At the start of this vision, I saw two teams of four horses hitched to two Conestoga Wagons. There were also several horseback riders accompanying them. From experience, I know that about 20 miles a day is a practical goal for riders. I pondered how to do this challenge in less than 6 months. Remembering how a team is able to do a relay race, it was obvious that two horse teams could do the same. One wagon would drive for 5 hours in the morning, meet the other wagon around noon. The other wagon would drive another 5 hours in the afternoon, while the first wagon would be trailered to the end of the day destination. Rails to Trails has detailed maps that clearly show places to camp and rest.
It will be a great Celebration of our national heritage to remember our past – the mistakes as well as the great victories. A team of twelve young people ages 18 to 25 will be a powerful addition to this project. It will be an opportunity to be trained in various skills, to learn history and to be physically conditioned. A team of older adults will be needed to provide drivers to move equipment, a farrier, cooks to make meals, a photo journalist to record the journey, an advance crew to go ahead of us to prepare for our team needs of water, electricity, gas and horse feed. The draft horses and wagons are the key to this whole undertaking.
A Heritage Store could be part of the Tour and utilized to sell souvenirs relating to our theme. Printed handkerchiefs, handmade soap, candles, leatherwork and handcrafted items.
Since November 2024, I have had a recurring and unfolding vision of planning a Wagon Train across the country from Washington to Washington. This is approximately 3700 miles and covers 12 states. This Tour will take place from about April to July of 2026. The unique tool that is now available for this project is a movement called Rails to Trails. Old railroad right of ways around the nation are being converted to trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians.
It will be fun to organize some athletic games like lacrosse, baseball, arrow shooting, lasso roping and the like, for times we are in a community. Music will be a strong part of our daily routine. Line dancing and square dancing are great fun and exercise. It is rich to remember how our ancestors amused themselves while on the trail West. Having a day off each week is a strong reminder for us to have a day of rest for ourselves and our horses. On the weekends, a Parade will be planned through whatever community is our resting place. Our camping site will welcome folks who are curious and want to learn about history. We especially want to highlight our Native American heritage.