Heritage Gateways

Brent C (B.C.) Moore Journals

June 14, 1997

Location: Casper, Wyoming - Location: 42:52:00N 106:18:45W

Summary: Rest day at Fort Casper.

Journal entry: The fort has a carnival feel this weekend. There is a great interest in the wagon train here in Casper. We have been on the evening news every night for the past week. We have been on the front page of the newspaper each day for the past week. Because of all the coverage, there are a lot of people out here. Many are dressed in pioneer clothing. A lot of local members of the LDS church are out here. There are tents set up all around the museum lawn selling everything from pizza to snow cones to bonnets and blankets. All seem to be having a good time as they step into a different century.

I talked with Amy briefly this morning before we went our separate ways. She needed to go to the mall to get a new pair of shoes. She only came out here prepared for a two-day journey, and ever since she decided to stay, she has been gathering needed items as we go along. I gave her some laundry because she will be doing a little bit before we leave civilization. From here on to Fort Bridger, we will be in remote areas.

I took a shower and then hitched a ride to get a hair cut at Fantastic Sams. I walked across the street to the Smith's grocery store to get some ice cream. As I was standing in the isle, an older man and woman came up and asked me if I was from the wagon train. (We are pretty easy to pick out in a crowd) I found out they were Bill and Marcella Zabriskie from Moroni, Utah. They got lost on their way to the Fort and wanted to see the wagons before they returned to Utah. I said, "Well, you're in luck. If you will give me a ride back to the Fort, I will show you how to get there." The only thing they asked for was a wedding announcement.

So, now I'm sitting in Margaret's motor home, waiting for Amy to come back from the mall. Hello to Mom and Dad: Aren't computers much better than the pony express?

The big word is that President Thomas S. Monson, a member of the First Presidency of the LDS church, will be out here this weekend to visit the wagon train. He is at Independence Rock today to visit the Boy Scout Jamboree. We are always excited to have church leaders come visit.