Sutters Fort with Olivia

Waggon Ride Into The Fort
The Whole Group

Olivia Being a Fur Trader

Our Pioneer Day Picture

Our Modern Day Picture

This year is our last year at Sutters Fort. We have had the opportunity to come and participate in an amazing program. Both Sonoma and Katelyn were able to go when they were in 4th grade and now it was Olivia's turn. This year since Bob and I had done it 3 other times they concerned us experienced. So we had the duties of Coordinator, Photographer and Personal Assistant to Mrs Bales. Bob also had the duty of making sure all the fires were cared for.

The experience at Sutters Fort was to recreating a 2 day 1 night day in the life of a pioneer that lived at the fort. The kids were able to ride in waggons from old down town Sacramento to the Fort which is about 6 miles. Then they were greeted by John Sutter (which was played by a boy in Olivia class). After that the Pioneers moved into their groups and went to different stations. Some of the Stations were candle making, blacksmith, making corn husk dolls, bakery, fur trappers, rope making, kitchen, and carpentry (they get to make a square stool that is branded with the Sutter Fort brand, we have 3 of them and they are very handy).

We also make all of our meals there over fires and in dutch oven. This year we had Deer, Boor, and Bear stew for dinner. I must say it was so amazing, thanks to Nathans dad TY who is the owner of a local restaurant Bootleggers. After dinner we had the Amazing Harmonica's and the kids were able to square dance and listen to some old time music.

The kids all slept in tents as Bob and I headed to the local Hyatt (I learned after we went with Sonomas class that there was no way I was tenting if I was going to be coherent the next day for clean up). During the night the kids all do Night Watch were the get the chance to walk around the fort in the dark and make sure they are not being invaded.

The following morning after a great nights sleep, we cleaned up and cleared out. It does make me sad that we most likely will be our last chance of going on this field trip, but I am so glad that we were able to especially with the talk of the State of California closing it due money issues.