun was in the sky. The pioneers always got an early start. Early morning travel was usually safer and easier on people and animals.

We're At the 100th Meridian! -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

A modern day pioneer uses global satellite communications to provide precise position location at all times during the reenactment journey. The original Mormon pioneers used the stars for celestial navigation during their westward trek.

The Train Rolls On -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

These wagons have balloon type rubber tires that make the ride a little nicer. The pioneers would have appreciated the steel bearings too. The rear wagon is smaller and is being pulled by a miniature horse breed too.

A Slab Log Cabin and Historical Marker -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

A cabin built with wood slab lumber and a monument recounting pioneer events and experiences.

Tom Whitaker Checks Out the Facilities -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

Do you think the pioneers would have enjoyed a chance to stop and relax at portable bathroom facilities -- especially on those wide open flat praries?

An Old Sod House -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

This is a good example of a pioneer sod house. The walls were made thick and provided insulation from the weather. This one has nice frame windows and a solid lumber door.

Entering Cozad -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

The wagon train passes through Cozad, Nebraska.

Original Settlers: Indian and his Horse Sculpture -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

This is an artistic creation made up primarily of barbed wire. The statue holds some interesting implications for the differences and similarities between two cultures.

Handcarts to Cozad -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

Handcart trekkers appreciate the short stretches of paved road too.

Nebraska Sunrise -- Location: Cozad, Nebraska

The beginning of May 13th outside of Cozad, Nebraska.

One of the Prarie's Pets. -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

Girl playing with her baby brown rabbit atop a stack of hay bails.

Chores, Chores, Chores -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

When the camp for the evening is reached a flurry of activity begins. Children set up tents, get water, firewood, and needed supplies and many other important tasks. Eating, cooking and sleeping gear must be unloaded and many other needed chores.

Gothenburg Mural of the Trail Westward. -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

Dudley Elementary School student artwork of the Mormon Trail Reenactment.

The Wired Pioneer - Reenactment Style -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

Jeff shows his stuff electronically with lap-top computers, cell phone, etc. Technologically this is how pictures, journals and other information from the reenactment trail get to the website for you to see.

Yep, Even the Wagons Need a Rest! -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

The animals are unhitched and the wagons are circled up for the night.

Jeff -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

A picture of our reliable pioneer techy.

Enjoying a Well Deserved Rest. -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

Jeff sitting in the shade taking advantage of a short rest. This was the first rest day taken in Gothenburg, Nebraska.

A Canvas Home on the Range -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

The light white canvas cover on a wagon was very useful. It allowed light into the wagon box during the day, yet it protected family and belongings from the burning sun. The heavy duck also sheds water well and was a good tent at night.

And a Time for Children to Play. -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

One of the many hospitalities small communities provided was the use of their school facilities. Here the children played on a merry-go-round. Do think original pioneer children would have appreciated school playgrounds along the way?

Dudley Classroom #1 Pioneer Quilts -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

Dudley Elementary School heritage art projects - Class #1.

Chairs, Tables, Barrels, Pots - Suppertime -- Location: Gothenburg, Nebraska

The evening camp quickly takes shape as these pioneers prepare to make supper.

Jeff the Hard-Pullin' Computer Man -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Jeff pulling the hand cart across the rocky roads (he calls them Utah speed bumps) takes a minute to show us his brute strength.

1st Grade Work About Mormon Pioneers #1 -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Elementary School Pioneer Project

Marking A Grave -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

These flowers mark where an old grave was.

Jeff and His Buddie Danny -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Jeff makes a lot of friends along the trail. He skips aroung to all different groups and companies.

Lillian and Tara Wrote Essays About the Trek -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Lillian and Tara

Horses Love the Break -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

These draft horses are tired and hungry. This is probably their favorite time of the day.

Unhooked and Feeling Free -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

One of the first jobs when camp is reached is to unhook the animals and give them grain and water.

Circling Up on the Rocky Plains -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Covered wagons circling up once again as the trail gets rockier and harder.

Are These Horses Still Grazing? -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Wow! These horses must have had a long break. They better be ready for the journey tomorrow. Well, I guess they do need to graze a lot to keep those big bodies healthy.

1st Grade Work About Mormon Pioneers #3 -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Elementary School Pioneer Project

1st Grade Work About Mormon Pioneers #2 -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

Elementary School Pioneer Project

Picture Perfect Prarie -- Location: Brady, Nebraska

The prarie is a nice background for pictures.

Replica of the Original Exodus Odometer -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

William Clayton installed a working odometer like this one on a wagon at the place where North Platte, Nebraska, is now located on the Mormon Trail. This one is a nicely crafted fully functional model of the original pioneer odometer.

