No Place Like Home

by Lisa Prysock

  “Yep,” Grace Anne nodded, being careful not to take her eyes off the map.

  “All right, what’s it say?” Logan asked.

  “It says Targhee National Forest.” Zach read slowly.

  “And we hiked through there two days ago,” Grace Anne pointed out, looking up at Logan. “I wrote about it in my journal.”

  “Yep, you’re right. So follow U.S. Route 20 until through Rexburg, Idaho Falls, Arco, Craters of the Moon National Monument, Mountain Home, and then what’s it say?” Logan named off all the places they’d travelled through in the past two days.

  Zach followed the route with his finger while Logan observed from the grill. Then he shouted, “Boise! Boise, Idaho. And close by, it says, Fort Boise.”

  “Very good! That’s where we are right now. We’re at a campsite in the Boise area, the state capital and largest city in Idaho.”

  THE FAMILY LOOKED FORWARD to sitting down around the picnic table in the shade of the awning beside the camper. Especially Logan, whose limp was more noticeable and frequent than ever from all of the hiking they’d done on their travels. With Jill being four months along in her pregnancy, his hip bothering him, and the younger kids along, they’d shortened their hiking excursions considerably. During the meal, the discussion centered around which places they’d liked best in Idaho.

  “Definitely Idaho Falls,” Jackie insisted, the rest of the girls nodding in agreement as they feasted on the barbecued chicken, cole slaw, cucumber tomato salad, corn on the cob, au gratin potatoes, and sweet rolls.

  “I liked the visit to Craters of the Moon.” Micah said as he rolled his corn in more butter.

  Idaho Falls, considered the Niagara Falls of the west, had been an amazing stop on the journey, appealing to all of them with water falling from cliffs more than two-hundred feet taller than those of Niagara Falls. They’d learned Craters of the Moon was a vast ocean of volcanic lava and islands of cinder cones and sagebrush. Jill had taken a number of photos at every stop along the trip, and each evening, the kids faithfully wrote in their journals about their travels after cleaning up the dinner table.

  When they’d reached the small town of Mountain Home, Idaho, they’d learned it had originally been home to a post office, and later, a historic stagecoach stop on the Overland Stage Line. The post office was moved downhill when the Oregon Short Line Railroad was added in 1883. Zach and Micah thought it was pretty cool that the Mountain Home Air Force Base was used to train bombers during World War II.

  LATER THAT EVENING, the kids gathered around the campfire Logan built and Zach brought out his guitar, impressing everyone with two tunes he’d been working on: “Lean on Me” and “Don’t Worry, Be Happy.” Everyone sang along. Jill was especially happy to see her son making progress with minimal prodding.

  Determined to teach the kids some fascinating history about pioneers, after Zach’s musical performance, she began sharing more about the pioneers from notes she’d acquired in her research from reading books and exploring websites.

  “One thing you need to know, pioneers traveled all this way by wagon and on foot, and if they were headed to Washington or Oregon, the journey typically took from April to September, or longer. They usually entered the trail at Independence, Missouri or Kansas City. Sometimes they loaded wagons onto steamships in St. Louis and went upstream along the Missouri River to enter the trail.”

  Jill paused and drank some of her tea. “When they embarked on the journey, to survive, each person needed roughly 200 pounds of flour, 150 pounds of bacon, 10 pounds of coffee or tea, ten pounds of salt, and 20 pounds of sugar, plus a good deal of dried beans and corn meal. They had to start the journey in early spring when the grass came in so the animals could graze and also, so they wouldn’t be stuck traveling in the cold, harsh winter.” Jill paused to see if the children were listening. As she looked around at their faces, she could see they were avidly interested.

  Jill continued reading from her notes. “They faced a lot of hardships like fatigue, accidents, storms, disease, and dangerous river crossings. They also had many encounters with Native Americans, and sometimes these were violent and tragic experiences ending in death. Sometimes the trail became congested. This caused traffic jams and delayed starts. And that area we came through called Craters of the Moon cost many wagons their wheels because it was so dry and such rough terrain. Sometimes folks came from the cities who’d never yoked oxen or driven a mule team. They’d tip their wagons, bump into trees, and couldn’t get their animals to go in the right direction.”

