Hank and Gertie is obviously the old story of Hansel and Gretel, moved from the forests of Germany to high desert country of Oregon and Idaho on the Oregon Trail. Like the pioneers on the Oregon Trail, folktales also travel long distances. The same stories can be found on different continents. There are over 700 versions of Cinderella appearing in cultures all over the world. One challenge I enjoy as a writer is moving a familiar story to a different setting to see what happens. What sort of witch would make her home along the Oregon Trail? What kind of house would she live in? How would she get around? What would she feed Hank to fatten him up? What would she do about Gertie? How would Hank and Gertie get back to the wagon train? Retelling an old tale is more than just changing a few details. You have to rethink the entire story. Traveling along the Oregon Trail posed similar challenges.

The wagons had to leave late enough in the season for the prairie grass to grow tall enough to feed their horses, oxen, and mules. But not too late, because they needed to be over the mountains before snow blocked the passes. They had to travel light so as not to tire out the animals. They weren't coming back, so precious family possessions had to be left behind. What to bring? What to throw away? So many difficult decisions. The End of the Oregon Trail Museum in Oregon City, Oregon has programs and exhibits that fully bring the Oregon Trail experience to life. Visit the museum at 1726 Washington Street in Oregon City or online at historicoregoncity.org.