Crossing The Missouri River

The wagons had started to cross the river one by one. The travelers for the most part walked beside their wagons because the wagons were full of things to begin their new lives on the prairie. Nell's friend, Ethel, had been driving the wagon, but had been convinced when they got closer to the river that a strong man would be driving it through the flood waters. There had been a really bad storm a few days ago and had filled the river over the banks with water making it difficult to see a good place for the oxen and horses to make a safe crossing.

Men that had crossed months before had made rafts for the people to ride on. They were left on the banks of the river on the other side so brave men had to cross the river and float them across the river for the next pioneers to use. The rafts were made from logs that were cut in half. The logs were tied together. Then horses were connected to the rafts by leather tack and heavy ropes that would hopefully be strong enough to carry the weight of so many people. Some rafts were large enough to carry a wagon or two at the most. The wheels were taken off so the wagons would be more stable and not so apt to topple over.

There were some accidents during the crossing. Nell could hear shouts of fear and anger from people as well of screams from the horses. The water was fast and furious. It looked like boiling thin mud it was so dirty looking. Some wagons were lost as well as people. These were dangerous times. She was sure that she would never make it. As she got on the raft the water was lapping up onto her shoes and the bottom of her dress. It was so cold. She clung onto her friend for dear life. She just knew she would never make it to safety. She put her hand to her chest and could feel the thin picture of her mother she held to her heart. "Oh mama, what have I done? I should have stayed in St. Louis. I should never have answered that ad for a bride." She felt the raft tip and her wagon was on the verge of falling in the river. She screamed and attempted to hang on to the wagon. Her friend and some of the men said, "Let it go! Save yourself from falling in. You are much more important than the things in the wagon. Our friends will help and hopefully soon your new husband will replace your things. Do you know how to swim? We may have to jump in if the raft sinks.

Back in Iowa, Marlee Ada was wondering where her new ma was. Pa was always so busy with the fields and the animals she didn't get to see him much. She was lonely and hot. Pa didn't even have time to take her fishing or a picnic by the pond. She looked around and thought, "I can make my own little pond. My ma used to make her own pond."

"I can make my own pond too. Pa won't mind. Oh this bucket is really heavy..."