Exploring the Wallowas with the modern-day "Horsewomen of the Hen Party" | Oregon Field Guide

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  • Опубліковано 13 чер 2024
  • Around 1930, La Grande horsewoman Jean Birnie began leading all-female packing trips into the rugged Wallowa Mountains. Nearly a century later, her descendants celebrate the epic landscape and intimate connection with nature that Jean passed on to them.
    Learn more www.opb.org/article/2024/04/0...
    Chapters:
    0:00 The Introduction to Horsewomen of the Hen Party
    1:22 The summer 2023 trip begins
    4:18 The Hen Party archive
    6:20 Campfire song and the Log of the Ladies
    7:17 Poem
    8:28 The Hen Party route
    10:19 Jean's speech to her women's club
    11:02 Grace's story, Jean's best friend
    14:41 Jean's speech to her women's club
    19:02 The hike to Eagle Cap
    23:20 Hen Party women in the news paper
    23:51 The protection of the Minam
    25:32 Last day of camp
    27:31 The Making of the "Horsewomen of the Hen Party"
    For more stories like this visit OPB online at opb.org
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    #horsewomen #henparty #WallowaMountains #horsebackadventures #horsebackriding #horsewomenoftheHenParty #cowgirls #Wallowas #horsewomen #logoftheladies #OPB #Oregon #PacificNorthWest

КОМЕНТАРІ • 68

  • @giovannalepore5946
    @giovannalepore5946 2 місяці тому +15

    THE HEALING POWER OF THE HORSE AND THE ABILITY OF THESE EQUINES TO TRAVERSE THIS TERRAIN SHOULD NOT BE UNDERESTIMATED

  • @timkellysr1102
    @timkellysr1102 2 місяці тому +14

    What a heart warming saga. This is very special to me. My mother was born in Hot Lake, Oregon and lived her younger years in Hells Canyon down in Homestead. She had many fond memories. Her aunt also owned the gas station and store in Pine. She was daughter to the pioneers. They were a hearty bunch back in the day. Thank you ladies for keeping the tradition.❤️✌️

  • @maryspiering1205
    @maryspiering1205 2 місяці тому +15

    This was absolutely one of the best Oregon Field Guide segments I have ever seen. You captured the essence of the women of the West who continue to pursue adventures in the wilderness. The videography was stunning, the story line perfected, and the personalization heartwarming. Thank you and a special thanks to the three sisters and their families who allowed a glimpse into their beautiful lives.

  • @sarameitner6770
    @sarameitner6770 2 місяці тому +12

    Their story touched me deeply. Thank you for sharing this to us all. Thank you to the women who began the journey - and documented the years in picture and word - to the sisters and their children - and the supporting teams - who recaptured what treks might encompass.
    My parents were Oregonians. My brothers and I - and our children - grew up hearing such stories - homesteading in remote areas (which have remained so) in the dryness of Central and Eastern Oregon - dipping 10,000 cans of water out of the creek per day to water the food crops, living on floathouses on the coast, making music and working together - surviving and ultimately triumphing, despite any odds - and loving it throughout. We listened with love and interest - and awe, gathered pictures and tapes, have spent time in those places and carry those stories in our hearts - so I can imagine how much this meant to these women to have the chance to experience things their ancestors did. Thank you for making it possible for them.

  • @odettebrinton3745
    @odettebrinton3745 2 місяці тому +8

    The tradition of the American "pioneer women" lives on. A superb and brilliant essay. Thank you.

  • @joecutro7318
    @joecutro7318 Місяць тому +1

    Super sweet story superbly recounted. Deep respect for these women and the filmmakers. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

  • @DarciBarker-lu8gi
    @DarciBarker-lu8gi 2 місяці тому +5

    Thank you so much for allowing us to share this remarkable and amazing journey!! ❤

  • @hankmishima4798
    @hankmishima4798 Місяць тому +1

    Thanks for sharing this story. I can vividly remember my hiking trip to the top of the Eagle Cap some 50 years ago. It is beautiful part of the state that all should see. Stories like these are also why I support the organization.

