Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail

Kevin & Denny were asked to present a fireside on the Spiritual lessons they learned from walking The Mormon Battalion Trail. This is the recording of that fireside given on April 23, 2023 in Midland Michigan. As ordinary people who found themselves in an extraordinary situation, they reflect on the things that touched their hearts & blessings that came to them through God's love. Many times those blessings came in the form of earthly angels such as those present at the fireside and many others who supported them along the trail. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

It may have been started in the 1950's - but when you hear this interiew with current President, Greg Christofferson, you'll realize the Mormon Battalion Association is transforming itself into a well respected academic and historical group with new research, new leadership, new website, and new projects designed to make them the "Go-To Repository of Mormon Battalion History." Everyone who is interested in the Battalion Story (or connected to it) is invited to join the Association and contribute skills, talent, time, or monetary donations to help with the many exciting projects designed to help preserve and share this great history - a story that Greg says "generates enthusiasm for people that hear it." Visit their website and share the link with your family & friends: www.mormonbattalion.com to join today. JOIN & DONATE PAGE --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

A true "Battalion Trek artifact", this porta-potty was a fond (and fun) memory of all who trekked with us. So....Where in the World IS it today? Laugh along with us as we remember "The Porta-Potty" and learn the back-story we didn't know. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Being in San Diego surrounded by so many of the people who had been cheerleaders, fellow-hikers, blog readers, SPOT trackers, and rescuers in more ways than you can imagine was a sweet and tender time for us. What a finish to an incredible Battalion Trail adventure! The only thing that could have made it better was having ALL our Trek Friends there. This podcast, as Kevin says, "Is just as much their story as it is ours" and we cannot thank them enough. Thank you for listening - STAY TUNED: there will be more podcasts Season 3: A Woman's perspective: Denny's experiences & insights along the trail Season 4: People & Projects: Meet people who are engaging in the story using their own interests and talents sharing their expertise/experience to benefit us all. Please consider becoming a member of the Mormon Battalion Association and helping them further this great outreach. We encourage you to contact them to see how you can be involved. There is something everyone can do! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Becky and Mark Woodbury join us again to share their memories of traveling to San Diego with their tipi and participating in the mult-stake event at Old Town State Park. Mark went on the Night Hike with Kevin & Peter near Yuma, AZ and Becky didn't want to miss San Diego. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Taking pride in and having fun learning about the Battalion history - ancestors, and educating others has helped these dedicated reenactors make connections to their ancestors. They share what the experience of walking into Old Town meant to them, and we relish in the memories we have of that day. Jerry Gardner, Smokey Bassett, Bob Tingey, and Peter & Virginia Guilbert will share how they learned they were related to Battalion members and others tied to California history and how that has impacted who they portray at reenactments. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Eight intrepid souls march into the Plaza in Old Town San Diego arriving on the same date the original Battalion did January 29, 1847. No fanfare, no welcoming committee - just a sense of connection with those we were honoring and a quiet sense of satisfaction. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Learn how an archeologist, hair stylist, highschool history teacher, and opthalmology tech saved The Vail Ranch History of Temecula, CA. If you don't get the history bug from these dedicated folk, you'll have to contribute a quarter into their mythical "Tell-people-about-history-when-they-aren't-particularly-interested" jar. You'll be touched by the insights they have about the Mormon Battalion experiences in their area - and how that experience was part of the law suit that saved the buildings and restoration project you see today. Go visit them and experience their wonderful exhibits and hands-on opportunities. https://www.vailhq.com/ Take a virtual tour of Vail Heaquarters with Rebecca (aka "The Temecula History Lady".) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ii2cZxyB1E0 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Have your heart touched as you hear the poignant story that happened here in a less well-known location along the Mormon Battalion Trail. And, who better to tell it than our friends, Darell and Rebecca Farnbach local historians extraordinare. They have embraced the Battalion story making it their own in a way that is both heartwarming and inspiring. Visit the Vail Ranch Headquarters and immerse yourself in the great experiences provided for all ages. https://www.vailhq.com/history --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

