Shows
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrek 2025 - What We're Up To Now Part 3This last segment gives you an idea of HOW we will do thetrek - which is one of the most frequently asked questions.The WHO is going is easy! Kevin & Denny except for a fewfriends who have expressed interest in coming at various points along the trail or... any of you who decide to pop in and surprise us.We wrap it up describing the last minute items on our to-dolist and some thoughts from some of our 2009-2009 participants and what theexperience meant to them. 2025-04-0620 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrek 2025 - What We're Up To Now Part 2In Part 2 Kevin explains the WHY of Trek 2025 - and one of the goals for this effort.We'll also give our best information we have at this time about the HOW of finding us and following along with our travels. Then Kevin will talk about WHEN we will be starting and ending. I'm hoping the little sound clips will help you understand a bit better based on past experience about how things may go - not exactly as planned! We may not be as...2025-04-0511 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrek 2025 - What We're Up To Now Part 1We've been pretty busy to say much about our upcoming Trek but when we do mention it, there are lots of questions a-n-d- lots of raised eyebrows. I thought it would be fun to reminisce about some of the reactions people had back on our 2008 trek and laugh at ourselves - amidst all the chaos of getting ready for this one.With a mix of sound bytes from our trail friends and Kevin's explanations you'll get a little overview of what we've been up to, where we're going. The other "who", "why," "when," and "how"...2025-04-0416 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailNext Step: Making the Documents SearchableThe Battalion Documents have been found, digitized and partially transcribed. But now what? 17,000 archival boxes full of documents! How can we help Laura create order out of chaos? How can people be able to search with one click to pull up all the pages that have your ancestor or a certain place mentioned?
Laura explains the process and benefits but also sends out a plea for help.
Contact Laura if you'd like to help participate the discovery and research process by helping transcribe or review future transcriptions. email: paffanatic10@yahoo.com
To view...2024-10-1711 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDigging Into the Documents - What Do We Find?Real historians rely on primary documents to explain
accurate information and that is what the Battalion Researchers being able to do today even better because of these documents. They are finding
exciting new information never before included in the Battalion Story.
If you’d like to get access to the records that are posted on Kindex by the Mormon Battalion Association currently, contact Laura Anderson at paffanatic10@yahoo.com
Or, visit the Nauvoo Community Project https://nauvoo.byu.edu/
2024-10-1611 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailAfter 100 Years ORIGINAL BATTALION RECORDS FOUND in the Natl Archives!Have you ever wondered what it's like to visit the national archives? In this segment, Laura walks us through the process, procedures, and guidelines that are constructed to safeguard documents.
Next, she describes how she actually found the battalion records that have been so integral to acurately identifying who was in the group, and the historical background of previous efforts to locate the records.
She references Kristine Forbes' video detailing the incredible work the team did compiling and comparing the multiple lists from various roster and sources. Here is the link https://kristine.forbes.presentations...2024-10-1615 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailSuper Sleuthing the National Archives for Battalion RecordsMeet Laura Anderson - document-finding super sleuth --whose persistence and expertise have helped discover thought-to-be-lost original
battalion military records.
We learn how Laura began her interest in primary documents, the experience she gained to help make
primary document research easier, and how she became aware there may be a discovery to be made in the National Archives after all.
2024-10-1619 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailWomen following the Battalion - Part 1lklkes2024-07-2535 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailG.W. Taggart - Gifted MusicianAfter our last episode about music of the Battalion, we are happy to have Miriam Andrus share the story of her ancestor, George Washington Taggart. He was a gifted musician in the Battalion and the blessing of music has continued on through his descendants even today.
The photo used for this episode is a picture of one of the instruments that belonged to GW Taggart housed in the Mormon Battalion Historic site in San Diego, California. 2024-02-0129 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailMusic of the Battalion - Margaret Larson's ResearchWhat music did the Battalion sing, hear, use? A conversation with Margaret Larson, about her research and the delightful stories behind the tunes battalion members would have known.
Sheet music for: We Wept When We Remembered Zion https://levysheetmusic.mse.jhu.edu/collection/121/096
2024-02-0115 min
Pod Gave Rock'N Roll To YouFun Size/Roll With The ChangesTwitter: @podgaverockInsta: @podgaverockSpecial Guest Host: Anthony CeritelliREO Speedwagon “Roll With the Changes" from the 1978 album "You Can Tune A Guitar But You Can't Tuna Fish" released on Epic. Written by Kevin Cronin and produced by Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Paul Grupp, and John Boylan.Personel:Kevin Cronin – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, pianoGary Richrath – lead and rhythm guitarsNeal Doughty – Hammond organ, Moog synthesizerBruce Hall – bassAlan Gratzer – drumsAngelle Trosclair, Denise McCall, Denny Henson, Tom Kelly – backing vocalsCover:Performed by Josh Bond and Anthony CeritelliIntr...2024-01-0907 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailFinding Burial Locations of Battalion MembersCarl and Margaret Larson share his efforts to identify burial locations for all Battalion members - which is still ongoing today. Listen to his dedicated efforts and perhaps you'll be inspired to help fill in some of the blanks for men's burial locations that are still unknown.
