We Reach Philip Foster Farm

July 10, Thursday

We spent the morning in camp. The girls did some sewing with Mrs. Wragge. Some of the boys went hunting and got a couple of grouse (actually chickens Bill Vixie brought to camp). They also did some fishing with no success in that department. Mr. Dave Vixie’s wagon groups got their wagon up on the hill and then had to let it down a steep incline using ropes. I thought it was pretty scary and was worried that the rope would slip and they would either get bad rope burns on their hands, or that someone would be struck by the wagon. They worked slowly and methodically with the assistance of Mr. Dave Vixie and Mr. Nystrom, so all was well. In mid-afternoon we packed everything onto trailers again and drove down into the valley where we set up an arrival scene at Philip Foster Farm. This is a respite, and the end of the Barlow Road for us, as it was for the pioneers so long ago. When we got in, we all went to the store and had a cold soda. It tasted so good after having only warm water for the past few days to drink. It was bittersweet to film the wagons arriving at the farm. I am so relieved that we are all here safe and sound as I know what kind of accidents we could have had along the way. Lydia and Angela, who have not been with us for two days, are back on the train this evening and feeling much better. Lydia had been sick since Baker City (we took her to the hospital in LaGrande where she was diagnosed with dysentery, and again in Gresham, when we thought she may have another medical situation developing, but fortunately that was not the case). Angela had an infection in her gums from some recent tooth surgery, but after going to the hospital where she got some antibiotics, she is much better now.

As the wagons arrived, I asked Connor to walk with Candace (his bride of 24 hours). He held her hand as they made the circle, and gave her a big hug at the end of the trail. Of course their “marriage” was arranged, but they are both good sports about the situation and perhaps will stay in touch with each other after this journey ends. Tonight Connor left us for his home in Casper, WY. He has a wedding (for real) to attend for his sister and then leave for a humanitarian trip to Africa. He has been a true joy to have with us on the trail these past two weeks and Quackgrass and I will particularly miss his energy and smiling face.

The students and teachers have spread their ground cloths, lay their sleeping bags atop them, and eaten a fine dinner of fried chicken, potato salad, green salad, and pop that Quackgrass purchased at a nearby store. They will have one more night together on the trail. I hope it is clear and bright so that they can watch the stars once again. I know the hustle and bustle of their lives will soon encroach on such opportunities, particularly for those who live in the cities: Boston, Denver, and Sacramento.

--Candy Moulton