Our son, Jon had no clue what lay in wait for him when he came to celebrate his 24th birthday with us on the trail near Mason Valley. The teddy bear cactus were in fine form, and the heat and terrain about as inhospitable as the Battalion experienced in 1847. His perspective is insightful. "What are you gonna do? Turn around and go back through all the horrible stuff you've been through or go forward?" --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/denny-watts-henson/message

We had trail angels come in a lot of forms along the long trek, but when Craig joined us at Vallecito Valley to Box Canyon, he brought a breath of fresh air and lifted the hearts of some very weary hikers. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Close your eyes as we and our trek friends attempt to help you imagine what it was like hiking through river bottom sand, a cactus forest, a hill of giant granite boulders and ending up in a flash-flood carved canyon. This is the second episode as we are walking listeners through the 3-day stretch between Plaster City, CA and Box Canyon in the sequence we hiked it. You'll hear from multiple people in this group of interviews who share their various perspectives. We hope it will give you a glimpse of what it is like on that part of the trail. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

From Yuma, Arizona to Carizzo Creek, California - the Battalion had to survive 90 miles of the most desolate desert imaginable. Even with cached water, military escorts, and food in their packs our intrepid hikers, Kevin, Peter, and Terry share the challenges they faced during this stretch. The Battalion didn't know what lay ahead of them when they left what is now modern day Plaster City, CA but our reconnaissance trip the night before gave us a sneak peak into what our trekkers would be facing. If you haven't visited this place it's impossible to imagine - especially the stench of the water! To see a video of Kevin explaining and showing what Carizzo Creek looks like, visit Kevin's interactive map of the trail and go to January Trail Events>Carizzo Creek map pin. The map is found at this link: https://mapntour.com/view/mbtfs --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Do you ever wonder what it is like to hike at night along the trail? Peter and Kevin were joined by Kevin's former missionary companion Mark Woodbury to participate in the never to be forgotten El Centro Night Hike. Watching the happy reunion of these missionary companions – made me think of Alma and the Sons of Mosiah from the Book of Mormon. There was rejoicing (in this case after 34 years) to see “they were still … brethren in the Lord, yea and they had waxed strong in the knowledge of the truth…” You'll hear more from Mark and his wife Becky about our time in San Diego… and at the end of the podcast segments – we'll have them give you an update about the Famous Battalion Trek Porta Potty. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Trace Skeen shares his experience hiking the trail near Yuma, AZ and how he came to write a musical production to share the Battalion Story. He talks about some of his favorite songs. We have included the overture and a recording of Trace singing a few songs from the rehearsal CD which we share with his permission. For more information on the script or music for “Battalion: The Musical” please contact Trace Skeen at tracerskeen@live.com or call/text him at 435-938-1586. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Two days after Christmas, Paul & Dixie Lyman joined the Wilson crowd to hike to Oatman Mesa near Gila Bend, Arizona. Paul was on Battalion Trek's Board of Directors. We were lucky to catch up him and Dixie while they were serving a mission in Germany. Having spent years researching the Willie Handcart Company's path from Liverpool England to Salt Lake City, they had a unique perspective on our Trek. Paul's experience enabled him to point out the wagon wheel rust marks on the rocks going up to Oatman Mesa. This was a memory every person who hiked that day pointed out as a highlight in their memories. Paul's book is titled “The Willie Handcart Company.” If you'd like to see his book in an interactive map style similar to the Mormon Battalion Trail, go to https://www.mapntour.com/view/WHT --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

