Podcast:1001 Stories From the Old West Published On: Sun Jan 11 2026 Description: The Oregon Trail Chapter 2 often covers the initial stages of the journey, focusing on the immense preparations, the chaotic departure from Independence/St. Joseph, Missouri, and early encounters with the vast plains, including challenges like weather, trail dust, broken equipment, and the initial, sometimes tense, interactions with Native American groups, setting the scene for the incredible hardships and realities of westward expansion. music 'Fit As A Fiddle' BY ALAN jORDAN browse all 12 1001 podcasts now at www.bestof1001stories.com!