Rinker Buck has been "crazyass" passionate for years about wagon travel and the Oregon Trail. In fact, he took a wagon trip with his father and several siblings when he was a kid. They had a sign affixed to the back of the wagon stating, "We're Sorry For The Delay - But We Want The Children To SEE AMERICA SLOWLY". What follows in this book is Buck's actual wagon journey he takes on the original Oregon trail. 
 Buck, along with his brother Nick, a custom built wagon and three mules make the trip beginning in Kansas and ending in Oregon. Along the way, they meet several obstacles but more often than not, they are accommodated by people excited or moved by their trip and more than willing to help out however they can. Along with his description of their trip, Buck shares historical stories and facts about the trail, efforts for its restoration and his own personal stories regarding his coming to terms with his difficult father who has already passed (a bit out of place in this book, but interesting nonetheless). 
 Also included are in depth looks at the trail gear they used and how they acquired it. There are several drawings depicting said gear and a few drawings of significant landmarks they passed on the trail. What's missing are actual photos of their trip. There are a couple (including the ones on the inside covers of the book) but with so many people taking their photos as the wagon passed or stopped and even a photographer on board for part of the trip, I'm surprised they didn't make the book. 
 While bravado seems to be a part of the way Buck writes, I was not a fan of some of his broader generalizations. In different parts of the book he castigates religious affiliations, law enforcement and even RV owners. His comments may have been an attempt at humor or a very real aversion, but lumping everyone into the same pot seems to be antithesis to what he experienced on the trail. And while he does thank certain individuals for their help, it doesn't erase the earlier mocking comments he made about their particular "group". 
 There was a surprising revelation for me while reading the book. Those that made the original crossing (out of necessity) had hundreds of others to help them when they had to make particularly hazardous crossings (a flooded trail or steep descent) but were also prone to disease and dwindling resources (as a direct result of the number of people). Buck and his brother did not have others on the trail to follow (they got lost several times) or to assist with breakdowns or descents. However, there always seemed to be people available to help with a surplus of aid and support vehicles and farms at their disposal. The two crossings (old and new) can't really be compared. The intent, stakes and results of both crossings have nothing in common. 
 At the end of the day, the story IS the journey and everyone's is different. Had Rink's brother Nick been a writer, I wouldn't mind reading his version of the crossing as well. 
 3.5 stars