One of the highlights of the trek was the four days the Dow and Lynne Wilson family joined us near Maricopa, Arizona. Having opted to participate as “Cooke's Cadre --- they hiked with all the period accoutrements, slept in 1846 tents, and cooked their own meals over the fire with replica army issue camp kettles. Bright and early Christmas morning, (just after we finished talking with our son Brian, who was on a mission in Mongolia) the Wilson family drove up to our rendez-vous point in their Toyota Highlander. We were amazed as we watched all ten of them pile out of the car and wondered how they fit! In this episode Lynne Wilson was kind enough to share her memories with us and the significance of the Battalion Story to American History. You'll also hear Peter Guilbert, who was with us along that stretch, share his memories of hiking on those days. Note: This was the first interview we did - and have learned much about audio recording since then. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Part 2 of Margaret's story will explore the Battalion's commitment to honor their word to her relatives by trading buttons for food. It's an incredible story and as she says, "It took BOTH sides to make it work." She also shares her memories of the three days she spent with us in Tucson. Photo: Ebenezer Brown & Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Prepare to be amazed as you hear Margaret Jorgenson tell how she had ancestors both in Presidio Tucson, AND in the Mormon Battalion. In Part 1, you'll hear how her “cousins” felt when they heard about the “rag tag” army that was headed their way. Atanacia and Petra were alive when the Battalion went thru Tucson. Atanacia Santa Cruz Hughes ( my 2nd Great Grandmother born 14 August 1850 about 3 1/2 years after the "Invasion". She was alive when the US army came thru Tucson after the Mex/Amer war was over. She recalled the day they marched past her doorway with the US flag claiming her families home and lands as now belonging to the US.) Her parents, sister Petra and aunt Guadalupe (born 15 Feb 1807 in Tucson) were at the Presidio during the M Battalion arrival. Atanacia's parents died in 1851 when 25% of the residents of the presidio died from cholera. Aunt Guadalupe raised the girls. Photo: Left to Right Atanacia Santa Cruz Hughes, Guadalupe, Petra (both Aunts) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Val John Halford re-joined us to hike the San Pedro River Valley - most well known in the Battalion Story for the Battle of the Bulls. He'll share his impressions of the area, how being on site enabled him to see just how easy it would have been for the bulls to surprise the line of Battalion volunteers, and what challenges he had hiking through the veggetation and terrain that day. Val joined us the first time as we marched out of Ft. Leavenworth, Kansas. To hear those memories, see the episode titled "Leaving Ft. Leavenworth – Val John Halford's Memories" The video by Jim Mahoney (BLM) who hiked with Kevin and Val that day - is of Jim demonstrating how the Mormon Battalion built a road to California is found on Battalion Trek's YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WqJAKBepjj8&t=3s --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

As a BLM employee, Mike decides he should "monitor" the Trek and joins us near Soccoro. He talks about 1846 shoes (Brogans), Rations, wonders if the Battalion met Kit Carson, and shares some tips about hiking the trail and acquiring period clothes. News Article about Mike's 2021 Bataan Death March participation: https://www.alamogordonews.com/picture-gallery/news/local/community/2021/04/20/2021-bataan-memorial-death-march/7285535002/ Bataan Memorial Death March Event website: https://bataanmarch.com/ Videos mentioned in this episode: Equipment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y6wDUZDbonU Clothing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svBcvjiL2gA --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

