A journey nearly 200 years old

If you were travelling in northern Hot Springs County and Washakie County Monday, you might have seen something straight out of a history book, as mountain men on horseback continued on their long journey of Ashley's Return.

The trip began in Lonetree, Wyo. on July 6, and the riders will dismount when they reach Fort Smith, Mont. For three of the riders, that will be the end of the journey. For the rest, they'll utilize handmade boats - including bull boats, canoes and keel boats - to travel by river to the end destination, St. Louis, Mo. The goal is to finish the horseback ride by the beginning of August, and reach St. Louis sometime in October

The route, aptly named Ashley's Return, was established by General William H. Ashley in 1825 as one of the biggest routes at the time; it also helped to chart further trade routes. Along his route, Ashley had developed a rendezvous system in which fur trappers, Native Americans and others would meet every year to trade. Those who made the journey would then head back downriver, a part of the trip some of the riders want to re-create as well.

The riders coming through the area this week are only a small contingent of those belonging to the American Mountain Men; other members will be taking up the journey at various points, but all will be putting themselves and their mountain man skills to the test.

This is truly a historically accurate trip, so modern conveniences such as cell phones are not allowed and routes have to allow for hunting and restocking points. But as American Mountain Men members, the riders have trained well ahead of time, even testing themselves with three-day wilderness trips, taking only their gear - not even any food - with them.

Generally they make 20-35 miles per day, and there are no plans made ahead of time for any stops, keeping to the true spirit of the mountain man and the journey before them. With almost 1,800 total miles to make on the journey, these men are keeping the history of the West alive.

The American Mountain Men, started in 1968, is an association of individuals dedicated to the preservation of the traditions and ways of Mountain Men; to the actual conservation of our nation's remaining natural wilderness and wildlife; and to the ability of our members to survive alone, under any circumstances, using only what nature has to offer. Although world-wide, they are not a large group. They are not interested in the quantity of members; we are interested in the quality of members.

The American Mountain Men's primary characteristic is, first and foremost, to be a Brotherhood of Men. In this fraternal concept is embedded the desire of all its members to teach, share, and learn the arts and skills of the original American mountain men, but deeper still, is the desire to be upon the trail, on lake or river, in mountains, plains or woods, as brothers, sharing this great experience. The sense of camaraderie and the shared endeavor are more important, always, than individual gain.

Those who want to keep up with the journey can do so via the "Ashley's Return" Facebook page.