The Wagon Train Town Meeting -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

We get more instructions, resolve problems, and share a little entertainment as a camp.

Maxwell School Chums -- Location: Maxwell, Nebraska

About midday we passed through Maxwell, a town of less than 400. They let the children out of classes to visit with us as we passed by the school. It was great.

More Friends Along the Trail At Maxwell -- Location: Maxwell, Nebraska

The entire school came out to see the wagon train.

A Family Portrait At North Platte -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

After a 20-mile day on the plains the pioneers stop for a family portrait in front of the tent camp at the airport in North Platte, Nebraska. They look a little tired but they sure look happy.

A Parade Through North Platte -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

The town of North Platte gave us a warm welcome. The high school marching band led the procession as we trekked down the main street. Only six miles today and tomorrow is Sunday so we'll have another chance to rest our tired frames.

The Army Reserve Sets Up Tents for Camp Services -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

We appreciated the chance to take showers and clean and repair our clothes before Sunday. It just amazed us to see what conveniences the Army Reserve can provide in the field. We wished they could follow us all the way to Salt Lake.

Crossing the Platte River Going Into North Platte Nebraska -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Some parents pulled handcarts together with their children riding inside the open box. When weather was good and the sun was not too hot, the canvass covers were removed and the children enjoyed a full view of the landscape as they rode.

Everyone Takes a Turn at Pulling the Handcart -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Walking on the hard pavement made the pulling handcart much easier but it was much hotter than the prarie because of the heat it radiated. This one has its canvass cover on.

The Army to the Rescue --Location: North Platte, Nebraska

The Army Reserve out of McCook and North Platte brought in portable bathing and laundry machinery. These mobile units are truly incredible. They can wash and dry tons of clothes, sew up anything, give hot showers, and generate electricity.

 

After Lunch We Get Back in Line and Move Out Again -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Wagon returning to the formation for the afternoon leg of the trek.

Even the Horses Get a Bite to Eat! -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Lunchtime.

Taking a Quick Graze While We're Still in Our Harnesses -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Good feed and grass for the animals was important for pulling the heavily loaded wagons. When pioneers stopped for lunch or for any extended time they often unhitched their animals and let them graze in their harnesses.

On We Go! -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

The wagon train snakes its way slowly westward.

Taking a Break for Lunch in the Wagon -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

Food and rest along the trail is welcomed by everyone including the horses.

The Great Stone -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

This stone at Bill Cody Museum commemorates the Mormon trail campsite. The marker was placed in 1938.

Here We Come Hershey -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

Here they come straight into Hershey. Tired and hungry. Ready to start that good old home cookin'.

They Really Caught Fish -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

Meet some of the fishermen. Gordon, Ted, and Osamu had an exciting day. I wonder where I can find their campfire tonight.

Wow, Buffalo! -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

How exciting these are the first bunch of buffalo seen so far on the whole trip.

The Little Troopers -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

Young handcarters from Miller Elementary School take a day off to walk along with the group.

Miller Elementary Kids Hangin' Out -- Location: Hershey, Nebraska

After a long, hard day of walking along the trail these Elementary kids gather together to get their picture taken.

The Setting of the Odometer -- Location: North Platte, Nebraska

This sign erected recently by Jim Tierney at his own cost tells of the exact date and place where William Clayton placed the odometer on the wagon in the original trek. It was here at North Platte, Nebraska.

Bumpy Wagon Ruts -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Still trying to make it down that slope. This really reduced their mileage for the day.

Orange Grass? -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Look at that orange grass out in the middle of the prairie. What was a sight to see.

A Helping Hand -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Lon Pearson and Rhett Wyatt from Kearny visit a while to help out with cellular phone problems and tired handcart pullers.

Tree Helps to Mark A Grave -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

On the trail the modern day pioneers come across a beautiful tree standing next to a real pioneers grave.

Pioneer Graves Looking West -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Looking west along the trail more headstones mark the graves of the hardworked pioneers.

It's the Farm -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

At camp, the wagon train enjoys the sight of an old farm house.

Coming Down Wagon Ruts Hill -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

This was a difficult slope for the wagons to travel down. The teamsters really had their hands full trying to control their horses and mules and keep their wagons upright. It was a very exciting day.

Watch Out They'll Prick Ya'. -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

New growth along the prairie. Prickly green cacti. Would you want to step on one of those?

A Lonely Prairie -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Out along the prairie all you can see for miles and miles is grass and occasional wildlife. So, when you come upon something other than the prairie grass it is quite a welcome change.