With 30 years as a infantryman, a passion for reenacting military marches, and experience managing public lands, Mike Bilbo brings a truly unique perspective to The Battalion Trek reenactment. His help obtaining permits to allow us to cross public lands was invaluable. He was able to hike with us twice in New Mexico and what a treat it was to have him along. News Article about Mike's 2021 Bataan Death March participation: https://www.alamogordonews.com/picture-gallery/news/local/community/2021/04/20/2021-bataan-memorial-death-march/7285535002/ Bataan Memorial Death March Event website: https://bataanmarch.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Our introduction to Ron Kirkpatrick couldn't have come at a better time. He relates his experiences hiking the week Kevin was laid up with foot surgery, the people he met on the trail, what things intrigued the Battalion members as they passed through this area in 1846, and how the Battalion did their duty to God and Country. Ron has supported Kevin in his research of the trail and shares his memories about being there for the discovery of 'thought-to-be-lost' Emery's Butte. Since we received his first email volunteering to help, his sense of humor and his ability to know just what we need has made Battalion Trek a greater adventure for all of us. We invite you to sit back and prepare to be entertained as he shares his perspective of our time in the Albuquerque area and what the Mormon Battalion saw when they passed through. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Peter Guilbert joins us again to remember the time we spent in Santa Fe, at Rancho de los Golondrinas Harvest Festival Event, walking into Old Town Plaza, visiting the Palace of the Governors, a fireside event, and walking to Albuquerque. He, Kevin, and Mark Cummings braved the truly "miserable" day of hiking out of Aqua Frieta with cold rain. Just before the fireside we had a hailstorm which was fun because that is what actually happened to the Battalion while they were in Santa Fe. Rancho de las Golondrinas website: https://golondrinas.org/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Brent continues about Life in “Mormon Town”, recognizes more tender mercies, helps us contemplate the sacrifices of the early saints. We giggle about romance in 1846, and he spotlights some “firsts” that took place in Pueblo. The photo for this episode is provided in Brent's resouces and is titled: Pueblo Pioneers – William Johnson, Iva Melton, Laura Bell Note: Regarding the discussion about whether or not Pueblo was one of the first religious colonies in the west. It is our understanding that the Brooklyn Saints became part of the San Francisco community so Brent's sources may be correct for another first in Pueblo. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

What do southern belles and wealthy plantation owners have to do with the Mormon Battalion Story? Brent Holladay, descendent of one of the "Mississippi Saints", shares the fascinating story of how this well outfitted group come to be invited to winter over in Pueblo Colorado creating a major miracle for themselves and the Mormon Battalion. The photo for this episode is Brent's direct ancestor, Thomas Middleton Wiley Holladay and his wife Ann Horton Matthews. Thomas was John Daniel Holladay's son and was approximately 10 years old when his family arrived in Pueblo. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Jeff helps us remember the “Grand Lady of the Santa Fe Trail, Faye Gaines, who passed away this month at age 94. We reminisce about her contribution to history, our time together and what an honor it was to know her. You can hear her talk about her passion for history from the recording we made September 28, 2008 in her home. We also discuss the Battalion detachments sent to Pueblo, Colorado, Kevin's discovery of the role and identity of a person mentioned often in journals, our experience at the Annual Grant County Home Products Dinner, the grasslands and rattlesnakes, hiking in trail traces, and the incredible stars along the trail. Link to Faye Gaines obituary: https://www.coxrowleyfuneralhome.com/obituary/Olive-Gaines --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

“Everyone should, and I think they do for the most part, enjoy and relish histories. It's fun sharing your stories” Jeff Trotman. Santa Fe Trail enthusiast, Jeff Trotman acts as our ambassador through southwest Kansas. In Part 1 he shares some tidbits about Jedediah Smith you may not know, tells what happened to the Sibley survey report for the Santa Fe Trail, and answers questions about the lower, middle, and upper crossings -- in particular Wagon Bed Springs. We invite you to visit the “Legends of America” Website where you can see Jeff in his Jedediah Smith reenacting clothes on the Kansas prairie. https://photos.legendsofamerica.com/ks-grantcounty/h4FB5A18#h4fb5a18 --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

What do these Living History Missionaries DO? What are the variety of ways people can participate? What is their biggest challenge and greatest takeaways? They give ideas for sharing the Battalion Story wherever you happen to live along the trail Listen to this episode and I bet you'll learn some tidbit of California history that you didn't know before! If you would like to be a living history missionary, please contact President Dennis Amaral at dennisbearhawk@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

