As I started my first book, I researched the political climate in Prussia at the time of this story and compared it to what America was experiencing at the same time. The Revolutionary War in America had just ended, and Lewis & Clark were striking out on their venture to find a waterway from the Atlantic to the Pacific. What they encountered could closely coincide with what Gertie and Isaac and their family encountered.

The big difference between Lewis & Clark and Gertie & Isaac was that Lewis & Clark were seasoned trappers and trailblazers. Gertie and Isaac were novices. And to make matters more interesting, Gertie & Isaac had their five children with them, ages 14, 12, 7, 18 months, and 6 months. Lewis and Clark never had to deal with dirty diapers or children getting tired of walking.

Lewis & Clark had their muskets with them when they encountered wolves and other wild animals. Gertie & Isaac only had their wits.

I imagine when Gertie & Isaac met up with a band of gypsies it might have been similar to when Lewis & Clark met up with Indians. All groups had their own set of traditions that set them apart from one another.

Lewis & Clark had horses and wagons to carry their heavy load of supplies. Gertie & Isaac had all their possessions in a wheelbarrow which they pushed as they walked through the beautiful countryside of the Duchy of Warsaw (Polish government set up by Napoleon).

There are many more ways Gertie and Isaac’s journey could be compared with Lewis & Clark’s expedition. I’ll touch on some of them in later posts.

Sign up for my newsletter to learn more about the climate and conditions of this long trek across eastern Europe. Please leave a comment on your observations of this time.