If you know of a battalion grave that does NOT have a battalion plaque, please contact the Mormon Battalion Association or comment in this podcast feedback form.
In the next episode you'll hear how Margaret's mind caught a hold of some trivia that she found in Carl's research.2024-01-0511 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailBuilding a Foundation for Today's Battalion ResearchCarl Larson's research was absolutely critical to Kevin Henson's modern delination of the trail. His years of diligent research also serves as the basis for the Battalion Association's current efforts to identify an accurate battalion roster. We think you'll enjoy meeting Carl and his wife Margaret and be amazed at the effort it took to obtain the information described in this interview.
The next episode shares how the burial site project came to be.2024-01-0521 minPod Gave Rock'N Roll To YouRoll With the Changes/An Aural Trampoline Twitter: @podgaverockInsta: @podgaverockSpecial Guest Host: Anthony CeritelliREO Speedwagon “Roll With the Changes" from the 1978 album "You Can Tune A Guitar But You Can't Tuna Fish" released on Epic. Written by Kevin Cronin and produced by Kevin Cronin, Gary Richrath, Paul Grupp, and John Boylan.Personel:Kevin Cronin – lead and backing vocals, rhythm guitar, pianoGary Richrath – lead and rhythm guitarsNeal Doughty – Hammond organ, Moog synthesizerBruce Hall – bassAlan Gratzer – drumsAngelle Trosclair, Denise McCall, Denny Henson, Tom Kelly – backing vocalsCover:Performed by Josh Bond and Anthony Ceritelli...2024-01-0253 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrails are Linear TemplesKevin & 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. 2023-04-2455 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailMormon Battalion Association's President Shares Goals, Opportunities & ChallengesIt 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...2023-04-0246 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailJust-for-Fun Footnote: The Porta-PottyA 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. 2023-01-2912 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailLast Day on the Trail: Shaving the Beard, Event, Potluck & ConclusionBeing 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
Seaso...2023-01-2913 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrek Friends Gather for the Old Town Annual EventBecky 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.2023-01-2920 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailArriving in Old Town San Diego - PART 2Taking 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.2023-01-2919 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailArriving in Old Town San Diego January 29, 2009 - PART 1Eight 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. 2023-01-2923 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTemecula, CA - Part 2 Saving History - One Step at a Time Darell & Rebecca FarnbachLearn 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...2023-01-2228 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTemecula, CA - Part 1 "Two People Groups Come Together for an Instant - and Created History"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/history2023-01-2227 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail"They didn't have a choice."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?"2023-01-2212 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrail Angel Craig Smedley - Lifts our Spirits over Campbell's GradeWe 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.2022-08-2947 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail"Cactus City" & Box CanyonClose 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 tha...2022-08-2518 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailEnduring the 90-mile Imperial DesertFrom 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 th...2022-08-2432 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailEl Centro Night Hike - on the Battalion TrailDo 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 w...2022-08-2426 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailRolling Rocks Down Antelope Hill & "Battalion: The Musical"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 435-938-1586.2022-01-2548 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailChristmas & Rust Marks on the Trail – Paul & Dixie LymanTwo 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 hi...2021-12-2244 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail"Christmas Camp" with the Dow & Lynne Wilson FamilyOne 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 th...2021-12-2237 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Tucson - "It Took Both Sides to Make it Work"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 Brown2021-12-1436 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Tucson - BOTH Sides of the StoryPrepare 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 do...2021-12-1423 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailThe "Battle of the Bulls"- The San Pedro River ValleyVal 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...2021-12-1434 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Mike "Monitors" the Trek for the BLMAs 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
2021-12-1333 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Mike Bilbo's - Guadalupe Pass & an Infantryman's view of the BattalionWith 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/2021-12-1336 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail"It's an Adventure" - Albuquerque to Soccorro, NMOur 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 abil...2021-12-1341 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailSanta Fe - Hail & Pelting Rain & DescendantsPeter 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/ 2021-12-1338 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailMississippi Saints Part 2 – Tender Mercies, Sacrifice, Romance, and "Firsts" in PuebloBrent 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 fi...2021-11-2027 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail"Mississippi Saints" Part 1 – A Miracle Meeting on the TrailWhat 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. 2021-11-2032 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Jeff remembers "The Grand Lady of the Santa Fe Trail" & the Pioneer SpiritJeff 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 rattl...2021-10-2937 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Jeff Trotman, Jedediah Smith, Buffalo Chips, and Battalion Journals“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 Sm...2021-10-2832 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2 - Building Bridges of Friendship & UnderstandingWhat 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.com2021-10-2329 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1 - Building Bridges of Friendship & UnderstandingIn 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
2021-10-2331 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Time Travel in a Tipi & Kansas HospitalityPart 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.2021-10-1540 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Time Travel in a Tipi & Kansas HospitalityOn 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.2021-10-1546 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDiscovering the "Buffalo Wallow"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 interest...2021-10-0829 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailWe Call for the CavalryLeaving 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.
