Oregon Trail

I’m trying to find a direct flight from Orlando or Tampa to this area so my grandson from Florida can spend Thanksgiving with us.  The only ones so far come into Salt Lake City, which is about a six hour drive from Boise. Generally driving six hours is no big deal to me. I drove the same distance alone with my babies going from Gilbertsville, NY to Jamestown, NY to see my family but this is not the same. I have to remember to pack sleeping bags or blankets, snacks and water. Yes, I have a cell phone, and yes, if I broke down or went off the road someone would eventually come but not necessarily right away. To be honest going through the highest elevations between here and there scares me. Maybe I’m not as brave (or stupid) as I used to be. I don’t have a four wheel drive and my pickup isn’t great (more like worthless) in snow. Last year the trip to Salt Lake City was fine but coming back it started to snow and was getting dark by the time we hit the mountains. This part of the country is breathtaking any time of the year and I love shooting pictures but it does make me feel pretty small and not in control.  The interstate follows the path of the Oregon Trail and I can’t help but think of all those people from “settled areas” coming across the same vast landscapes with their wagons. It amazes me that any of them reached Oregon.  There are settlements in fertile areas along the trail where some of those headed for Oregon decided they had gone far enough. The Snake River Valley is one of those areas. Having seen the three islands crossing area of the Snake, if I had made it that far I think I’d have been one of those who said “far enough”. I can’t imagine taking a wagon across that river. Eventually one of those who decided “far enough” built a ferry at the crossing. I am in awe of those families who were desperate and brave enough to endure that horrendous trip just to give their children a better life.