The California Gold Rush Trail
In the 1850's a massive migration of people left the comfort of their homes in Eastern America. Word of the discovery of gold in far-off Spanish California drew thousands across the Indian lands of the French Louisiana Purchase (the Prairies), across the Rockies and into the Promised Land of easy riches.
For three years the torrent continued until dreaded cholera and the advent of the railroad slowed the endless stream. When it was over, a nation had been born.
On August 16th, I am leaving Ottawa, wife and family to travel this 3100 km. route by bicycle.
I will begin in Independence, Missouri where the boats unloaded their eager cargo onto the banks of the Missouri rivers. Then north through the Missouri breaks to Nebraska - home of King Corn (and hopefully flat enough to give my body a chance to toughen up. Then west along the Platte River through Nebraska and Wyoming until the mountains of Idaho where our son Neil will rendezvous with me.
Together for 2 weeks Neil and I will pedal southwest through Utah, Nevada and finally to where it all began - Sutter's Fort, California.
I am living as much as possible as those intrepid travellers did. Campfires at night under an open sky. Moving by muscle. Travelling at a slow pace (and slower over the Rockies).
