Adventures

On the way back Jessi and I stopped in the Blues for some Oregon Trail historical markers. This was a view point not far off the freeway. We were trying to imagine how tough it was to walk/wagon all the way and what the land would have looked like. The information said that the emigrants got to this area in Aug/Sept/Oct. A little different from the verdant green we see. There are still places where the wagon ruts are visible- but most of the trail has been paved over for roads or dug under for development.

Ezra Meeker was a young married man with a wife and baby when he first traveled the Oregon trail. (1852) Then he spent his "retired" years re-tracing the trail and putting up markers to show where the original paths were. His last trip over the trail was in an airplane. I liked the following quote.

(Ezra Meeker 1921)

To you who read or hear my words, I conjure you to take heed and consider their importance... If we forget the deeds of our forbears, we discard the lessons of history and take a step backward in the march of civilization. In the measure a generation cherishes the past so will it be for the future; for the love of country, for reverance of the flag; for the efforts of upbuilding the nation... recovering the lost trail has a deeper meaning than merely gratifying a whim or satisfying a feeling of curiosity." Ezra Meeker 1915
Then this morning it was time to take Jessi back to the airport so she could go back home. We had a fun visit. Come again Aunt Jessi. We love you!