Finding a Nice Flat Spot for the Night -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Weary pioneers in wagons and recreational vehicles settle into another welcome prairie camp for the night.

Infant Grave Markers Along the Trail -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Along the trail over the slopes the covered wagons and handcarts stop to look at the pioneer infants headstones.

They Just Keep Coming Over That Hill -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Slowly but surely those modern day pioneers keep creeping over that hill.

Yellow Prairie Flowers -- Location: Sutherland, Nebraska

Pretty little flowers along the prairie. No one knew the name of the flowers so they decided to call them the Yellow Prairie Flowers. See camp in the background?

The Prairie Goers. -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

Still treading along the trail rutted prairie, those faithful modern pioneers.

Walking Out of Camp, Ready For the New Day -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

Young children walking along the prairie, leaving behind camp and on to the next destination.

Handcarts, Handcarts, Handcarts -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

Those handcarts keep a comin'. Can you count how many are in the picture?

Outriders Following Behind -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

An Outrider is someone who follows along or behind the wagon trains on horse ready to run and help any one in need or to pick up things left behind. They are very appreciated.

Heading West On the Prairie -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

Single file traveling west the modernday pioneers keep pushing on.

Handcarts Heading West On the Prairie -- Location: Paxton, Nebraska

Following behind the covered wagons, here come the handcarts. The prairie is very, very long.

Here Comes the Rain -- Location: Keystone, Nebraska

Taking cover, a lady pioneer covers her head with her bonnet and shawl. It rained today and the weather is expected to stay that way for 3 or 4 more days.

Camp Set Up And A Picture Perfect Sunset -- Location: Keystone, Nebraska

The beautiful sun setting behind the pioneers tents. Out on the prairie the sunsets are very bright and beautiful.

Careful Those Mules Kick -- Location: Keystone, Nebraska

Here a young boy holds the reins of two Mules. Earlier that day a different young boy was kicked in the face and arm by a mule. He was then taken to the nearest hospital. Be careful around those animals!

Yucca Yucca Yucca -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

The Prairie is just coming into bloom. When these wild plants bloom they grow so fast you can almost watch them grow.

Stopped For A Little Rest and A Snack -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

It is necessary to stop and give the horses a rest and something to eat. They need all the energy they can get so they can pull those wagons.

Perfect For Eating -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

The grass has been well watered by all of the rain lately. The rain helps make the grass greener and more delicious for the horses to eat.

Adults Rest--Kids Play -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Pulling handcarts through the sand was very hard. When the parents stopped to rest the children really took advantage of it. Out in the field the pioneer children played with sticks and grass or anything else they could find to play with.

Looking Like A True Pioneer -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Many of the original pioneers wore hats and bonnets to keep the sun from burning their faces. They usually had just a couple of different outfits too. This modern day pioneer could be mistaken for an original pioneer because of the way he is dressed.

Saddled Up and Grazing? -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Horses are steady grazers. They have several stomachs but they are each very small. That is why they must constantly graze. Feeding a horse too much at one time can give them colic which can be dangerous to their health.

A School Bus Out On the Prairie? -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Yep, even school buses are allowed out on the prairie. They are used to help move luggage or anything that needs to be carried around along the trail.

Cloudy and Rainy -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

The last wagon heads over the hill. It had rained all night and was cloudy all day but when the pioneers arrived at camp for the night the sun popped out again. That helped to dry out all of their soaking wet sleeping bags and tents.

Entering No Name Bay -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

When it rains the sand becomes more firm and it is easier for the wagons and handcarts to cross the prairie. Many of the reenactment pioneers took off their shoes and socks and walked through the moist sand to keep their feet cool and comfortable.

Grooming Along The Trail -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Taking care of the animals is very important. They need to stay healthy and clean so they can carry the travelers. One of the teenagers takes a minute to brush the horse.

Peek-A-Boo -- Location: Lemoyne, Nebraska

Looking shy one of the teenagers along the trail takes a second away from grooming his horse to get his picture taken.

Storms A Comin' -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

In Wyoming the farmers sometimes don't get rain for long periods of time. They jump for joy when the storm hits and they are flooded with rain. It really helps the farmers crops but it isn't so good for the traveling pioneers.

Beautiful Nebraska Sunset -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

Yes, it may look beautiful but these clouds mean rain, rain, rain, and lots of it. It doesn't look so good for these pioneers.

Pickn' Up and Moving On -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

Here the wagon train picks up from lunch and moves on out. They have to eat quickly and keep a movin'.

Not Wanting to Stick Around Too Long -- Location: Broadwater, Nebraska

The Pioneers lining up and getting ready to get out of that stinky old place. It smelled so bad at this campground that some of the pioneers couldn't even sleep. They didn't know what was causing the stench.

