Writer, artist, storyteller, local resident, Cheryld Lynne Lucas, shares a part of the memories from a colorful life in Oregon: Standing at the bottom of an old road at the end of town reads a little sign, “Dole Road.” The winding road stretches upward along a mountainside, clustered with Douglas Fir and is kept hidden quietly from most of the world. In places off the old road, visibly open areas reveal some small glimpses back in time of ruts bore into bedrock.

The ruts wind up Bear Claw Mountain—wide enough for wagon wheels to fit in. The old roadside spirals all the way to the top of it. These ruts are disappearing in time, echoing the ghosts of yesteryear. The rattle of wagon wheels, the sound of animals, and the smell of coffee and bacon fill the pathway with the imprint of what remains today. Indeed, it is part of “The Oregon Trail.”

This part of the Trail, is called the “Applegate Trail.” I was born and grew up in a very special place, indeed. My memories are clear of my home, and I am blessed and thankful to God for all He’s given me to reflect upon in my quiet times. Growing up in Myrtle Creek, Oregon, a quaint little conservative timber town which offers an abundance of myrtle trees, Douglas Fir, and various other types, including an old Redwood still growing, Often, I would visit the historical Neal Lane covered bridge at the Day’s Creek cutoff. It is one of the shortest historical covered bridges in Oregon. It is 42’ in length, with kingpost construction, and plant flooring. The bridge provided me with 2 windows to sit and think and watch the rushing creek below. I sat there many times.

I remember the good things growing up in the great northwest in Myrtle Creek, with today’s population of about 4,000. It sets alongside the great South Umpqua River. A long steel bridge spans across the river to Interstate 5, allowing access to larger towns and cities. Myrtle Creek runs through the town, and at the other end, is a small access bridge for entry.

The South Umpqua River provides great fishing, and clear swimming holes to enjoy. I grew up aware of cougar, porcupines, rattlesnakes, and even a wandering bear encounter. It is an awesome place with beautiful Bear Claw Mountains surrounding it, and I miss it.

The town of Myrtle Creek began with settlers who traveled from the southern branch of the Oregon Train, the Applegate Trail. The town known for its timber was originally inhabited by the Cow Cree Umpqua Indians. It is a special place full of history and significance. The ruts on Dole Road were worn into bedrock, making this a wagon trail. Beginning in 1846, this Trail was used by immigrants on their journey to the Willamette Valley. Some came to settle, and some were fevered gold seekers looking for fortune.

The Oregon Trail spans over 2,000 miles, beginning in Independence, Missouri, and ends (with some controversy) in Oregon City, Oregon. To join the wagon train, it cost them $1,000, plus at wagon, and food supplies for up to 6 months…and, don’t forget the oxen! The greatest cost, of course, was leaving behind loved ones permanently.

Cholera was the main scourge on the difficult travels. I read cholera could attack travelers at breakfast and put them in the grave by noon. Many suffered longer in the rough wagon ride until their death. Typhoid fever also killed many o their hopeful journey west, along with lack of food and water, accidents, rattlesnake bites, and also, Indian attacks which were rare but real, as well as wild animal attacks.

Most of the settlers walked beside their wagons from 12 to 20 miles a day and slept on the ground in bedrolls. Their wagons were needed for all their supplies.

The most treacherous experience was the loss of their wagon or oxen, or both, while crossing a fierce river. If you research the Oregon Trail, or the Applegate Trail (the southern route) on the internet, more interesting info can be found. Go to octa-trails.org, or sites like Applegate Trail interpretive Center, a museum at Wolf Creek, Oregon. Much more of our story of the great northwest and including info about the Applegate Brothers.

My mother’s grave marker rests protected, Lucas says, on the fairly new historical marked area of the Applegate Trail, in the town of Wolf Creek, on the Sunny Valley Loop, not far from the town of Myrtle Creek. She was born there at Wolf Creek, and I think of her, and the Applegate Trail collectively, while she rests in memory within its borders. My memories are clear of the old Dole Road, the covered Neal Lane Historical bridge, my family, my home and the beautiful changing of the seasons of the great northwest—the special place where I was born and grew up.

Oregon is also the birthplace of my two children, and home of the immigrants of the Applegate Trail. It took extraordinary courage and determination of our American families to make America great! I hope we never forget the sacrifices, their resolve, their persistence, or their bravery.

Today, our country is in great peril, and it is a real good time to be courageous and strong ourselves to pray. We need to stand for our country, remembering the determination, the hard work, and the Godly principles on which it was founded.