Schooled In
On the 11-ail, Agnes spent the greater part of her days with her sister On the trail, Agnes spent the greater part of her days with her sister Elizabeth, even though…
Emigrant Characteristics
Most of the emigrants shared certain characteristics as a group: they were men and women who had already made one or more moves before in a restless search for better lands. They…
Preemption
What a farm family wanted most was a government policy that would permit a farmer to "squat" on a piece of land. that is, to build a house and clear the trees,…
Spur to Emigration on the 1840s
In 1831, a Massachusetts schoolteacher incorporated the "American Society for Encouraging the Settlement of the Oregon Territory." His ambition was to "repeat with appropriate variations the history of the Puritan colony of Massachusetts…
Frontier Theory for Women
Almost twenty years ago the late historian David Potter pointed out that one of the most influential interpretations of the American experience was based upon a fallacy. He was referring to Frederick…
Ride Follow-Up: Buddhists and Post Offices
It’s been a week now since I rolled down Emigrant Canyon in Salt Lake City, and I’ve been home for just a few days. In that time I’ve learned a…
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July 16, 2021
View south toward SAlt Lake City from Big Mountain
Day 38: The City of the Saints
July 8, 2021 Coalville, UT to Salt Lake City, UT 57.9 miles/3,288 feet upper 90s/winds 10-15+ https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70822220 The last day of my ride started warm and clear. As I was…
July 11, 2021
Needle Rocks from the north on Yellow Creek Road
Day 37: Up One Creek and Down Another
July 7, 2021 Evanston, WY to Coalville, UT 48 miles/1,473 feet Mid-90s/winds variable to 15/tail and headwind https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70756724 I was a little worried this morning because looking forward, the last…
July 10, 2021
Coffee sign outside Pete’s
Day 36: For Pete’s Sake
My day off in Evanston did not turn out as I planned, but it was every bit as pleasant as I had hoped. I woke knowing I didn’t have to…
July 10, 2021
Hillcrest Motel. I believe this street, Harrison Drive, was part of the original Lincoln Highway. That would explain the string of motels.
Day 35: Graded Roads and Early Check-in
I’m in Salt Lake City, waiting for a train back to Davisville (which doesn’t leave for another three days). In the meantime, I’m trying to backfill the last few days…
July 9, 2021
Coffee break in the shadow of the Wasatch Mountains
Day 38: All Done
Just a note to say I made it to Salt Lake City and am resting with Lisa’s cousins, Mike and Connie. Safe with the Buddhists now. More to come, including the…
July 8, 2021
Post office, Granger, WY
Day 34: Independence Day
I am currently in Coalville, Utah, having made it out of Wyoming after more than two weeks (since June 20) in that state. Seems like longer in some ways. Tomorrow…
July 7, 2021
Freshly-made grilled veggie lasagne, a wonderful salad, garlic toast . . . Wonderful!
Day 33: Simpson’s Hollow
July 3, 2021 Farson, WY to Granger, WY 52.4 miles/1,360 ft low 90s/winds west to 15 https://ridewithgps.com/trips/70548781 I got an early start the next morning. I wanted to make Granger,…
July 6, 2021
South Pass marker, which I believe was placed by Ezra Meeker in 1913
Day 32: Expect Nothing
Still in Evanston, WY, before my final push over the Wasatch Mountains to Salt Lake City. The ride I describe below was from Rock Creek Hollow to Farson and, well,…
July 6, 2021
Rainbow by the Sixth Crossing Center
Day 31: Sufficient Unto the Day
I am currently in Evanston, WY, on my first layover stay since leaving Casper eight days ago. I broke my one-day-a-week-of-rest rule without realizing it, keeping my eyes instead on…
July 5, 2021