In this episode, we'll discover how living history missionaries are sharing Battalion & pioneer stories throughout California schools and at historic venues and events. How this Living History Mission started and how is it impacting participants and visitors are topics we discuss. If you would like to be a living history missionary, please contact President Dennis Amaral at dennisbearhawk@gmail.com --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Part 2: The evening of September 12, 2008 Ken Weidner and mother nature joined forces to create an experience that transported us back to 1846 in a way none of us there that evening will ever forget. We have so much fun reminiscing with Ken, Marilyn Yost, Jim Groth, and Howard and Londa KANE about the hospitality we enjoyed in their homes, and especially the magical evening we spent in Ken's tipi. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

On the evening of September 12, 2008 Ken Weidner and mother nature joined forces to create an experience that transported us back to 1846 in a way none of us there that evening will ever forget. We have so much fun reminiscing with Ken, Marilyn Yost, Jim Groth, and Howard and Londa Koehn about the hospitality we enjoyed in their homes, and especially the magical evening we spent in Ken's tipi. There WILL be pictures and a video made of this episode! Watch for it on our Battalion Trek YouTube Channel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

One of the major purposes for the Trek was to research and better understand the Mormon Battalion's route. One of the stories everyone likes to share is when the Battalion were so desperate for water, they drank from a “buffalo wallow” straining the bugs through their teeth. But… just where was this buffalo wallow? Puzzling about the location, Kevin shared some descriptions of what he was looking for with the locals and Santa Fe Trail experts. When Howard Kane heard it, he said, “Why don't you come over for breakfast tomorrow. I think I have something you'll be interested in.” And… you'll hear the rest of the story here in this podcast. It wasn't until a few months ago, we learned that after being introduced to the Battalion during our Trek, Howard has taken a special interest in learning more about them. He is now giving presentations sharing the history of this unique group who traveled the Santa Fe Trail. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Leaving Ft. Leavenworth was a bigger leap of faith than leaving home to begin the trek. That first month had given us a taste of what was involved in getting ourselves down the trail. Allyson's time with us ended, and when we put my Dad on a plane back to Salt Lake, it seemed as if our little world of "Trekking" was about to topple over. We called our good friend Paul Sandor and his wife, Judy, graciously allowed him to come to our rescue. It was the shot in the arm we needed and lifted our spirits considerably. We first introduced you to Paul in Season 1 the episode named "Loading the Wagons" --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

An experienced reenactor and descendant, Val John Halford wanted to hike with us out of Fort Leavenworth. After years of research and portraying the Battalion. He says theirs is "a Real Survival Story". Val saved the day for Denny when he helped dress the scouts and march them from the parade grounds to an anxious crowd at The Frontier Army Museum waiting for "The Battalion" to arrive. Val hiked with us in Arizona and San Diego also, but these are his memories about Ft. Leavenworth. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Jeff Wingo talks about other historic sites on post tied to Battalion History, its military leadership, and gives some encouragement to those who want to be prepared to help celebrate the 200th anniversary. 12-10-2021 AN UPDATE TO OUR FT LEAVENWORTH PODCAST! The Fort Leavenworth Historian, Dr. Joe Bailey, came over to Jeff Wingo's office with an answer to Kevin's question about Army accommodations for women during the era of the Mormon Battalion. His reference is a book entitled, The Old Army, A Portrait of the American Army in Peacetime, 1784-1898, by Edward M. Coffman. Chapter 3, "Companions of Our Exile, Women and Children, 1815-1860, delves into Kevin's question. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

This is the VIP Tour you'd get if you visited Ft. Leavenworth and asked about Mormon Battalion history. You'll want to close your eyes and imagine the scene as Jeff Wingo paints a picture of what the Battalion experienced at historic Fort Leavenworth. We think you'll also enjoy the other tidbits of history he shares in these two episodes. 12-10-21 AN UPDATE TO OUR FT LEAVENWORTH PODCAST! The Fort Leavenworth Historian, Dr. Joe Bailey, came over to Jeff Wingo's office with an answer to Kevin's question about Army accommodations for women during the era of the Mormon Battalion. His reference is a book entitled, The Old Army, A Portrait of the American Army in Peacetime, 1784-1898, by Edward M. Coffman. Chapter 3, "Companions of Our Exile, Women and Children, 1815-1860, delves into Kevin's question. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