  • @michaelchase418
    @michaelchase418 2 місяці тому +2

    This show, the showcasing of folks like these, growing up with Steve and Ed and everyone producing and starring in each of the episodes. I was a young boy in 90 or 91 when the first episode came out. My mom and dad and my siblings all sat together in the family room every Thursday evening. We almost never missed an episode as a family until i was older.
    I spent a large portion of my young adult life traveling to as many places in Oregon based on what I learned of on OFG. The steens, Alvord desert, crack in the ground, the willowas, the eagle cap wilderness, the Rogue River, the Columbia, John day fossil beds, John day river, every mile of the coast line, literally every mile, I learned how to surf, rock climb, mountaineer, hike day and multiday hikes, I've driven through the high deserts, climbed and scurried around the rim of fort rock, summited Diamond Peak, all Three Sisters and Mount Hood and the list of places I've been and things I've done, so many crazy memories and stories.
    Owning/starting my own whitewater rafting guide company on the Mckenzie, recovering a deceased man's body from the Rogue River below Blossom Bar, that same day another woman lost her life in that same rapid. I saw the sheriff's leave down River that day twice with bodies on the back of their boat.
    I don't know if I would have lived the life I've lived without this legacy show, showcasing legacy Oregonians.
    Thanks for another great episode.

  • @theholepicture
    @theholepicture 27 днів тому

    Love and admire these lades, hope the young generation that came along revived the Hen Party Tradition. At 70 and filling apart hats off to the sisters.

  • @user-xz8bi1yj6b
    @user-xz8bi1yj6b 2 місяці тому +1

    After watching this film, I immediately forwarded the link to my long-time hiking/backpacking/camping friend. We were both moved to tears, admiration and a bit of nostalgia by the story of these brave and intrepid women. The scenery and interactions were beautifully filmed and the poetry was lovely - especially that song, "under the moon". I wrote down the lyrics as best I could while listening to it. I understood the inability of the other two listening women to sing along because of their tears. I felt the same. Thank you so much for this film.

  • @d.s.douglas1281
    @d.s.douglas1281 Місяць тому

    ThankYou So Much !!!
    It’s so incredibly inspiring to know women in their
    60-70- 80s ! Are still riding, let alone hiking to the mountain tops 🙌🏻…. What a Fantastic adventure what Brave Courageous ppl!!!
    I would Love to go on a
    Hen Ride …!!!!!!!!❤❤❤
    Amen 🙏🏻

  • @AintNoFool
    @AintNoFool 2 місяці тому +3

    I absolutely loved this! (Admittedly with some envy...). Great documentary.

  • @arthiemstra4080
    @arthiemstra4080 2 місяці тому +1

    What great history and a great story, now and then. My thanks to the family for allowing us to follow, and to OPB for such a wonderful production. It took my breath away, especially the opening scene, where I've stood. And the campfire chats and song. Priceless. I want to go back.

  • @ErichDressen
    @ErichDressen 2 місяці тому +3

    This is amazing! Way to go ladies. OPB, nice work. I felt like I was there.

  • @DanitaReynolds
    @DanitaReynolds 2 місяці тому +2

    Incredible! Beautiful story telling about beautiful women doing beautiful adventures together.

  • @desertflinger11
    @desertflinger11 2 місяці тому +2

    This is awesome. I have done this on foot all the way to the amazing view on the Cap. But I was half their age. They defiantly have grit!!!

  • @kevinhumble6263
    @kevinhumble6263 Місяць тому

    thank you, from the bottom of my heart!!!!!!!

  • @SoulsprouterZ
    @SoulsprouterZ 2 місяці тому +1

    Beautiful experience & connection. Thanks for sharing. Peace. ☮️

  • @victoriakelly2591
    @victoriakelly2591 9 днів тому

    Beautiful, encouraging. I'd love to do that someday. Thanks for sharing .

  • @novampires223
    @novampires223 2 місяці тому +1

    Spent some time there with horses and pack mules in the early '80s, a highlight in my life.

