My recent participation in a Pioneer Trek was an experience that blended historical reenactment with a profound personal journey. Just over a week has passed since returning, and the memories are still vivid, enhanced by the incredible photographs captured by Craig Williamson, the Trek photographer. Sharing these images and recounting the highlights seems the perfect way to reflect on this unique adventure.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A group portrait capturing the spirit of camaraderie and historical immersion during the Pioneer Trek.
Pioneer Trek is a tradition that acts as both a historical reenactment and a pilgrimage, though it’s important to note it’s not an official program of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church). It’s organized at the local level, allowing each congregation to tailor their Trek experience. The LDS Church is structured into Wards (congregations) and Stakes (groupings of about ten Wards). Our Trek was a collaborative effort between the Oakland and Walnut Creek Stakes.
Our group consisted of approximately 175 teenagers, aged 14-18, and about 75 adults in support roles. These adult roles ranged from Trail Bosses ensuring safety and navigation, to the Food Team managing meals, Vignette Actors bringing historical scenes to life, First Aid personnel for health support, and the nurturing Mas & Pas who acted as parental figures for the youth “families.” The teenagers were divided into 19 “families,” each assigned a Ma & Pa and a handcart. Family assignments were made without preference, encouraging connection and teamwork within each assigned group. My husband, Ben Blair, and I had the privilege of serving as one of the Mas & Pas families.
The scale of Pioneer Trek is significant, requiring months of meticulous preparation and relying entirely on dedicated volunteers for every aspect of its execution.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Teen participants pulling handcarts, embodying the determination of the original pioneers on their trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A moment of rest and reflection during the Pioneer Trek, amidst the natural beauty of the trail.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Adult leaders guiding and supporting the youth, ensuring a safe and enriching Pioneer Trek experience.
While Pioneer Treks can take place on various trails, participating near a historically significant route adds a layer of depth. Living just three hours from the Mormon Emigrant Trail, believed to stretch from California to Utah, provided a powerful setting for our trek. We explored a section close to the Nevada-California border. It’s worth noting that the original Mormon Handcart Trail extends from the East, from locations like Illinois or Iowa, westward to Utah.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A panoramic view of the challenging terrain encountered on the Pioneer Trek, highlighting the ruggedness of the path.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Participants navigating a rocky section of the trail, emphasizing the physical demands of the Pioneer Trek.
The trail we traversed was undeniably rough. Characterized by uneven terrain, rocks, and both steep inclines and declines, it was physically demanding. Adding to the challenge was the pervasive dust – a fine dirt that seemed to penetrate everything.
To foster family unity and easy identification, each Trek Family received matching neckerchiefs in a distinct color. Our family’s color was a light aqua green. These neckerchiefs quickly became invaluable for recognizing family members and ensuring everyone stayed together. They also served a practical purpose, acting as makeshift masks against the relentless dust.
Our trek covered approximately 20 miles over three days. We hiked about 7 miles on the first day, 8 miles on the second, and 5 miles on the final day.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A handcart family pausing on the trail, showcasing the colorful neckerchiefs that identify each family group.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Youth and adult participants collaborating to maneuver a handcart through a particularly challenging section of the trail.
Unexpected Challenges and Rewards on the Trek
Before embarking on the Pioneer Trek, my mental image was of covered wagons crossing flat plains. I anticipated a relatively easy walk and thought boredom might be the biggest hurdle. On the bus ride to the starting point, I even mentally prepared games, discussion topics, and songs to keep spirits high.
However, the reality of pulling a handcart on that trail was far more demanding than imagined. The physical exertion was constant. Often, I found myself breathless, unable to maintain a conversation, let alone sing. My pre-trek preparations for combating boredom were entirely unnecessary!
Interestingly, both uphill and downhill sections presented unique difficulties. Uphills required significant muscle power to pull and push the cart. Downhills demanded careful control to prevent the carts from accelerating too quickly, effectively turning us into human braking systems.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A Ma and Pa guiding their handcart family, demonstrating the supportive roles of adult leaders during the trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
The aqua green neckerchief of the Blair family, a symbol of unity and identification within their Pioneer Trek family.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A young participant pushing a handcart uphill, showcasing the physical effort involved in the Pioneer Trek.
