History Trippin' 

Westward Ho!  Today we’re traveling the Oregon Trail in Wyoming.  Our journey started in Guernsey where we walked in the ruts of the wagon wheels that the nearly 500,000 pioneers used to reach Oregon.  The ruts are about 6 feet wide and 4 feet deep in some areas and are carved through solid stone.  It was really impressive.  We imagined what it would be like riding in the wagon- the first RV.  What would the kids would do for entertainment?  No TV, no DS, no air conditioners - it was hard for our kids to imagine.  The day we went it was 105 degrees!  From there we traveled just a little further down the road to what is known as Register Cliff , a stop on the trail where many pioneers engraved their name and the date.  Many recent visitors have decided to add theirs too, but the oldest sections are protected behind fences.  We scoured the area, seeing who could find the oldest date.  Daddy won, finding S. H. Patrick June 6, 1850.  What I found odd was the fact that many of the names (the old ones) were carved in cursive.  Even the printed names were very neatly done, many looking almost type-written.  The sandstone must be very easy to carve.  We concluded our study of the Oregon Trail at Fort Laramie , which was a place to buy goods and rest about 1/3 of the way along the trail.  We spent several hours there completing the Jr. Ranger course, which taught us a lot about the fort and life on the frontier in the mid 1800s.  We’re hoping to round out our experience with a ride in a covered wagon soon, but so far I’m having trouble finding an outfitter that we can afford here in Wyoming.  If you know of a good one, please visit our forum and let us know.  (Pictures in the gallery)