In modern times, it's hard to understand what an epic undertaking it was to launch the Butterfield Overland Mail Route . From its conception, the enterprise was met with naysayers who thought it impossible to create reliable and safe passage for mail and man through the wild territories of frontier America. Newspapers claimed the task was impossible — the government, in concert with John Butterfield and his partners, were sending passengers to certain death.

But they were wrong. The U.S. Mail got through, accompanied by a newspaper man I've mentioned before, Mr. Waterman Ormsby . They made it earlier than the 25 days required by the government contract, arriving in San Francisco in 23 days and 23 hours.

And now, 150 years later I find myself on an epic adventure, a modern day Ormsby. While the obstacles and hardships I face recreating this trip are much different than those of Ormsby and Butterfield, I can't help but feel a connection to them.

Unfortunately, I'm finding that time is not a friend on this journey. With the hectic travel schedule, and our reports so dependent on access to technology, I find myself rushing through places that truly deserve more time than I can devote. Having said that, we did manage to see the major sites in St. Louis, for instance: the Arch  (including a 4 minute journey to the top), the Westward Expansion Museum , the Old Courthouse > and Union Station .

The St. Louis riverfront was flooded on our arrival. (Thank you Hurricane Ike , my nemesis.) On our way to Warsaw, getting on toward evening, we were 20 or so miles down Highway 94 . We saw up ahead what no traveler wants to see on a dark country highway — big red and white barricades marked "Road Closed." The road was completely submerged, another victim of Ike. Once again our plans would have to be altered.

We were hungry and tired, but not discouraged. After all, adjustments had to be made in Ormsby's day, and so too in mine.

But I can report to Ms. Decker's class and everyone at Lowell Elementary, that the mail is safe, secure and dry!