This old wheel reminds me of the ones used on covered wagons that brought settlers out to California. Can you imagine traveling in one of those “prairie schooners” for weeks and weeks? When we were driving across the country last summer, especially in hot, dry Arizona and New Mexico, I wondered how they stood it. How they kept from breaking.
I had a new appreciation for air conditioning and a vehicle that covered ground in hours rather than days.
Great weekend, everyone!
{carole}
Pearls & Prose 
Those men, women & children were made of stronger stock than we ‘modern-convenience’ creatures – they just did what had to be done – I’m proud to be of pioneer stock !
Me too, Susan. They were something else.
Amazing how a broken wheel tells a whole story.
Uncomfortable travelling for sure. I’m not much of a pioneer, I guess. While we still have hardly any air conditioning in houses in Europe, the cars have it.
It’s a good thing you don’t have a lot of high temps in Switzerland, Caroline. I remember the temps being pretty high the last time I was in Paris. Finding an air-conditioned restaurant or hotel wasn’t easy.
Oh there is Switzerland and Switzerland. The whole Noth-Western part is among the hottest places in Europe. It’s way hotter where we live. I always thought the summers in Paris were very nice, while I suffocate here. It’s hotter and humid. And we have these massive drops. One day 50° the next 90°.
Wow, it’s hard for me to imagine Switzerland being humid, but I’ve never been to that part of the country. I once spent a week in Geneva during the summer and it was pretty much perfect.
My step dad would love this wheel. For years he has been looking for one to put in his yard just like this one. I think he gave up the hunt.
Oh, wish I could help him out. Most of the wagon wheels have probably disintegrated by now.
I can’t imagine it. I’ve been reading the Grapes of Wrath and I can’t imagine traveling with the Joads either. We are spoiled now. Nice photo.
And to think they “only” had to go from Oklahoma to California.
That is one of my favorite books ever. Hope you’re enjoying it!
I’ve read the book many times. It’s one of my faves. I love his writing. Cannery Row was one of the first books I read for my 50 year challenge.