On this Sunday morning I think back to my recent vacation to Arizona which makes me realize that I am very lucky to be alive during this century and be able to travel.
Much like my ancestors I had the motivation and desire to experience new life and experiences.
I like to travel where I can experience the communities and the people.
Instead of quick jet transportation, I prefer most of my travel to be by car.
My only burdens are finding gas, desirable food and restrooms as I traveled in a climate controlled automobile to these beautiful places.
In understanding my ancestors, it was during the 19th century in America, the idea of "manifest destiny" became very popular.
Under this idea, many Americans believed that they were meant to expand throughout the North American continent.
The idea of traveling westward to reach new land for farming, as well as to bring American customs and practices to newly acquired parts of the country, became very popular.
In fact the first major wagon train to the northwest departs from my State of (Missouri) and in particular Elm Grove, Missouri, on the Oregon Trail.
After a long journey from the East or the Midwest, which covered 2,000–3,000 miles and could take as long as six months.
The trip westward was difficult. Many pioneers traveled in covered wagons pulled by horses, mules, or oxen. These wagons were filled with the necessary supplies for the journey—food, dishes and cooking equipment, and clothing—and perhaps a few pieces of furniture; the wagons were cumbersome and slow, and most of those traveling with the wagon (aside from the driver) would usually walk or ride alongside the wagons to help lighten the load.
Pioneers often traveled in groups of several wagons and followed well-worn paths such as the Oregon Trail, which led from Missouri to the Oregon region, or the Santa Fe Trail, which also started in Missouri but took a more southerly route to New Mexico territory (with some continuing on to California). As the wagons traveled westward, lightning and torrential rains from storms posed a threat, and, when crossing mountainous areas, blizzards producing limited visibility and heavy snows could bring a whole party to a standstill.
Along with encountering natural hardships, pioneers would sometimes get into conflicts with Native Americans.
Indeed life of these people was a hardship we have never endured compared to our modern world as we know it.
I salute the bravery, constitution and accomplishments of these ancestors!
Now my only worry while I drive the long distances in my comfortable automobile is the choice of what restaurants to eat along my trip & the boredom with available radio station reception. (Yes, I'm too cheap for satellite radio)😂
In a nutshell my rambling comes down to one statement...
"Modern Day Life" is grand in the scheme of things while looking back at the hardships of our ancestors.
Nana
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