  • @ljdrew
    @ljdrew Місяць тому

    This was wonderful to see. I have family in LaGrande and Cove and they spent a lot of summers in the Minam. I'm sure my great grandma knew the original Hen Party.

  • @lindamagee9584
    @lindamagee9584 2 місяці тому +1

    What an awesome trip and the ladies were something else. How wonderful

  • @SamnJD
    @SamnJD Місяць тому

    I started watching this because I live in the Pacific Northwest and I’m a huge OPB person and history… I had never heard of these women before because I left Eastern Washington/Oregon to move to the coast of Oregon dot. I moved here about 5 1/2 years ago. My grandparents lived in Joseph Oregon very involved the other side of the Wallowa Mountains. I thought if my grandma Jesse was in Joseph at this time which they weren’t because they were traveling around the country as my grandfather was in the rodeo circuit… Very involved with Joseph. He was a Grande Marshall actually pretty big deal, she would’ve definitely been involved with the hand party. So as I started watching it, I got a third of the way and I’m like Jessica cause I hadn’t read the article so I called her immediately because I was so excited for her to be part of this, fabulous group of women being the great grandniece of grace who left this world way too soon and three small children… Such an inspiring story and for the great granddaughters and their daughters to go on this journey wow what an experience. Thank you so much for listening to the person who came and brought the story to you realizing it was very important to put it on OPB… This is why I have sponsored them for so many years.

  • @wadesmith7041
    @wadesmith7041 2 місяці тому

    Can I come next time looks like a beautiful spot me I can't think of a better way to get there👍🌲🗻 God bless you ladies 🙏

  • @JENIFERNELSON-fo6cz
    @JENIFERNELSON-fo6cz 2 місяці тому +1

    Wow, incredible story, so beautifully told, Jule- you have incredible talent and grace

  • @JudyJohnson-dl8ji
    @JudyJohnson-dl8ji 2 місяці тому +2

    Awesome story. I would love to do that

  • @bobedwards7455
    @bobedwards7455 2 місяці тому +1

    Wow! 🤩 Now that was a good worthwhile cry 😢 Thanks

  • @sheilam4964
    @sheilam4964 Місяць тому

    A very inspiring group of girls. I want to join the group and go out at least every year. Thx everyone for doing this, filming it and sharing it with us.

  • @shewho333
    @shewho333 Місяць тому

    I have never felt more at home than I did riding a horse up into those mountains.

  • @topramen647
    @topramen647 Місяць тому

    Thanks..looks like goodtimes

  • @user-pm7uk1vd9h
    @user-pm7uk1vd9h 2 місяці тому

    So glad we still have the beauty of wild places💕

  • @CarolStJohn-ev9ry
    @CarolStJohn-ev9ry 2 місяці тому

    What a beautiful story, I absolutely loved it.... and of course it brought back memories of my own pack trips up into the high country of the Cascade Mountains many decades ago.

  • @maggiehennessy5139
    @maggiehennessy5139 2 місяці тому

    What an incredible this was. Thank you for sharing such an amazing, intimate story. I have been blessed to visit the Wallowa area several times but this viewpoint was far above any that I could hope for.

  • @nancysmith-baker1813
    @nancysmith-baker1813 2 місяці тому

    Really neat story , and how they got it filmed . Thankyou .
    They should write a book about the history of this with the story's and poetry. Would love it .

  • @matthewbolton4289
    @matthewbolton4289 Місяць тому

    That girl can sing!

  • @robinowen3058
    @robinowen3058 2 місяці тому

    I’ve ridden a lot in the Wallowas-challenging, exciting and awesome.

  • @clairea-t7045
    @clairea-t7045 2 місяці тому

    Respect

  • @mikeporter6952
    @mikeporter6952 2 місяці тому

    Outstanding! Thank you! Wow !!

  • @sgtmcc6
    @sgtmcc6 2 місяці тому

    Outstanding

  • @skyybluu3118
    @skyybluu3118 2 місяці тому

    Great video thank you 👍🏻

  • @merlinnewton6104
    @merlinnewton6104 2 місяці тому +1

    I have been blessed to be able to pack in three Ladies into the Bob Marshall Wilderness in Montana. I ride and pack my horses and the ladies hike in. They aren’t real thrilled about riding horses. Oh to masquerade as a hen back in the day.

