You are currently viewing Day 5: Team Update-Forlorn Hope Expedition Team arrives at Johnson Ranch site at 3:47 PM
Forlorn Hope Expedition, the Expedition completed, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.

Day 5: Team Update-Forlorn Hope Expedition Team arrives at Johnson Ranch site at 3:47 PM

Following are accounts of the day from Bob Crowley, Elke Reimer & Jennifer Hemmen. View more photos on the Expedition Photos page.

Bob Crowley-We cannot shape the words to express our gratitude for your messages, support and love. Trust us – WE FEEL IT. Although we haven’t been able to respond, we sense your spirit and it lightens our load tremendously. We will float across the rolling hills to Johnson’s Ranch. Godspeed and onward.

In about one hour we will set foot on the Johnson Ranch property. Then, 1.5 miles later we will end our journey precisely on the site of the Johnson Ranch adobe house where the seven Forlorn Hope were brought, ending their 33 day journey. There we will pay a final tribute to these courageous American pioneers. God bless the Forlorn Hope. God bless all of you who have supported us. And God bless America.

Elke Reimer-I cannot unwrap my feelings right now, as I am sure you can understand, but what an indescribable, emotional journey. Thank you all for your overwhelming love and support.

Jennifer Hemmen-We are so grateful for the help and support of countless people along the way to provide this window into the past.

Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, Campfire West, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, Trail marker, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, remembering the original Forlorn Hope pioneers, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, Bob Crowley, 12-20-20, photo by Keith Sutter.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, the team walking in to the site of Johnson Ranch, 12-20-20, photo by Keith Sutter.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Keith Sutter.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, the team group hug at the site of Johnson Ranch, 12-20-20, photo by Keith Sutter.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, Trail marker, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
Forlorn Hope Expedition, remembering the original Forlorn Hope pioneers at the site of Johnson Ranch, 12-20-20, photo by Elke Reimer.
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This Post Has One Comment

  1. Katie Sullivan December 22, 2020 Reply

    Thank you for your posts and allowing us all to follow along with you. When I first heard what you were doing, I felt a mix of fear and awe, the fear mostly of things going horribly wrong for all of you. I grew up in Grass Valley, and my dad would often take our sister and I over the Donner Summit to visit the museum and for hikes in the Donner/Truckee area as kids in the summer. I’ve always had a love for history, and as I read more about the plans for the expedition and the true reverence for the original Forlorn Hope party, I was truly excited for what you going to be doing, not just for history, but for a living memorial.

    I’m so glad you all finished safely and I look forward to reading more about what all of you experienced during your journey. Thank you for your time and research that you put into this project.

    On a side note, I went to Bear River H.S., so I couldn’t believe I spent so many years driving roads so historically important and not knowing it!

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