We began our day with great expectations! By the end of the day we would be in the great state of Washington!!! And we would be visiting our final museum, culminating our travel over the Oregon Trail.
I have to admit that I was wondering if the Oregon Trail Interpretative Center in Baker City would be a waste of time. We had visited a couple of trail museums along the way and had seen some of the same information. But this museum was great. As you wandered through the exhibit, it took you from Independence, MO to Oregon City, OR which was the final destination for many pioneers. There were a couple of short informative films along the way. We listened to a talk about pioneer clothing and Hannah and I got to help out. We both wore clothing from the day and I even got to wear a hoop skirt. It was not easy to sit down in that thing.
Outside there was a wagon encampment and then down the road a bit there was a place to stop and see wagon ruts from the actual trail. It was quite amazing that the ruts were still there after over 150 years!
What took us 6 days took the pioneers 6 months! Without refrigeration or any modern conveniences. They walked 10-15 miles a day in heat and hail. Honestly, I don't think I would've taken the challenge of the Oregon Trail.
In the Blue mountains, we passed through an extreme storm with hail that piled up on the side of the road, making it look like snow. We made it to Richland and the kids really enjoyed the pool. After dinner, Grandma had a special surprise of cupcakes for an early birthday celebration. Then the kids finally opened their package of fake mustaches and did a very random performance involving the murder of a museum worker. Maybe they are trying to tell me something??
Notes from the road:
Grandpa was telling the story of when I was born. When he mentioned they moved my mom into the delivery room, Wild Thing asks incredulously "Where were they going to deliver her to?"
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