The physical exhaustion was profound. On the first day, our family reached camp around 3:30 PM, and the immediate priority was setting up sleeping bags and collapsing for a nap. Rest was more appealing than food or water.
After resting, we collectively set up our family campsite. The overall camp layout included a central area for food preparation, first aid, sanitation facilities (port-o-potties), a washing station, and a communal gathering space. Family campsites were situated down a hill, providing some separation. Sleeping was under the open sky, with a single tent per family for changing clothes.
The central gathering area offered pioneer-era games like stilts and log-balancing, providing a touch of historical recreation.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A group of Pioneer Trek participants, with handcarts in tow, traversing a downhill section of the trail.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Pioneer Trek participants taking a break on the trail, highlighting the dusty conditions and rugged landscape.
Dinner was a family affair. The food team pre-prepared most components, and each family received a bin of food to finish cooking at their campsite using their Ma & Pa’s provided cooking equipment and propane stoves.
The camp was intentionally rustic. There were no tables, chairs, showers, or readily available water sources – water was trucked in. A strict “pack it in, pack it out” policy was in place, emphasizing Leave No Trace principles.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Pioneer games and activities at the campsite, offering a glimpse into pioneer recreation.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Youth participants engaging in pioneer-era games at the Pioneer Trek campsite.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Stilts, a classic pioneer game, being enjoyed by participants at the Pioneer Trek campsite.
After dinner, we reconvened at the gathering space, using buckets as makeshift chairs. Live music and a dance instructor led us in square dancing and the Irish Jig. Despite the day’s physical demands, the teenagers enthusiastically embraced the dancing.
The evening concluded with the singing of pioneer hymns before bedtime.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Families preparing dinner at their campsites, using propane stoves and utilizing the provided food supplies.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A close-up of pioneer-style cooking equipment, highlighting the simple methods used during the Pioneer Trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Participants gathered for dinner at their campsite, experiencing communal dining in the pioneer spirit.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Dinner preparation in a campsite setting, emphasizing the self-sufficiency aspect of the Pioneer Trek experience.
Days Two and Three: Vignettes, Babies, and Bonding
Day two began early with breakfast and breaking camp. We repacked our handcarts, understanding the importance of efficient packing. Each family member was limited to a small cargo space and a specific supply list. We used king-sized pillowcases with drawstrings, each containing a standard-sized bucket. The bucket served to compact belongings and doubled as a camp chair. Inside, we packed pajamas, socks, underwear, toiletries, and a jacket. A rolled camping pad and sleeping bag went on top, all secured within the pillowcase.
With 11 children in our family, our cart carried 13 of these bucket-pillowcase units. Space was so limited that we used jacket-stuffed sleeping bag covers as pillows. Water bottles attached to the carts, and a snack box, first-aid kit, wipes, sunscreen, bug repellent, and hand sanitizer were also essential cart items.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Evening entertainment at the Pioneer Trek campsite, featuring live music and dancing under the stars.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Square dancing lessons at the campsite, engaging participants in traditional pioneer dances.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Participants learning and performing the Irish Jig, adding a cultural dimension to the Pioneer Trek experience.
Throughout the trek, we encountered historical vignettes along the trail. Actors in period costumes presented scenes and journal excerpts from actual pioneers. These vignettes aimed to create a tangible connection to the early Mormon pioneers’ experiences – their triumphs, hardships, and emotions.
One vignette incorporated a challenge. On day two, “Mormon Battalion recruiters” appeared and symbolically enlisted the “brothers” in our family for a few hours. While the Mormon Battalion historically predates the handcart pioneers by about a decade, this element added an engaging distraction. It also meant the “sisters” had to manage the handcart alone for a portion of the hike.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Handcarts lined up at the campsite, ready for the next day of the Pioneer Trek journey.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Organized packing and preparation of handcarts at the campsite, essential for efficient trekking.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A handcart family setting out on the trail, ready to face the challenges of the day.
The Mormon Battalion vignette was strategically placed during a particularly difficult trail section, increasing the challenge for the women. However, during these strenuous parts, “angels” – adult volunteers – would appear to assist with pushing and pulling the carts. This reenacted accounts from pioneer journals describing moments of seemingly miraculous help when pioneers felt they could no longer continue, a poignant and uplifting aspect of the Trek.
