The Oregon Trail then onto Walla Walla, Washington

Today was the BEST YET!  The view was incredible and we got to have the adventure that many of us were seeking.  While on a walk in the early am... we all thought, wouldn't it be great if we could do something as a group... like white water rafting or hiking.  Today we got our wish.  We arrived at the Oregon Trail Interpretive Center which was set high atop a hill.  It's that little dot at the top left section of the picture below.

This picture was actually taken from the wagon ruts at the bottom of the hill.  We had a chance of a lifetime to hike along the trail.  The entire time was spent figuring out how families could actually spend months at a time on a trail having to cross in such harsh conditions.  It was breath taking and frightening at the same time.  Below is the group of us that decided to climb together.  From left to right we have Chris, Jen, MaryEllen, Missy, Donna, Leslie, Me, Stacey, and Huwerl.  Our bus driver Steve even joined us too.

The best part about the hike was the conversations.  We all had a chance to walk with one another and just talk about the beauty in front of us.  It just made us think about the greater picture and whats important.

The wagons and the wagon ruts were impressive.   To think that after all of this time, we are here today, in 2011 examining the trails that were made back in the 1840s.  Yeah... it was a lot to take in.

 

What we really enjoyed on the hike back up was figuring out where the trail actually was.

It was a sight that I am so glad I had a chance to see and that I got to experience it with amazing company.  It's all about the company that you keep.  If you are around positive people, you'll have a wonderful experience.  It is for that, that I am truly lucky!

Once we got back up to the top, we watched a reenactment - a one man show about what was better to take with you - an ox, mule, or horse. (Horse.. mule... horse... mule... Tradition... Tradition... - That's for you Donna!)  The guy presenting was great.  He told the story from the eyes of different people in his family, which helped us understand the full picture.



Once the reenactment was finished, I had a chance to view the museum with Chris.  Our time was filled with TONS of laughs.  It started off with a kid in front of us touching one of the life-size buffalo.    We saw the kid going up to the buffalo, and Chris sensed it... he knew what was going to happen next.  This young child inappropriately grabbed the buffalo's loins.  I think I turned all shades of red... and just couldn't stop laughing.  That set the experience off right.  Here is a picture of Chris with the buffalo.



We just walked and talked about what a great experience this was.  At the end of the tour, we stopped in the kids room for a photo shoot.  Chris dressed in authentic clothing of the time... and well... pictures speak louder than words.

 

It was just a great time... we checked the costumes... backdrop... and props to make sure it was perfect.  A fun time was had by all!


Once we left the museum, it was off to lunch and then back on the road again.  This time, we were journeying towards Walla Walla, Washington.  I find myself unwinding on these long drives, just getting lost in the glorious view while listening to some great tunes.  Today, there were two influential songs.  First we have the classic, Survivor by Destiny's Child.  My favorite part in that song has to be:
I'm a survivor
I'm not gonna give up 
I'm not gonna stop
I'm gonna work harder
I'm a survivor 
I'm gonna make it 
I will survive 
Keep on survivin'

I think that is what I did for so long... survive... I lived through something that just didn't make me happy... but now, I'm not going to give up until I'm happy.  I'm not going to stop being me.  I am going to work hard to make sure I make it!  It's kinda like a little mantra for me.  Something that I need to remember at all times.

The other song that fit today isn't a popular one.  It's by Kelly Clarkson entitled Long Shot.
It's a long shot but I say why not
If I say forget it I know that I'll regret it
It's a long shot just to beat these odds
The chance is we won't make it
But I know if I don't take it
There's no chance
Cause you're the best I got
So take the long shot
I'm all about taking chances right now and just see what happens.  Of course... all of these amazing tunes were followed up by my favorite Glee, which I showed my support for today with my T-shirt!





From there we traveled onto the Tamastslikt Cultural Institute in Pendleton, Oregon.  One of the highlights from today was Bobby, the director of the institute and the way she wanted us to view the Native American Culture.  She wanted us to take back that there weren't just indians in the movies and during the 1840s - they're still around today, just like you and me.  It's something that I don't think I will forget.  We were also able to view the many shelters that the tribes lived in.


Dinner tonight was just one of the experiences that we'll never forget... Our poor waitress that had to deal with all of us!   Then we had our favorite quote of the night from Huwerl... When on the bus... it can rain, but it can't thunder... when talking about our bathrooms!  Needless to say, it was a long night followed by a presentation of what were going to see tomorrow.  That is, if we're awake by then!  Leslie and I just decided to stay in tonight and hang out... We're exhausted!  I'll write more tomorrow!

Today's Step Count: 15, 716!  Oh yeah... we rocked it!