California or Bust : An Epic Trek Across the California Emigrant Trail
It's hard to imagine but, up until the 1830's, there were only a handful of people in America that had been able to successfully make their way to California across what was then only known as, the Great American Desert. Most of these people were trappers, traders and missionaries and it wouldn't be until the 1840's that a more defined route was established by early settlers and given the name, The California Trail. Thanks to the discovery of Gold in 1848, there would ultimately be tens of thousands of people who would make the arduous four month journey that started along the banks of the Missouri River and ended in the goldfields of California. Along the way, they would cover over 2,000 miles, crossing deep rivers, tall mountains and unforgiving deserts and all at a time when there were no roads, no stores, no hospitals, no laws and no second chances.
For a long time now, Cindy and I have been wanting to see if we could retrace the California Trail from beginning to end, as closely as possible to the original route, and as much as possible, all on dirt. Along the way, we would make stops at historical sites, see deep ruts carved into the hillsides from the thousands of wagons that passed through before us and view geological wonders such Chimney Rock, an iconic spire that acted as beacon for travelers making their way across the Platte River Road. And, after two years of research, careful planning and plotting a viable route, I think we're finally ready to give it a go. On June 2, 2014, we will meet up with our friends Carl, Et, Tony, Stephanie, Don, Lori, Ray, Tom and Susan, Ken and Doug in Independence, Missouri and then will spend the next 10 days pushing our way west in our modern prairie schooners and on what we will be calling, The California or Bust WAYALIFE Adventure!
Members of the WAYALIFE Party
Cindy & Eddie (CarsonCindy & wayoflife)
Carl (Moochie)
Et (RanchoRubi)
Tony & Stephanie (JeepFan & GemHunter)
Don & Lori (mcpuck & RascalRubi)
Ray (ramin)
Tom (Strainger) & Susan (Strainger's Heart)
Doug (Trail Bud)
Ken (KenB1010)
For those of you who are interested, I have included a list of all the cities we will be stopping at along the way and when. If you live in the area and have the time, we'd love to meet up with you and if at all possible, share a cold one with you.
Monday, June 2 - Independence, Mo
Tuesday, June 3 - Marysville, KS
Wednesday, June 4 - North Platte, NE
Thursday, June 5 - Scotts Bluff, NE
Friday, June 6 - Casper, WY
Saturday, June 7 - Kemmerer, WY
Sunday, June 8 - Camping, ID
Monday, June 9 - Elko, NV
Tuesday, June 10 - Camping, NV
Wednesday, June 11 - Carson City, NV
Thursday, June 12 - Placerville, CA
We will be sure to post up photos throughout the trip, on this thread and hope that you will follow us along as we make our way west.