Another vignette, reflecting the many babies born on the pioneer trail, involved each family receiving a “baby” – a five-pound flour sack wrapped in flannel with a doll’s head attached. The rule: the baby had to be held at all times. Family members rotated carrying their new “sibling” throughout the hike.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A historical vignette depicting Mormon Battalion recruiters, adding an interactive element to the Pioneer Trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Youth participants engaging with vignette actors, enhancing their understanding of pioneer history and challenges.
While some families received their “babies” on day one, ours arrived on day two. Naming our flour-sack baby became a favorite trail activity. The kids brainstormed boy, girl, and gender-neutral names, ultimately deciding on “Claire Cher Blair” for our baby girl.
The afternoon of day two featured the smoothest trail section and a more relaxed pace, facilitating easy conversation. This was a highlight for me, connecting with the wonderful teenagers in our family. We discussed the distinction between suffering and hard work, a reflective conversation sparked by our shared experience.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
“Angels” assisting with handcarts on a difficult trail section, symbolizing the miraculous help described in pioneer accounts.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Volunteers dressed as “angels” providing support and encouragement to Pioneer Trek participants.
We camped again that evening, followed by dinner and another gathering with dancing and a fireside presentation. The presentation began lightheartedly with a cow-pie throwing contest between the Stake leaders (Oakland Stake won!). Then, four teenagers shared personal stories of resilience and growth. We concluded the night with more pioneer hymns.
Day three was swift. We broke camp early, hiked the final stretch, and arrived at the endpoint around noon. Volunteers had prepared a celebratory lunch, marking the successful completion of our Pioneer Trek. It felt like a genuine accomplishment.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A Pioneer Trek family with their flour sack “baby,” illustrating the vignette that emphasized pioneer family life.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Participants taking turns carrying the flour sack “baby,” experiencing a small aspect of pioneer motherhood.
Reflections and Lasting Impressions of Pioneer Trek
One amusing aspect was the blend of historical and modern elements. Pioneer outfits paired with sunglasses or athletic shoes, handcarts equipped with modern water bottles – these juxtapositions were a constant reminder of our contemporary context within this historical experience. Looking back, I wish I had invested more in creating a truly authentic pioneer outfit. While it might have added to the physical challenge, it would have deepened the immersive experience.
The enforced digital detox was surprisingly refreshing. Teenagers were not allowed phones, and there was no reception or charging available. I carried my phone but kept it off, initially intending to take photos, but the professional photographer’s presence made that unnecessary. He even created faux Daguerreotype portraits, which I absolutely love.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A group of Pioneer Trek participants in period attire, showcasing the effort to immerse in the historical setting.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A family portrait in pioneer attire, capturing the historical reenactment aspect of the Pioneer Trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Youth participants in pioneer clothing, enhancing the visual and experiential immersion of the Pioneer Trek.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
A Ma and Pa with their Pioneer Trek family, dressed in period clothing for a group photo.
The Pioneer Trek sparked a genuine interest in the handcart movement. I’m now curious about daily distances, handcart specifications, trip logistics, and organizational aspects.
The pioneer stories shared during the Trek imparted valuable lessons. With preparation, expert advice, common sense, and teamwork, seemingly insurmountable challenges can be overcome. Conversely, neglecting expert guidance and blindly following leadership can lead to hardship and loss. These are timeless lessons applicable far beyond a historical reenactment.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
The celebratory lunch at the end of the Pioneer Trek, marking the successful completion of the journey.
Have you ever participated in a historical reenactment or pilgrimage? Does the idea appeal to you? What aspect would you find most challenging – the lack of showers, the hiking, or sleeping outdoors?
P.S. Blisters were definitely a significant part of the Trek. Moleskin was a true miracle!
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Faux Daguerreotype portraits taken during the Pioneer Trek, capturing participants in a vintage style.
Pioneer Trek Travelogue featured by popular lifestyle blogger Design Mom
Another faux Daguerreotype portrait, highlighting the historical photographic style recreated during the Pioneer Trek.