In our last episode you may have heard Kevin say, “Local historians have all the good stuff.” So… we invite you to sit back and let one regale you with the stories of Weston, MO. One of the treats about going down the trail was the MANY local historians we met along our way. We have fond memories of sitting at their feet hearing tidbits most folks will never know. We were fortunate enough to have Sandy Miller, author and historian come to our campfire and sit with us (and a group of scouts) sharing her knowledge of Weston MO. We set up my computer on a chair, put a headset on her, and were fortunate to capture the stories she so willingly shared for our benefit that evening. We're happy we can now share them with YOU! As of 10-2-21 I was able to find a copy of her book "Memories of Weston MO - A Visual History 1837 - 1992 on Amazon. An abbreviated audio version of Sandy's storytelling session with us is found on Kevin's interpretive map: See the pin "Weston" https://www.mormonbattalion.com/view-the-virtual-trail Video version of this will be on Battalion Trek's YouTube channel. Here is modern information about this historic town: https://www.westonmo.com/ Note: Sandy visited us at the Bee Creek campground - You'll want to watch for that name (Bee Creek) in our next episode with Jeff Wingo, Public Affairs Officer at Ft. Leavenworth -- as he paints a vivid picture of what the Battalion's experience was as they came to the fort. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

In 1846 Missouri was the western boundary of the United States--truly the wild west. Kevin & Bob Tingey discover the location of a “pop-up town” mentioned in Battalion journals – which had never been located! Bob Tingey's bumping into Battalion Trek was an undeniable miracle. Join us as our Chairman of the Board, reminisces about the days he spent with us in Missouri, Tucson, and San Diego. A great Trek friend - another rut nut that "gets us." There will be another episode devoted specifically to his memories and thoughts about the challenges our 501c(3) faced in preparing for the Trek. For pictures of the memories he describes visit the Battalion Trek YouTube Channel. (we hope you'll subscribe) We encourage you to explore Kevin's intepretive map of the Mormon Battalion Trail to find Jamestown and other significant locations along the route. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

What would you do if you were hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail and a Hallmark photographer and makeup crew invited themselves (and guests) to dinner? Holly Hansen shares her memory of our “almost” moment of fame. Mother nature provided the beautiful photo shoot background and we provided the food. We were true Battalion women – so they didn't bring makeup artists! The lessons she's gained from learning about her own ancestor's experience has impacted the way she approaches her own lifes challenges. See Battalion Trek's YouTube channel for the video version of this podcast. To see Kevin's interactive interpretive map - go to https://www.mormonbattalion.com/view-the-virtual-trail --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

We joked about our "smokeless communicators" along the trail but they came in handy. As I listened to this episode and our 'high tech' 2008 options comparing it to today's technology, I thought we sounded like we were using smoke signals. Nothing much to show on a video here - on this one you'll just have to "listen and learn." --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

What would you pack for a 7 1/2 month 2,000 mile trek across a variety of terrains - much of the time knowng you'd be miles away from civilization? Well, that is the question we had to answer. I think the original Battalion would have beeen incredulous to see the amount of "stuff" and types of vehicles we had on our "essentials list" but we had some different eventualities to prepare for. Paul Sandor visits with us on this episode to help remember what things we had to think through and how we decided to configure certain aspects of the packing. Pictures of our "modern day wagons" will be in the YouTube Video for this episode on our Battalion Trek channel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Battalion Trek 2008 was a research effort, not a true reenactment but... we did want to have some authenticity in terms of equipment. Then inviting people to come and march with us as "Cooke's Cadre" sent us on an interesting quest to find guns, packs, belts, tents, and accoutrements to outfit ten people. We wanted to give them a taste of what traveling the Mormon Battalion Trail may have been like in 1846-7.. Here we talk about the equipment we gathered, and two times where it was enjoyed by others. To see the equipment that is described here. We encourage you to subscribe to Battalion Trek's YouTube channel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

