Heritage Gateways

Official Sesquicentennial K-12 Education Project
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May Reenactment Photo Album

April | May | June | July

May 3, 1997

  • Flat Tire -- Location: Chapman, Nebraska The people-van blew a tire--oops!

May 4, 1997

May 5, 1997

  • 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.

May 6, 1997

  • 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.

May 7, 1997

  • 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.

May 8, 1997

  • 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.

May 10, 1997

May 11, 1997

  • 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.

May 13, 1997

  • 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.

May 14, 1997

  • 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.

May 15, 1997

May 16, 1997

  • 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.

May 17, 1997

  • 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.  

May 18, 1997

May 19, 1997

  • 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.

May 20, 1997

  • 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?

May 21, 1997

  • 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.

May 22, 1997

  • 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!

May 23, 1997

  • 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.

May 26, 1997

  • 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.

May 28, 1997

  • 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!

May 29, 1997

  • 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?

May 30, 1997

  • 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?

May 31, 1997

  • 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.