2021-10-0430 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailLeaving Ft. Leavenworth – Val John Halford’s MemoriesAn 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.2021-10-0448 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Ft. Leavenworth's Battalion History - with Jeff WingoJeff 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. Chap...2021-10-0330 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Ft. Leavenworth's Battalion History - with Jeff WingoThis 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...2021-10-0334 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailWeston, Missouri in 1846 - shared by Sandy Miller, local historianIn 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 West...2021-10-0240 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailTrail Discoveries in MissouriIn 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 Tr...2021-09-3029 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailA Brief "Moment of Fame" in IowaWhat 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...2021-09-3030 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailCommunications & Safety on the TrailWe 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."2021-09-3016 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailLoading Our WagonsWhat 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 pa...2021-09-3020 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail1846 Equipment - Part 1 Military Gear & Camp KitchenBattalion 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 desc...2021-09-3027 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion Trail1846 Equipment: Part 2 Cooking & Eating 1846 StyleThe 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 cre...2021-09-3029 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 2: Leaving Council Blufffs - A "Tender Mercy"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 h...2021-09-2715 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailPart 1: Leaving Council Bluffs, IowaMother 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 wil...2021-09-2631 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailWhy I Went on the Mormon Battalion TrailDenny 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.2021-09-2022 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailExciting New Mormon Battalion Auto Tour Project Coming Soon!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 th...2021-07-2932 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDiscovering Council Bluffs: The Crossroads ProjectThis 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 th...2021-07-2531 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailHow the Mormons came to be on President Polk's radar in 1846A 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.2021-07-1912 minBattalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailHow this Podcast Came to BeDenny 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.2021-07-1215 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailCouncil Bluffs, Iowa - an "exciting" place in 1846When Captain Allen arrived to muster 500 men from the then beleaguered saints at the Missouri River, the plans and efforts to continue west dramatically changed to building up their "temporary new home" in Indian Territory west of the river. Listen as Carl Scott, Chairman of the Historical Pioneer Research Group, a dedicated historian, and a great storyteller shares the many influences and challenges the people were dealing with and how they worked together. You can contact the Historical Pioneer Research Group at earlylds.com Their Crossroads Project can also be found there.
This dedicated group has created a video...2021-07-1228 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDay 1 (Part 2) - July 5, 2008 at Mount Pisgah, IAMeet Battalion Trek's July 5 'little army' and hear their memories of the first day at beautiful. Mount Pisgah, IA.
***For any memories we share about our personal experiences along the trail we'll start putting them into Season 2 episodes. Hope that works. We may need to do a new Season for each Month. Let's just start down this path and see where it leads!
SPECIAL BONUS: While we were at Mt. Pisgah that day, Bob Brown, the owner of the property, shared his thoughts about this special place. You can hear him on the Mormon Battalion Trails inter...2021-07-0110 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDay 1 (Part 1) - July 5, 2008 at Mount Pisgah, IAMeet Battalion Trek's July 5 'little army' and hear their memories of the first day at beautiful. Mount Pisgah, IA.
***For any memories we share about our personal experiences along the trail we'll start putting them into Season 2 episodes. Hope that works. We may need to do a new Season for each Month. Let's just start down this path and see where it leads!
SPECIAL BONUS: While we were at Mt. Pisgah that day, Bob Brown, the owner of the property, shared his thoughts about this special place. You can hear him on the Mormon Battalion Trails in...2021-07-0117 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailStumbling Blocks & Divine InterventionThe original Battalion received the call and left within a week or two. Ah - how different from our experience! Stops and Starts. Worries and Wonders. Concerns and Commitments. This Trek was meant to happen. 2021-06-3018 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailExpectations Expand - Partners & PlansAs people heard of Kevin's plans, his concept of a one-man hike disappeared in thin air. Setting up the trek as an event required setting up our own Non-profit and MUCH more planning than we realized.2021-06-2712 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailDeciding to Hike the TrailReading journals, studying the route, and several key events prompt Kevin to begin thinking someone should hike the trail to find out exactly where the Mormon Battalion went. It was a process that spanned a number of years but in the end, the decision was made to hike the trail.2021-06-2622 min
Battalion Trek - Adventures and Aha Moments Hiking the Mormon Battalion TrailGenesis of the Battalion Trek OdesseyThe Hensons made the Battalion Trek in 2008-9 from Iowa to California one step at a time, but...
How did the Battalion story come into the Henson's life? Listen to Kevin Henson describe a persistent bunch of 11-year old scouts, a morning 'wake-up' call, and how this all began participation in a nearby living history event. Then you can hear several of those original 11-year olds share their recollections of "how it all began."
For the 175th anniversary of the Battalion's 1846 march - we figured now was a good time to share our story and how...2021-06-2223 min