  The kids laughed and then Jill continued. “Sometimes pioneers packed too many items and usually at Independence, Missouri, they had to throw all kinds of furniture and heavy cast iron stoves, loads of flour and bacon, and many other items off of their wagons. Then scavengers would come by and collect the items.”

  She sipped more tea while Logan opened a bag of puffed corn. He poured some into paper cups, passing them along to each child and then, Jill. She continued with their lesson. “Also, the pioneers typically took covered wagons much smaller than the big Conestoga ones you may have seen in pictures. They were simple covered farm wagons. The wheels were smaller in front for making turns in tight places, and the wagons were generally only about four by ten feet. They treated the canvas with linseed oil to help keep the rain out. Each wagon usually had a toolbox on the side and a water barrel, and they were equipped with brakes.”

  Jill looked at the kids to be sure they were still listening. Savannah looked a little sleepy, but the puffed corn was bringing her back to life. The others were still wide-eyed with interest. “Now, I suppose you’re wondering where in Oregon these settlers wanted to go. Frankly, pioneers stopped all over the place, sometimes settling in Wyoming, Idaho, Colorado, Montana, or Dakota Territory. Many went west or south to other places like Texas, Utah, Arizona, and California. But many came to go all the way to the Pacific Coast to settle in beautiful Washington State or Oregon at the end of the amazing Oregon Trail. We’re headed to Willamette River Valley in Oregon because we’re told it’s a very lush, scenic area and also, because back in the days of the brave and courageous pioneers, the U.S. Government offered 640 acres of Willamette Valley farmland to every male citizen who would set up a homestead and farm the land.”

  Logan let out a whistle and handed the kids bottles of apple juice. “That’s like five times the size of our ranch, kids.”

  “Wowza!” Zach’s eyes grew wider as he munched on the puffed corn.

  Jill smiled at her husband and continued. “Several Oregon Trail branches and routes led to the Willamette Valley. Now, back then, the most popular was the Barlow Road, carving though the forest around Mount Hood in 1846 as a toll road. It cost $5.00 per wagon and 10 cents for every head of livestock. It was rough. The incline was steep and it had poor grass but still less costly and much safer than floating goods, wagons, and family down the treacherous Columbia River. Many people lost their lives on the Columbia.”

  At this point, Jill signaled she was done by closing her notes. Logan jumped in to help explain their travel plans. “So, listen up kiddos. Here’s the plan.” He produced their itinerary and began reading. “We’re going to go north up U.S. Route 35 to Mount Hood. From there, we’ll continue along 84, a scenic highway along the Columbia River, west to Portland. At Portland, we’ll branch off and go south on U.S. Route 5 to the Willamette River where the journey for many pioneers finally ended with beautiful, rich land for those who endured hardship. After we see the beautiful valley, we’ll double back north to Portland, a very large city. We’ll take the bypass around it and then take 30 up to beautiful Astoria. Our last stop will be at Cannon Beach. The reason for these last two stops is, we don’t want to miss a chance to see the Pacific Ocean while journeying this far.”

  “We’re going to the ocean?” Jackie asked, a wide grin spreading on her face.

  “Yes, we sure are, sweetheart,” he nodded.

  “Yessss!” Jackie high-fived Gracie Anne.
The boys exchanged happy looks. Savannah smiled up at her parents, no longer looking sleepy since hearing about going to see the ocean.

  “We’re all going to buy those plastic buckets and shovels and play in the sand.” Jill’s idea was a big hit with the kids. They were all smiles and laughter.

  When the commotion settled, Jackie asked, “Hey, isn’t Astoria named for John Astor, the dude who made a fortune in the fur trade?” At fourteen, she’d studied more about the pioneers and the westward expansion than the others.

  “Great question and yes,” Jill nodded, flipping to a page in her notes. “Astoria is a port city of Oregon. It’s near the mouth of the Columbia River where it meets the Pacific Ocean. It was named after John Jacob Astor. He was an investor from New York City whose American Fur Company founded Fort Astoria in 1811.”

  “I’m guessing if he had a wife, she owned a long fur coat,” Jackie said, causing the girls to chuckle.

  “I’m sure she did.” Jill laughed. “Probably a mink stole, too.”