  • @mikerodriguez5105
    @mikerodriguez5105 2 місяці тому

    Mountain Bound 🙏

  • @AintNoFool
    @AintNoFool 2 місяці тому

    Those deaths could also have created a sense that life is no guarantee, so one better grab onto those desires, dreams, and make them happen.

  • @tarriegibson1193
    @tarriegibson1193 2 місяці тому +1

    I'm sure it was nice not having any males there telling you how everything was going to be and trying to control everything. You could actually enjoy nature on your own terms...🙂 this is awesome.

  • @dalvinm
    @dalvinm 2 місяці тому +1

    Hey Mull
    You didn’t write the song. It was channeled through you. That song is older
    than you and me.

    • @dalvinm
      @dalvinm Місяць тому

      The "Mull" reference didn't give it away?
      "It's only Natural" that it may be hard to guess....
      The song was beautiful BTW.. TY for sharing.

  • @joshuaking7519
    @joshuaking7519 Місяць тому

    my people

  • @user-xz8bi1yj6b
    @user-xz8bi1yj6b 2 місяці тому

    ...also, I loved that song, but because of other voices conversing, could not catch all the lyrics. Could someone, maybe the songwriter, make them available? Please!

  • @andrekuh3956
    @andrekuh3956 Місяць тому

    YEAH THIS KINDA THERAPY IS VERY IMPORTANT FOR AL HUMAN BEINGS. BACK TO MOTHER NATURE. PLEASE YOY LADIES KEEP THIS TRADITION GOING FOR HEALTH AND WELL BEING.
    GOOD STUFF LADIES.😊❤😊

  • @sandrageries5219
    @sandrageries5219 15 днів тому

    Would love to know the title of the song that Casey Jane sang around the evening campfire. She sang, “Momma, she raised me on horseback.”

    • @OPB
      @OPB  13 днів тому

      It may not be available yet but the song is called “The Fool”, written by Casey Jane Reece-Kaigler.

    • @sandrageries5219
      @sandrageries5219 13 днів тому

      Thanks so much for your response.

  • @Sdempsey2023
    @Sdempsey2023 2 місяці тому

    Can me and my daughter go next time? PLEASE!

  • @tyshaver108
    @tyshaver108 2 місяці тому

    My first reaction is we might still be living in grass huts. I enjoy the remedial history lesson though.

  • @BeingMe23
    @BeingMe23 2 місяці тому

    Get comfortable with being uncomfortable 💪 🧏‍♀️

  • @amystuck987
    @amystuck987 2 місяці тому +1

    If I could do just one thing....

  • @andrekuh3956
    @andrekuh3956 Місяць тому

    HEY IAM VERY PRPUD OF YOU WOMEN.😊❤😊.

  • @andrekuh3956
    @andrekuh3956 Місяць тому

    YOU LADIES I WAS JUST THINKIN, YA NEED AT LEAST 2 PARAMEDICS FOR EMERGENCIES AND A VETERINARY NURSE FOR YUR HORSES AND DOGS WELL BEING.

    • @wanderingtmp
      @wanderingtmp Місяць тому +1

      Likely a given since they had a professional outfitter crew and the OFG film crew and production staff along with them.

  • @Starfish2145
    @Starfish2145 29 днів тому

    I wouldn’t put my horse at risk on a trail like that. It’s selfish.

  • @CoralHullforJesusChrist
    @CoralHullforJesusChrist 2 місяці тому +1

    1.09. Cruelty to horses. It's a cowardly act to force a horse to endure this. How would these women like a bit in their mouths and to be tugged and pulled over jagged rocks on mountain tops?

  • @YeshuBenPandera
    @YeshuBenPandera 2 місяці тому

    how is this a story... how are any of these women facing hardship? they didn't even have the sense to keep their stuff dry when going into the mountains, insanity