From Sand to Stone -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

The rolling sandy hills are starting to turn into rocky bluffs. Can you tell we are getting closer to the Rocky Mountains?

Trains Across the Plains -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

Modern trekkers hear trains day and night as they cross the Nebraska plains but the original pioneers didn't because railroads didn't come until about 20 years later. Railways followed the Mormon Trail because it provided the most passable routes.

Plaque of the Bluffs -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

This plaque tells all about the ancient bluff ruins and marks where they are today.

Scrounging Around -- Location: Broadwater, Nebraska

Left behind, the outriders stay and look for any lost belongings or trash. The outriders ride by themselves and have nothing big to carry so they can move fast and catch up with the wagon train.

Lunch Time -- Location: Oshkosh, Nebraska

Wagons, handcarts, RV's and tons of hungry bodies all stop to get a bite to eat.

Soaked to the Bone -- Location: Broadwater, Nebraska

It's been raining so much lately that a lot of the pioneers are threatening to go and rent a hotel! It's especially tempting at this campsite because the smell is so terrible!

Pioneer Children Walked, and Walked, and Walked -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

Today we walked 17 miles. It has been even harder because for the last 3 days we have been walking on pavement. This is a lot harder to walk on than soft sand or dirt. These girls are ready for a rest!

Courthouse and Jail Rocks -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

Courthouse and Jail Rocks are two of the most famous landmarks of westward migration. Nearby pass the Oregon Trail, Mormon Trail, Pony Express Trail and the Sydney Deadwood Trail. Hundreds of pioneers mention these rocks in their diaries.

Mural of Jailhouse Rock and Courthouse Rock -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

This is a mural depicting Jailhouse and Courthouse Rocks. It is said that Indians would steal horses and take them to the top of Courthouse Rock because no one could climb the rock without the Indians seeing them.

In Honor of our Brave Pioneers -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

This marker was placed along the Platte River in 1938 to honor thhe pioneers that passed by 150 years ago. Do you think our pioneers that passed by here today have a greater appreciation for the first pioneers that passed this sight?

Lots of Beautiful Horses -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

As our pioneers have traveled the last day they have seen lots of horses on the prairie that are wild. This means that they don't belong to anyone. Would you like to have a horse?

A Little Music Would Be Wonderful -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

The is the Herterich family. It looks like they are ready to brighten the day with some music. Do you think the pioneers could go turn their CD player on when they wanted to hear some music?

Breathtaking! -- Location: Bayard, Nebraska

Well, we finally are able to see Chimney Rock. It is said that this is our half-way mark. The pioneers thought of it as the point of no return. Once you passed this mark it was farther to go back than to go ahead.

Beautiful Ending to a Long Day -- Location: Bayard, Nebraska

Today we traveled 19 miles from Bridgeport to Baynard. It was a long walk, but knowing that we are at the halfway mark has given us all an extra boost of energy. Also, seeing the beautiful sunset makes us glad we are here.

Exciting Moment on the Prairie -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

Heber Dew and his family take a special moment to open his mission call. Heber has been known as one of the best handcart mules on the trek. Have you ever pulled a handcart? Do you think you could pull one for 2000 miles?

I Think It's Just Over the Hill! -- Location: Bridgeport, Nebraska

We are on our way to Bayard. It is a 19 mile walk so we have no time to spare. At times we can see the Platte River with its swollen banks. Some times it feels so good to take our shoes off and soak our tired feet in the river.

Chimney Rock Visitors Center -- Location: Chimney Rock - 561 miles left, Nebraska

This is the view of Chimney Rock from the Visitors Center. This has been a well known land mark for those following the Mormon Trail, the Oregon Trail and the Pony Express Trail. How do you think these rocks became formed like this?

Very Important Part of the Trek -- Location: Bayard, Nebraska

These people begin their chores at 6:00 am every morning. Their job is to clean the water coolers and fill them and also clean the porta-potties. They work hard. Do you think the pioneers would have enjoyed porta-potties and water coolers?

It's Been a LONG Day -- Location: Scottsbluff - 541 miles left, Nebraska

Today we walked 23 miles, the longest we have walked in one day. We started at 7:00 am and got to Scottsbluff at 3:30 pm. The temp. was 85. It took us two hours to set up camp and then we all went swimming in a local pool. It felt GREAT!

Another VERY Important Part of the Trek -- Location: Bayard, Nebraska

The porta-pottie breaks are very important to our modern-day pioneers. With all we know about being sanitary today it gives you a new appreciation for what the pioneers endured.

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