  “And now kiddos, enough speculation about the wardrobe aspects of Mrs. Astor. It’s time to say our prayers and then bed.” Logan, Jill observed, was a natural at the parenting thing.

  “Miss Jackie O, will you tuck the kids in for us?” Jill asked.

  “Sure Mom.” Jackie, wearing a ponytail and one of her fifties style sundresses in mint green, pink, and periwinkle plaid, reached for Savannah’s hand. “C’mon Miss Southern Belle. Time to kiss Mom and Logan goodnight and brush your teeth.”

  “Thanks, Jackie. I don’t know how we’d manage without your help.” Jill gave each one a kiss goodnight on the cheek and passed them along in a line to Logan.

  There were a few groans, but the kids followed Jackie into the R.V., none of them anxious to sleep outside since the raccoon incident.

  When the kids were safely inside, Logan and Jill settled down onto a blanket, ready to relax and snuggle by the crackling fire under the starry sky.

  Leaning her head against his strong chest, Jill looked up at her husband. “You know what, Mr. Haven, I think things are less chaotic since we’ve had this time with the kids. I think this was the trip we needed to become a family and focus on our children. Ireland was for us, but this is for them.”

  “I think you’re right, Mrs. Haven,” Logan agreed, one arm wrapped around her shoulders. “The kids are having a blast. They’ve been playing checkers, drawing in their sketch books, and reading books when we’re driving, and they’re getting plenty of outdoor time, too.”

  “It doesn’t feel so hectic to me like before we left for Ireland. The kids are happier because we’ve been able to really spend some quality time together. They love this trip.” She sighed contentedly. “I’m so glad we’ve had this time together.”

  “Keeping journals on this trip was a great idea. They’re building memories that will last a lifetime.” Logan gazed at the dancing flames and glowing embers of the campfire.

  “My favorite thing has been making bacon and eggs every morning on the little stove in the camper and eating breakfast outside while we have devotions with our children.” Jill yawned. “I’ll definitely be ready to go home when we finish this trip, though. We’ve been on the road for weeks except for the brief stop to pick up our kiddos and rest from the long flight across the Atlantic.”

  Logan stretched. “Speaking of rest, we better hit the hay. We’ve got a lot of driving to do tomorrow. I’m looking forward to home, too. I like our bed and our private family quarters upstairs. It’s cozy and inviting since you’ve been in my life. And, there’s just something about the wide open, beautiful Wyoming prairie and our very own Sweetwater.”

  Chapter 18

  “Home is the nicest word there is.”

  —Laura Ingalls Wilder, American Pioneer and Author

  FINALLY THE BIG DAY arrived. All of Lander, Wyoming and then some had turned out for the rodeo, the final day of the Miss Lander Pageant, and Pioneer Days.

  Jill and Logan, just returned from Oregon, thought the temporary platform cabins had turned out great. The participants Bronson had recruited wore their pioneer costumes. Guys wore hats, suspenders, plaid or white shirts, and dungarees. Ladies wore long skirts, aprons, and bonnets. Everyone looked authentic, thanks to the sewing done by Katie Andrews and Betty Anne Fontaine, with some assistance from Jackie before her trip to Oregon.

  The crew Bronson had hired to build the cabins with only two walls, partial roofing, and platform plank flooring, had done an outstanding job. They’d been designed so folks could easily peer inside as they walked by. Furnished with plank tables, wooden benches, cook stoves, rocking chairs, quilted feather beds, and rustic touches like pewter dishes and butter churners, in addition to the many other items he and Tory had gathered, crowds of Lander citizens enjoyed the charming, historical display as they walked toward the rodeo area on The Sweetwater.

  Jack and Sadie handed out free mini-cornbread muffins, mini-fritters, and paper cups of bean soup all day long, constantly cooking over a kettle and mixing up more muffins to bake inside the cook stove. Their cabin was a tremendously popular stop along the row of platform cabins.

  Betty Anne and Meredith, Jill Haven’s mother and aunt, sold an array of samples of handmade soaps and candles with all sorts of scents like apple, vanilla, and Plumeria. They also demonstrated how soaps and candles were made.

