Trudging Along the Oregon Trail

We set out this morning to watch the reenactment of the river crossing near Glenns Ferry at Three Island State Park. We found that the Oregon Trail still holds disappointment for some of its travelers when we became stuck in a three to four mile traffic jam and missed the whole thing. The park's website says,

Upon reaching the Three Island ford, the emigrants had a difficult decision to make. Should they risk the dangerous crossing of the Snake, or endure the dry, rocky route along the south bank of the river? About half of the emigrants chose to attempt the crossing by using the gravel bars that extended across the river. Not all were successful; many casualties are recounted in pioneer diaries. The rewards of a successful crossing were a shorter route, more potable water and better feed for the stock. The Three Island ford was used by pioneer travelers until 1869, when Gus Glenn constructed a ferry about two miles upstream."

The Glenns Ferry community has sponsored a crossing reenactment for 24 years. Unfortunately, this year's event was the last. Our trip wasn't wasted because Dan said he like the looks of the area and that we'll go back to explore when its less crowded. We picked up the Oregon Trail again near Boise though, hiked a little, admired the well-watered sage brush (thanks to an extra wet spring and summer), and finished off by picnicking on a round of Jack's mini sirloin burgers.