August 8, 2013
Preparing the “Wagon”
This is the inside of a shepherd's wagon in the 1840's. Perhaps it was an early version of our Ole Miss Casita.
In the 1840’s when the pioneers began to think
about traveling West most of them sold their land, homes, and household
goods. It took them many months to
prepare for the trip. They had to build
their wagon and many pioneers designed their individual wagon to best meet
their needs. Many of the designs were so
the wagon could be taken apart to be made into a raft or boat to go across
rivers or be moved in pieces up or down a mountain. The women had to spin and prepare the
covering for the wagon plus make enough clothes for their families to last
until they reached their destinations.
It is interesting that many of the families’ wagons had boards wide
enough and cut into lengths so they also could be used as a coffin. In addition, the clothing included clothing that could be used
for burial. When families and/or neighbors
heard that some family was traveling West
they would often come and help them with the preparations. The same has been true for us. When we shared with neighbors and friends
that we would be traveling the Oregon Trail to Seattle, WA, they
came with offers of help. We have
neighbors and friends who are checking our house daily, mowing our yard,
gathering our patio garden, sending us our mail, and many other offers of
assistance.
Thus, we have tried to prepare our “wagon.” We purchased a Casita Travel Trailer with our
specifications. We added a pulling team "of oxen under the hood". Pioneers choose oxen as they were more patient, ate almost anything, and required less water, and were more sure footed.
We took several practice
trips to try to determine what we needed to take. Now we would like to share our “wagon”.
Welcome to our "wagon". We use the small table inside and outside for many purposes. We chose to let the table for two along the side down to serve more for a lounge sofa and/or bed if one of us wanted to stay up later than the other one. Also, we like to stay outside as much as possible.
Propane gas stove with two eyes and sink
Full size bed which we keep down and use the space under the bed for storage. This bed will convert to a dinette area for four people.
Fridge which will operate on battery, electric, or propane gas.
If we have electricity, we can use the microwave and air-conditioner unit located under the closet at the front of the camper. If it is cold, we have a propane furnace and/or small electric heater.
The bathroom has a toilet, sink, and shower. There is a fresh water tank, a gray water tank and a black water tank. These are also holding tanks. We can boondock (no hookups) for approximately 2-3 days.
After purchasing a Casita almost everyone will begin making modifications to the "wagon". We have made several to our "wagon" already.
We have a medium size TV to go in the camper that will set on a TV self. The TV has the possibilities of operating on battery power or electricity, antenna or cable, and can play DVD's.
One of the most unique and/or creative modification to our "wagon" is that Ron found a smaller TV at a JC Penney Outlet store. Then he took my fly swatter and added two plastic spoons to hold it in place. Also, he needed louder speakers. He took my speakers which Kristen had given me and added them to his TV "unit". Now he can get TV stations by antenna or cable. "Necessity is the mother of invention!"