The Battalion ate in "messes" and had different cooking pots and eating utensils than we do and... didn't have the luxury of kitchen cupboards to store them. We had food 'boxes' that stored our cooking gear. We talk with Brent Jensen and Phil Smart who built those for us, and share a bit more about the kind of things the Battalion used to prepare their meals. The camp kitchen combined with the food box contents made for a fun time no matter where we were. Just like modern kitchens - many happy memories along the trail were created wherever these two items came out of the big yellow 'Henske' truck! See the Battalion Trek YouTube channel to see photos of the things described in this audio podcast. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Just when we needed it most, Tiffany McLaws and family are kind enough to track us down at the end of the first day's hike in Glenwood, Iowa and share their family's journal by Henry Standage. He served in the Mormon Battalion, Company E and some of his journal entries pull at your heartstrings. You can hearTiffany's story and a few journal entries during this episode. Tiffany has promised to share a few more with us so we can sprinkle them into our podcast throughout the trail experiences we highlight. I thought it was interesting that Henry saw his first buffalo about the same dates, Kevin and I were entering the Buffalo reserve in Kansas and I wrote about it in MY journal. There will be a video of this episode on Battalion Trek's You Tube channel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Mother nature created a special send-off for us the morning we left Council Bluffs, IA that none of us will ever forget. Peter Guilbert, from California helps us remember the first day leaving from Sarpy's Trading Post area near Council Bluffs, how we met, happenings of the first day, and what it was like to hike in his ancestor's footsteps. For those of you who would like to see the video version of this episode with pictures - please visit Battalion Trek's YouTube channel. In the interest of time, we will push out the audio versions first. We will get the video versions up as quickly as we can. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Denny Henson answers the most frequently asked question - Why did you go? There were experiences she shares that helped form her attitude about not wanting to be left behind. Kevin and Denny have different perspectives - but both were valuable on their Battalion Trek experience. This podcast episode has a video which can be seen at the Battalion Trek YouTube Channel. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

This new Mormon Battalion Project is designed to increase awareness of the significance of the trail, the Battalion story, and help build the foundation for seeking national historic trail designation. Do you live along the trail? If so, you'll want to make sure your community knows they can participate and help commemorate the 175th celebration. Laura Anderson and Greg Smith share the details of the project and how the combination of the trail brochure and website will integrate with the Mobile Mormon Battalion Trail Tour. This project will be available on www.mormonbattalion.com and the Map-N-Tour mobile app. We hope this episode will motivate you to join any way you can to help with this celebratory and national trail effort! At the very least - share this podcast to help get the word out. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

This episode introduces you to Terry Latey, the creative genius behind The Crossroads Project. She and Carl Scott give you a peak behind the curtain of how "one brush stroke at a time over the years", their Historical Pioneer Research Group (HPRG) has been able to provide a wonderful resource for people who want to know more about the history of the Middle Missouri River Valley and the Saints who lived there from 1846 to 1858. Terry shares some of her favorite things in the Crossroads Project, and how it is benefiting people who want to know more about their ancestors. For desktop users - visit www.earlylds.com. For mobile, get the Map-N-Tour app and download the 'Crossroads to the West' tour. For those who would like to support the HPRG, contact them on their website. There are opportunities to participate in the upcoming ground penetrating radar, help index documents on Kindex, and assist with research and adding Crossroads content. Terry and Carl hope you will explore earlylds.com and Crossroads on your own, then share it with your friends and family. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

A general overview of the political situation that precipitated the recruitment of the men from the pioneer companies headed west to the Rocky Mountains. For more details see the Mormon Battalion Association's You Tube Channel - for indepth video and visuals of the recruitment stage and players. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message

Denny explains the events that led up to her venture into the world of podcasts as a way to capture the Battalion Trek experiences and specifically her experiences as a woman on the trail. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/denny-watts-henson/message