Roadtripping Through the Heartland – Part 2

Roadtripping Through the Heartland – Part 2

by | Aug 4, 2017 | Iowa, South Dakota

After leaving Sitting Bull’s gravesite, I continued traveling south on Route 83 towards Pierre, SD. This road closely parallels the 100th longitudinal meridian.  This line marks a major change in climate and terrain.  East of this north-south line, there’s...
Getting On and Off the Lewis and Clark Trail

Getting On and Off the Lewis and Clark Trail

by | Jul 22, 2017 | Idaho, Montana

When I finished following the Oregon Trail, it was my plan to work my way back east following the Lewis and Clark Trail.  The number of historic places along the Oregon Trail were abundant and had consumed me for the prior 3 weeks.  I had seen so much where hundreds...
Oregon Trail Trip Summary

Oregon Trail Trip Summary

by | Jul 11, 2017 | Oregon Trail 2017

It took me 18 days to travel the Oregon Trail from Independence, Mo to Pendleton, OR.  The pioneers would have been very jealous. I did the 2,100 mile trail in a motorhome versus a wagon and didn’t have to walk the terrain.  The pioneers biggest worry was fresh...
Ending My Oregon Trail Journey at Pendleton

Ending My Oregon Trail Journey at Pendleton

by | Jul 9, 2017 | Oregon, Oregon Trail 2017

Once the pioneers got well into Oregon, they kept going north to the Columbia River.  Water sources were more reliable on this route and it was easier to cross the Cascades near the river. When they got near present day Portland, they proceeded south to settle in the...
Oregon at Last!

Oregon at Last!

by | Jul 5, 2017 | Oregon, Oregon Trail 2017

Once the Oregon Trail pioneers left the Snake River they were technically in the Oregon Territory. But this was the not the part of Oregon where they wanted to be.  Western Oregon is a semi-arid high plains.  The pioneers wanted to get over the Cascades and into the...