  The Conestoga wagon was on display and children climbed all over the inside to see what it would be like to live there. They marveled over the quilted beds and many supplies packed neatly into the bed of the wagon.

  The hammering of the blacksmith, spinning of colorful yarns Jackie produced, and churning of butter by Grace Anne, delighted onlookers. A fiddler played pioneer tunes as the crowds passed by on their way to the rodeo, and about mid-morning, the pageant.

  Corky and Mrs. Wright manned the chuck wagon near the picnic area where the final round of the pageant would take place, and many other vendors sold all sorts of delicious treats and food.

  All of Bronson and Tory’s hard work had paid off. Pioneer Days was a fascinating success. Families gathered with the costumed volunteers to have their pictures taken with them and many folks lingered to ask questions. Jackie and Grace Anne flourished at answering questions after the trip they’d taken. When it was time for the Miss Lander Beauty Pageant to begin, Jill and Logan gathered the kids and followed Bronson to meet the Johnson family and support his girl.

  KYLIE GAVE A SPLENDID two minute ballet performance to Act 2 of Swan Lake in traditional pale pink ballet attire. Melanie played Beethoven’s “Für Elise” beautifully on a baby grand piano, and she looked lovely wearing a red and black evening gown. Stella Hampton stepped up to the microphone and sang Patsy Cline’s “Crazy” like there’d be no tomorrow, and Arianna delivered a reading from Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice in traditional Regency Era dress. Finally, it was Tory’s turn.

  Last to perform, Tory looked out into a sea of faces, happy to find her whole family seated along with Bronson in front row seats as she took center stage to play her violin for the talent portion of the competition. She wore a long, flowing, deep-plum colored gown with an empire waist, rouching, and wide straps at the shoulders, paired with Jimmy Choo taupe heels. She was thankful she’d had no shortage of clothing for the event as this was the responsibility of each contestant. Her sisters had helped to prepare her well.

  Tory placed the violin beneath her chin, and poised, held the bow across the strings until a hush fell over the crowd. Closing her eyes, she rendered the best performance of her life, delivering a medley of “Shenandoah,” “Jerusalem,” a three second pause, and ending with a traditional foot stomping rendition of an Irish tune, “Toss the Feathers,” which engaged and pleased the crowd from the onset. They stood and clapped, truly enjoying the performance. This, Tory attributed in great part to Jill and Logan Haven, who upon hearing the last song in the medley, cheered and rose to their feet, clapping and dancing with all of their children. Their action
s set off a chain reaction and there weren’t any members of the audience seated when it was over. Cheers, hollers for an encore, and whistles followed her long after she’d curtsied.

  The girls were then directed to the changing area behind curtains to the rear of the stage and runway. When they returned, they’d each changed into beautiful evening gowns. When it was Tory’s turn to walk down the runway, her A-line, teal gown with seams in all of the right places and a bateau folded neckline complemented her figure along with glittery, silver, heeled sandals. Harper, Stephanie, Ryan, and Bronson all whistled and clapped vigorously when it was her turn, and she had to work hard at maintaining her smile and not breaking down into a fit of giggles at their display of enthusiasm on her behalf.

  When she took her place beside the other contestants to wait for the results, she had one main thought on her mind. Her feelings of merely being a klutzy, country girl had vanished. She hadn’t had a single stumble or klutzy incident all week. Her confidence had soared.

  She was a little curious as to why Arianna hadn’t pulled any other stunts, but thankful the Lord had answered her prayers in helping her through the rest of the competition without further incident. She still maintained no animosity or enmity toward the girl and found herself praying for her. Without having compassion and forgiveness for Arianna, she’d only end up hurting herself and disrupting the peace in her own soul and relationship with the Lord. Absolutely nothing was worth losing the peace in her life or her God, the God of peace, the Prince of Peace, Savior and Redeemer of her soul.

  Soon, Mrs. Ava Taylor announced the winners with much cheering in-between each name read from the judges’ envelopes. “Third place goes to Kylie Parker!” Cheers, whistles, and claps ensued. “Second place, Melanie Saltmore!” More clapping and whistles followed, and then a long pause as Ava opened the final envelope. “And our new Miss Lander and first place winner of this year’s pageant, Tory Johnson!”