Wagon Train Trip 2004By

Ray Sammons

In 2003 we scheduled a five-day covered wagon safari for August of 2004 this was to be “the trip of a lifetime!”, “Our Mountain Cruise.” However, when it came time to leave Phyllis’ hip was too sore for a bumpy wagon train ride. So, at her insistence, I went on the trip alone.

The trip consisted of one day of training followed by four days of driving a team of horses, pulling a modern covered wagon to sleep in every night.

This is a pictures log of the trip

Day 1: Training

Fort Shiloh, where the Wagon Train started, is on the front range of the Absarokee Mountains in Clark, Wyoming.

The first day started with a full breakfast of eggs, bacon, and toast.

The Wagon Master, Kurt McNabb, turned the eggs as the guest filed by.

After breakfast, it was orientation and reviewing the safety measures used on the trip.

Kurt’s grandson, Little Kurt, was not concerned about class; he needed a horse to ride! And he needed it now!

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After the barn session each driver harnessed their assigned team and moved into the big corral for the first driving session.

The first

driving sessions were done on a

two wheeled two seated cart

where the driving skills

were observed by an assistant

trainer.

Keep the lines snug, and pull left or right to turn.

Pull both lines to stop.

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The teams patiently waited for their turn.

After the cart training each driver was assigned a wagon and their team was transferred to that wagon and they continued test driving in the big corral.

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Before the road trip started each horse’s shoes are checked, tightened, or replaced.

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Day 2: First day on the Trail

The wagons waited for their horses.

The horses waited for their

drivers.

In due time Clancy (Kurt’s youngest son) and his faithful hound lead the train up the road into the mountains.

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The road into the mountains provided lots of scenery.

All crops must be irrigated and

mostly from a gated pipe.

Crossing the Clark’s Fork River.

Sprinkler irrigation, the

easy and expensive way to

irrigate.

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The road becomes a track.

The first night we camped in a green grass compound, which was a welcome change from the road.

The drivers and passengers all gathered around a camp fire drinking coffee and waiting for the evening meal.

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Day 3: The trail into the mountains

Some of the crew slept in until breakfast was ready.

Cooking the bacon.

And next the pancakes.

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A horse lost its shoe and a replacement is put on before starting on the trail.

Today another of Kurt’s grandsons joined the out rider staff.

Coffee and a warm fire before breakfast.

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We left the irrigated valley and started our climb into the mountains.

Occasionally the road dipped and the horses could coast down hill.

The wagons were separated

by enough space so no one

‘ate the trail dust’.

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Clancy and his faithful companion observe the passing wagons.

Coming down, – carefully!

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Lunch break for the drivers ….

Rest for the horses …

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The climb continues

The outriders take a shortcut through the sagebrush.

The rolling, flushing toilet.

Best use it when parked!

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At camp the horses were unharnessed and turned loose for some water and clean green hay.

Fuel for tomorrow.

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Clancy’s chaps, saddle, rifle and scabbard.

The outriders’

closet.

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The camp ‘facilities’, a two holler.

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As the sun goes down activities centered around the fire in the open faces lodge.

This evening, after dinner,

the drivers and

passengers enjoyed the

musical

entertainment.

This family came from Oklahoma to play for the camp.

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Little Kurt roasted

marshmallows.

Grandma, Kurt’s wife and chief camp-cook, took a break and held Little Kurt’s little brother.

(Grandma rode over 400 miles horseback during the summer.)

When on the floor, this grandson enjoyed the fire.

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Keeping him out of the fire was a constant vigil.

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Day 4: Driving the 4 horse hitch

This was a day in camp – no driving.

Kurt hitched 4 horses to the touring wagon and everyone went for a ride higher into the mountain.

Camp is the white blotch

on the left above the trees and

black horses.

The touring wagon.

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This is part of “The 100 Mile Route” between Meeteetse, WY and Red Lodge, MT. Meeteetse was the home of Butch Cassidy.

It was made by the Army in the 1860s.

It’s beautiful country!

The rock pass ahead looks impassable, or a great place for a holdup!

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On the stagecoach trail, outriders in the lead.

At noon the wagon stopped

for lunch and the horses waited for their passengers

to eat and frequent the

rolling outhouse.

As we ate a rancher was working some cattle on a distant flat area.

The sky was clear, the air fresh, and it was a great day to be outdoors.

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After lunch each guest took a turn driving the 4 horse hitch.

I took a turn with the lines.

This is not something you get to do everyday!

The sound of horses walking, the view of the

mountains, life is good!

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The evening program tonight was put on by the Atnip family ,9 children, even the young ones are on stage!

Wagon Master, Kurt McNabb, watches the young Atnip girls play! What fun!

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Day 5: The trip home

Clancy’s horse nibbled on the lodge benches as he prepared to lead the Wagon Train down the mountain and home. This will be the longest drive of the trip.

The horses enjoy down hill!

It was downhill, most of the time.

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Lunch is a short stop along the trail.

Eating sandwiches in

the wagon.

And be ready to roll on command.

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On the road again.

The Wagon Master flanks the moving train.

And the wagons

continue downhill towards

home.

When we arrived back at Fort Shiloh the wagons were parked, horses unharnessed, goodbyes were said.

And with that, the 2004 Wagon Train became

history!

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