Part 9/11:
As the journey progressed, the reality of dwindling supplies loomed large. Settlers often found themselves relying heavily on hardtack, jerky, and the innovative "portable soup," made by rendering down meat and bones into a dehydrated form. The careful orchestration of their meals was critical, as it dictated not only physical sustenance but also group morale. Sharing meals became a communal act of support and celebration, a way to cling to the comforts of home amidst unsettling change.